Eczema Spotlight: An Interview with Allan Zeman, the Father of Lan Kwai Fong

Allan Zeman, the 'Father of Lan Kwai Fong', a business legend who has spent decades shaping Hong Kong's nightlife, always projects an image of boundless energy and invincibility. Yet, just a few years ago, this ever-vibrant entrepreneur was quietly battling a silent adversary: eczema.

This is a story he has never publicly shared. A true account of pain, despair, and ultimately, a new lease on life. He chooses to share it now because he hopes every person in Hong Kong suffering from eczema can find their way out.

Life Interrupted by Itch

4-5 years ago, Allan was suddenly afflicted with eczema. For an entrepreneur who makes countless decisions daily, this inability to concentrate and sleepless nights was an unbearable, invisible burden.

"Eczema is truly unpleasant. It causes itching all over the body, and that feeling... It's incredibly difficult to bear. When you're working, needing to concentrate, but your mind is constantly fixated on 'how can I stop this itch,' you simply can't focus."

A hint of helplessness still in Allan's voice when he recalls those days. 

The Long Search

To escape the torment of itchy skin, Allan admits he once used steroids to suppress the condition. "Dermatologists always say not to use steroids, but they're not the ones who are itching. I know steroids aren't good for the body, but when the itch becomes unbearable, you have no choice." However, steroids couldn't truly free him from the grip of eczema. As soon as one area improved, another would flare up, creating a vicious cycle of treating symptoms rather than the root cause. He tried countless creams on the market; some offered temporary relief, but none ever made a real difference. "I kept searching, hoping something could truly help me. But after researching, I found there was no fundamental cure." Facing one disappointment after another, Allan confessed he had lost all hope in new products.

The Turning Point

It was the very thought, "it's worth a try," that began his unexpected journey with Anitch. With a glimmer of hope, Allan was introduced to Anitch by a friend, and it completely changed his perception of eczema skincare.

"The first time I applied it, I honestly didn't have high expectations, because every cream claims to be effective but often disappoints. However, after applying Anitch to my skin, I felt its texture was light and non-greasy. After using it for a period, I clearly felt the healing speed was faster than before. I gradually started reducing my steroid use, relying solely on Anitch, and the effects truly began to show."

A New Lease on Life

Allan never imagined that a serendipitous encounter with Anitch would transform his life. Finally free from the torment, Allan learned a crucial lesson: the key to conquering eczema is "timeliness." The moment you feel even a slight itch, you should immediately apply a cream. The sooner you address it, the faster it subsides. If you wait a few days, the situation will only worsen. Skincare creams, unlike medication, require consistent long-term use to achieve their maximum efficacy. 

Dry Skin ≠ Eczema

As someone who has suffered from eczema, Allan states that the public generally believes eczema is merely dry skin. However, the suffering faced by eczema patients far exceeds simple dryness. "Eczema causes red rashes, concentrating in certain areas, then spreading like an army attacking your skin. In severe flare-ups, it can even exude, making you unable to sleep through the night."

Fortunately, encountering Anitch became Allan's defense line, helping him ward off the invasion of eczema. 

A Message: To Every Eczema Sufferer

"Don't panic," Allan says earnestly.

Take the courageous first step, give Anitch a chance. He believes it will help most people, and the most important thing is to use it early; don't wait until the condition worsens. At the same time, pay attention to your diet. Some foods can trigger eczema; for Allan, eating crab and shrimp would cause his eczema to recur. So, understand what foods suit you, eat healthily, and drink less alcohol. If you can do these things, you can live a better, more comfortable life without relying on steroids.

Anitch is committed to walking alongside every eczema sufferer on their journey to recovery, helping your skin return to a healthy state.