Help with Eczema: What is Eczema and What Treatments are Available for Eczema?

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a general term for many types of skin inflammation, also known as dermatitis.
It is sometimes referred to as "the itch that rashes," since the itch, when scratched, results in the appearance of the rash.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of eczema, and sometimes people use the two terms interchangeably.

Eczema Symptoms

Eczema is characterized by patchy, dry, itchy and scaly areas of skin, caused by a hypersensitivity reaction (similar to an allergy) in the skin, which leads to long-term inflammation. Eczema is not an allergy itself, but allergies can trigger eczema.

Although eczema is a chronic condition that currently cannot be cured, it is not contagious and you can often control the itching, redness and other symptoms with treatment and by avoiding irritants.

Eczema Treatment Options



Treatments for eczema can vary based on the type of eczema you have and the severity of the symptoms. Both prescription and over the counter remedies exist, as well as home remedies that usually involve natural herbs (not medications).

Creams, Locations and Other Topical Treatments

Because eczema is usually dry and itchy, the most common treatment is the application of lotions or creams to keep the skin as moist as possible. Over the counter creams often contain hydrocortisone (Cortaid®, Cortizone®) to treat mild eczema. It is also possible to get a prescription cream with more serious steroids to treat the eczema.

Topical corticosteroids, also called cortisone or steroid creams or ointments, are commonly used to treat eczema and are not the same as the steroids used by some athletes. Non-steroid medications are also available in creams or ointments that can be used instead of — or in conjunction with — topical steroids.

Natural Home Remedies for Eczema

Taking steroids eczema treatment (in pill or in cream form) for an extended period of time is never good for your health, so you may want to also consider some natural home remedies for eczema.

Most home remedies for eczema are herbal remedies made from natural ingredients that have little or no side effects, compared to prescription or OTC medications.

Eczema: Over the Counter Treatments for Eczema You Should Know About

There are many over the counter eczema treatments available and as you might expect, different OTC eczema treatments can work for different people. Over the counter eczema treatments can help to reduce common symptoms of eczema which can be extremely irritating and uncomfortable.

While these are over the counter treatments, it is still recommended that you consult with a doctor to ensure that it is safe for you.  Also beware that there may be some risks of taking over the counter eczema treatments.

Perhaps the most effective over the counter eczema treatment is ointments containing herbal ingredients such as aloe vera, witch hazel or vitamin E.



Another over the counter eczema treatment which you may consider using is steroidal creams such as hydrocortisone or desonide for more mild cases. Hydrocortisone 1% and Pramoxine 1% (Prax Lotion) are topical steroids available over the counter and can be used on the patches and scales of hand eczema.

A product known as Skin-E-Dip enjoys a lot of popularity as an over the counter eczema treatment. Skin-E-Dip is believed by many to be one of the best over the counter eczema treatments available.

Over the counter products for mild cases of eczema often contain topical hydrocortisone (Cortaid®, Cortizone®) and some are mild enough to use on the face.

If the OTC creams don’t work quickly, it is also possible to get a prescription cream with more serious steroids to treat the eczema. 

If you intend to use over the counter eczema treatment with other types of medications, then it is best to consult with your doctor.

Lastly, you may want to consider natural home remedies for your eczema if you find that over the counter treatments or prescription medication are too expensive, don't provide long-term relief, or have harmful side effects.