HKU develops new herbal ointment after survey found low satisfaction with eczema treatments
發佈日期: 2025-08-17 20:29
TVB News
A new survey has revealed that some 40 percent of eczema patients find their past treatments ineffective.
With that, the University of Hong Kong has developed a new herbal ointment that can help reduce inflammation from the skin condition.
The Medical and Health Advancement Federation surveyed 240 working adults with eczema between June and July.
More than 70 percent of them had tried using steroid creams to treat their skin issues but less than 40 percent were happy with the results.
With that, the Department of Microbiology at the University of Hong Kong has developed a new plant-based formula.
Made into an ointment for direct skin application, it contains multiple compounds that can weaken the toxicity of Staphylococcus aureus, or the golden staph, on the skin, thereby reducing inflammation.
Eczema patient Ada says the redness of her eczema improved within a week, and after a month, some blisters or itching didn't come back and she could finally sleep well.
HKU Professor Richard Ko says they scoured for active ingredients in herbs that don't kill bacteria but instead neutralise their toxicity to create the ointment.
Medical experts say stress and weakened immunity may trigger or worsen eczema, and remind patients that a regular sleep pattern, a balanced diet and exercise can all help ease symptoms.
