Everyday Battles: The Realities of Living with Chronic Conditions<\/b><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ custom_margin=”-194px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ min_height=”84px” custom_margin=”-80px|auto||auto|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”-145px|auto|-100px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ text_font=”Montserrat|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” min_height=”112.8px” custom_margin=”5px||-48px||false|false” custom_padding=”31px||0px||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”About Us” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ min_height=”1396px” custom_margin=”-136px||-433px|||” custom_padding=”107px||44px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”-55px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”-35px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”2px|0|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px||true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”Raleway|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_5_font=”Montserrat||||||||” header_5_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ header_5_font_size=”14px” header_5_line_height=”0.5em” header_6_font=”Raleway|700||on|||||” header_6_font_size=”16px” header_6_letter_spacing=”5px” header_6_line_height=”1.8em” max_width=”659px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px|79px|104px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”-40px|79px|0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”|0px||||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”15px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”35px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]
<\/p>\n
BY
Geoy Kai Lin<\/b><\/p>\n
Deputy Editor<\/b><\/p>\n
Hype Issue #65<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Geoy Kai Lin explores how people manage chronic conditions day-to-day, and how it reshapes their perspectives on life.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” inline_fonts=”Montreal Medium” global_colors_info=”{}”] For as long as I can remember, I\u2019ve lived with excessive sweating on my hands and feet. From the moment I wake up, beads of sweat begin forming on my palms, dripping from my fingertips and sometimes pooling on the floor. The situation worsens when I\u2019m out in Singapore\u2019s humid climate. Constantly wiping my clammy hands on my clothes offers little relief<\/span>\u2013<\/span>only leaving dark, damp stains that draw unwanted attention and create awkward moments, especially during handshakes or any form of physical contact.<\/span><\/p>\n My condition, known as <\/span>hyperhidrosis<\/span><\/a>, runs in the family. It\u2019s caused by faulty nerve signals that overstimulate the eccrine sweat glands. There\u2019s no definitive cure<\/span>\u2013<\/span>only temporary treatments, or an invasive surgery to sever the nerves responsible for the overactivity.<\/span><\/p>\n Living with a chronic condition can be both uncomfortable and isolating. But I\u2019m not alone. <\/span>According to the National Library of Medicine<\/span><\/a>, one in three adults worldwide lives with multiple chronic conditions. Closer to home, <\/span>1 per cent of young adults in Singapore aged 18 to 35 live with at least one chronic illness<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n To better understand what it means to navigate daily life with a chronic condition, I spoke to two youths living with persistent medical issues.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/hypesingapore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/CC-stats.png” alt=”Pet Sitter” title_text=”CC stats” force_fullwidth=”on” src_last_edited=”off|desktop” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”220.2px” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” src__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”31px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”] As of 2022, the most prevalent chronic conditions in Singapore are hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, and diabetes.<\/span> Photo taken from <\/span>ATA Medical<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” custom_padding=”0px||2px|||” inline_fonts=”Montreal Medium” global_colors_info=”{}”] Noah Ihsan, 16, a secondary 4 student of St Patrick\u2019s School, recalled his earliest memory of experiencing <\/span>eczema<\/span><\/a>. \u201cIt\u2019s still quite vivid\u2026I was taking a shower<\/span>\u2013<\/span>my mom was helping me<\/span>\u2013<\/span>and I felt my skin burning. I didn\u2019t understand why at the time because I was still young, but it hurt so much. I was crying, probably because the soap or water was stinging the wounds on my arms and legs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Destiny Soh, 19, a recent graduate of St Andrew\u2019s Junior College, shared similar feelings of confusion before being diagnosed with <\/span>iron deficiency anemia<\/span><\/a>. She had always assumed that constant fatigue was normal. \u201cI found myself sleeping in class and feeling more exhausted than others, especially after Physical Education (PE),\u201d she said. \u201cIt became so common that my table partners were used to seeing me doze off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMost People Aren\u2019t Born With A Skin Condition Like Mine\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n Noah mused that the real challenge of living with eczema is the persistent worry that niggles at the back of his mind. From waking up to unexpected rashes caused by scratching in his sleep, to needing to moisturise before school to prevent his skin from drying out, and even worrying about flare-ups caused by sweating while playing football with friends<\/span>\u2013<\/span>the condition demands constant vigilance.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not just physical,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a mental challenge\u2026having to control your [daily] actions, the things you eat, the work you do, [and] your mental health. Everything plays a part in [triggering eczema].\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hypesingapore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Pic-2.-Eczema-scratching.png” alt=”Pet Sitter” title_text=”Pic 2. Eczema scratching” force_fullwidth=”on” src_last_edited=”off|desktop” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”220.2px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” src__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”31px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”] Eczema flare-ups can cause inflamed reddish-brown or gray patches on the skin, particularly on the hands, feet, chest, neck, and inside bends of elbows and knees. Photo taken from <\/span>WebMD<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” custom_padding=”0px||2px|||” inline_fonts=”Montreal Medium” global_colors_info=”{}”] Receiving judgemental looks from others due to the scars and scabs on his arms is something Noah has learnt to brush aside, choosing not to feel self-conscious. He sees it as a temporary phase, just a matter of time before his body heals from a flare-up.<\/span><\/p>\n Still, some people don\u2019t make it easy. He recalled a classmate who made a snide remark about his appearance. \u201cHe told me he didn\u2019t like how I looked, and I didn\u2019t say anything. I just walked [away],\u201d Noah said. \u201cThere\u2019s no point explaining myself to someone like that. What he said might even be true<\/span>\u2013<\/span>but I don\u2019t care what people who don\u2019t like me think about me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Thankfully, most people around him have been supportive and understanding of his skin condition, especially his mother. \u201cShe always brings me to the doctor when she notices my skin getting worse, and she pays for the expensive medication [such as moisturisers and steroid creams]\u2026so I owe everything to her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI Have Fewer Red Blood Cells Than The Average Person\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n For Destiny, living with iron deficiency anemia means having to limit physical activity and carefully monitor her diet. \u201cIt\u2019s really easy for my blood count to drop,\u201d she explained. \u201cSomething as simple as going to school can make my vision blur and leave me feeling like I\u2019m about to faint. [It comes down to] things most people wouldn\u2019t think twice about, like what you eat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n To manage her condition, she takes iron supplements and eats iron-rich foods like spinach and red meat. On the flip side, she has to avoid <\/span>caffeine, which can thin the blood.<\/span><\/a> \u201cBut sometimes, I really do need coffee,\u201d she wistfully admitted. \u201cI just have to limit myself, because I don\u2019t want to risk fainting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nPublished on<\/h5>\n
June 13,<\/h5>\n
2025<\/h5>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” inline_fonts=”Montreal Medium” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”31px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”]