There are a wide variety of medical treatments that your healthcare provider may choose based on your specific condition. For many, avoiding triggers, using moisturisers to hydrate the skin, and other non-medical remedies are not enough to manage the symptoms of atopic dermatitis (eczema). Although there is no cure for eczema, prescription treatments can help relieve or stop the itch, reduce the redness, and make your skin look healthy again.

	Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid cream. Its low potency makes it safe for self-care. Hydrocortisone blocks allergic/immune skin reactions which trigger eczematous rashes, and can speed healing of inflamed and cracked skin regardless of the cause. Hydrocortisone is probably the strongest anti-itching cream available.
	Colloidal oatmeal baths and cleansers re-moisturise the dry stratum corneum skin layer, lubricate and help control your itching. Use oatmeal-based cleansing bars as soap replacements since they won’t strip your skin of helpful surface oils.
	Moisturisers and humectants. Most of us call moisturizers "lotion" or "hand cream." They simply leave an oily coating on your skin which prevents more evaporation and dryness. Humectants take this a step further and actually draw moisture from the air into your skin. Both soften the rash and stop you from itching.
	Keratolytics actually break down dead, thickened skin and help remove flakes and heavy crusts. This speeds up your body’s natural skin healing process, and exposes the healthier skin below more quickly. Keratolytics should be used in combination with moisturisers or humectants to maintain hydration of the new skin.

When treating eczematous skin, always keep the old dermatologist’s refrain in mind: "If it’s wet, dry it. If it’s dry, wet it." Translation: solution or gel forms of medications are better to dry out puffy, moist or oozing skin. Lotion and cream types are for neutral or slightly dry skin, and ointments (greasy petrolatum-based products) are the ultimate for "wetting" your extremely dry or cracked skin problems.

Here are some general tips to follow:

Do...
	use moisturisers twice daily (more often on hands) to hydrate and soften skin, and reduce itching.
	try to determine what exposures aggravate your rash and avoid them.
	humidify dry air, especially in your bedroom.
	clip fingernails short and even wear light cotton gloves to stop "sleep scratching."
	use soap-free cleansers or non-alkaline (neutral) soaps.
	wear gloves when washing dishes or clothing, and don’t allow your hands to be constantly wet.

Don’t...
	scratch the itch!
	use regular bath soap.
	use any skin products or laundry products with added fragrances.
	shower daily. If you must, use recommended cleansers only.
	allow wool clothing or blankets against your skin.
	expose your skin to very cold or hot air.


'OXY is not a treatment for Eczema, Prickly Heat or Allergies'