A specialist in dermatology has urged eczema patients to seek proper medical treatment and do more to collect accurate information about the condition they face.

Martin Chung's remarks came as a survey of more than 200 eczema patients found that around two-thirds of the respondents suffering from moderate to severe conditions had spent time and money on treatment methods that are not evidence-based.

Chung, who is also an honorary clinical assistant professor of the University of Hong Kong’s medical school, told RTHK that eczema – an immune system dysregulation – affects the daily lives of many patients.

The survey also showed many sufferers still had inadequate knowledge on their conditions, he said.

Chung said some patients had spent more than 10 years to find the correct and effective treatment method.

He said patients might be affected by incorrect information from online or other people, leading to a delay in effective treatment.

Chung said common misconceptions include people’s concerns about the use of steroids.

“Many people are afraid of steroids, but actually the topical steroid applying over the skin, instead of taking it orally or systemically, is still a very important treatment,” he said.

“Appropriate use, short-term use is still a key treatment in eczema.”

Chung urged eczema patients, especially those with moderate to severe conditions, to consult dermatologists for treatment options. “We are thinking what the patients are thinking. We worry the same thing as the patients. Science is developing and we are developing new treatments that are precise and also having much [fewer] side effects,” he said.