Sharing Practical Eczema Management with Primary Care Doctors in Miri, Sarawak
By Dr Lim Tzyy Huei, Consultant Dermatologist at Pantai Hospital Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
On 12 July 2025, I had the pleasure of delivering a lunch talk titled “Management of Atopic Dermatitis in Primary Care” at City Rise Hotel, Miri, Sarawak.
Sponsored by Medcin Pharma (Vanicream), the session brought together primary care doctors to discuss practical approaches to recognising and managing atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema.
Having previously served in Sarawak, I particularly valued the opportunity to return, reconnect with colleagues and exchange clinical experiences.
Managing Eczema Beyond the Flare
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin condition affecting children and adults. Persistent itching, recurrent inflammation and disrupted sleep can place a considerable burden on patients and their families.
Primary care doctors play an important role in recognising eczema, initiating treatment and helping patients understand its recurring nature. During the talk, we explored how to develop practical treatment plans that address both active flares and ongoing care.
Key topics included:
Accurate diagnosis: Recognising eczema and distinguishing it from other skin conditions.
Individual triggers: Identifying irritants and environmental factors that may aggravate symptoms.
Skin barrier care: Supporting regular moisturisation, gentle cleansing and suitable skincare.
Appropriate treatment: Selecting topical corticosteroids and steroid-sparing treatments according to the affected area and clinical needs.
Patient education: Explaining correct application, addressing treatment concerns and setting realistic expectations.
Specialist referral: Recognising when persistent, severe or diagnostically uncertain disease requires further assessment.
Skin Barrier Care as a Foundation
A central message was that eczema management involves more than reducing visible inflammation.
Regular moisturisation and gentle skincare support the skin barrier and remain important even when eczema improves. Patients also need clear guidance on how these measures fit alongside their prescribed anti-inflammatory treatment.
Choosing products that suit the individual’s skin, keeping routines manageable and explaining the purpose of each treatment can help patients follow their care plan more consistently.
A Meaningful Return to Sarawak
Returning to Sarawak to share dermatology knowledge was a meaningful experience. It brought back memories of my time working there and offered an opportunity to reconnect with the healthcare community.
The discussion and Q&A allowed us to explore everyday challenges, including recurrent flares, concerns about topical treatments and difficulties maintaining regular skincare.
These exchanges are a valuable part of continuing medical education. They help connect specialist knowledge with the practical realities of primary care and encourage closer collaboration in supporting patients.
Continuing Dermatology Education
As a dermatologist at Pantai Hospital Batu Pahat, Johor, I value opportunities to share clinical knowledge and learn from colleagues working in different settings.
My sincere thanks to Medcin Pharma for sponsoring the session and to the participating doctors for their engagement and thoughtful questions.
I hope the sharing provided useful approaches to eczema care—from early recognition and appropriate treatment to patient education and a sustainable long-term plan.
