Eczema affects over a million people in Hong Kong, with many patients trapped in an endless cycle of "inflammation and medication," taking a heavy toll on both body and mind. A team from the HKU Faculty of Medicine has recently successfully developed a new formula moisturizer called "Anesinin" that controls inflammation and itching while avoiding the pitfalls of traditional treatments like steroids or antibiotics. A 20-year severe eczema sufferer who tested the product saw her "damaged hand" transform into a "youthful hand," no longer needing to rely on steroids and biologics, regaining her confidence and a new lease on life.
Eczema Patient's "Damaged Hand" Transforms into "Youthful Hand," Regaining a New Life
Dr. Richard Kao Yi-tsun, Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology at HKU, shared a case study. A patient long troubled by severe eczema had previously relied on steroids and biologics to control the condition. Although biologics can precisely inhibit inflammation, each dose costs as much as HK$8,000 .
After trying the new moisturizer, the patient felt the vicious cycle of itching was broken in a short time, and her condition improved. Having used it for nearly two years now, she has completely stopped using steroids and biologics. Her originally rough, wound-covered "damaged hand" has transformed into a "youthful hand." She is no longer afraid of sweating outdoors, which would trigger discomfort, and her personality has shifted from introverted to sunny and outgoing, giving her a new life .
Steroids/Antibiotics Not a Long-Term Solution for Eczema
Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, Chair Professor of the Department of Microbiology at HKU, pointed out that 1 in 5 people in Hong Kong suffers from eczema, and 70% of patients are infected with Staphylococcus aureus . Extensive use of traditional steroid and antibiotic treatments can lead to:
- Skin thinning, further damaging the barrier and making it more susceptible to bacterial infection;
- The "human wave tactic" of broad-spectrum killing cannot eliminate all bacteria, easily allowing surviving bacteria to develop genetic mutations, leading to antibiotic resistance.
Hong Kong's deaths from antibiotic resistance are three times that of Singapore . Yuen emphasizes: "Treating severe eczema with steroids and antibiotics is not a long-term solution."
Kao explains that S. aureus is one of the most potent bacterial species known. The team's breakthrough strategy involves "taming" the bacteria—inhibiting the production of bacterial virulence factors, making the bacteria "behave like good kids" during treatment, no longer releasing toxins .
New Drug Priced as Low as HK$228, 75% of Users Report Significant Improvement
The new formula moisturizer, the "Anesinin" series, has recently hit the shelves at Watsons stores and online in Hong Kong. According to the Watsons website, prices are as follows:
- Barrier Repair Body Lotion (120ml): HK$228
- Barrier Rescue Ointment (100ml): HK$298
- Barrier Repair Face Cream (100ml): HK$298
- Barrier Repair Body Lotion (300ml): HK$458
The new product is significantly cheaper than treatments like biologics . Kao states that the research team collected feedback from over 50 users with a 10-year history of eczema on their experience with "Anesinin." The results showed:
- After 3 to 4 days of use, most users experienced a significant reduction in itching.
- 75% of users felt that itching and eczema recovery had noticeably improved.
- Among them, 25% described the effect as "very obvious."
Yuen adds: "Even if it becomes a prescription drug, the price will definitely be cheaper than biologics and steroids." If antibiotics are combined with anti-virulence drugs, patients recover much faster, and side effects and complications are greatly reduced .
