Our Story
Our baby developed eczema at barely a month old. A pediatric dermatologist prescribed hydrocortisone 1% cream, assuring us it was safe for babies. Despite our initial apprehension, we used the steroid because we couldn't bear seeing our baby suffer. When our baby's condition worsened each time we stopped the cream, we sought a second opinion at 3 months. The second pediatric dermatologist prescribed hydrocortisone 1% ointment, claiming it was "easier to absorb" and "more moisturising," and advised we would need steroids until our child was 5 years old.
Following the second dermatologist's advice, we switched to the ointment, but our baby's "eczema" would clear temporarily then return more severely. Seeking answers, I joined eczema Facebook groups. Two and a half months later, a Singaporean lady's post introduced me to topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) - a condition never mentioned by our dermatologists. After researching TSW symptoms, I realised our baby was suffering from this condition, not eczema, and we immediately stopped steroid use.
By this time, we had purchased over 10 different moisturisers hoping to calm our baby's skin. My research led me to zinc oxide creams popular among TSW sufferers. Our existing diaper creams with zinc oxide didn't help the oozing skin, and two other zinc cream brands either didn't work or lacked ingredient information.
With our baby waking hourly from intense itching and pain, I decided to create my own zinc cream after extensive research, which successfully dried her oozing skin.
Recognising that my homemade zinc cream could help other TSW and eczema sufferers and their caregivers, but lacking skincare expertise, we collaborated with Singapore Polytechnic to develop products for sensitive skin conditions like TSW and eczema.