Non-steroidal eczema treatment

I have suffered eczema my entire life and I have grown very frustrated about relying on prescription steroidal treatments (ie:  Elocon).  My eczema is stubborn - it is constantly reappearing, causing me to use the Elocon far too often than I should be, but because it is so effective, I use it over and over.  Is there something I can buy over the counter that actually works?  My eczema is the kind that cracks, blisters, weeps, etc...it is not just red and irritated skin!  Please help!  There must be something out there that I can use with no long term negative effects!!!

[BhumikaMD]

It could be eczema, sweat dermatitis, allergic reactions or eczema.

You need to wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. You could take some oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine. You need to maintain a good personal hygiene .

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema

Let us know if you need any further information.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for your symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.

[nagne]

My daugher developed eczema when she was 3 months old, and while the steriod cream works, we can only use it periodically.  The ONLY over the counter treatment that works (and works well) is Aveeno Excema Care (now called Aveeno Advanced Care).  This is an oatmeal-based lotion that prevents flareups and reverses minor flareups.  With use twice a day she hasn't had a flare up in months - however, when we stopped using it for a few weeks (Aveeno took it off the market temporarily when they changed the packaging), her eczema came back and none of the other products (including Mustela) did anything.  I was so relived when the Aveeno came back on the market I bought 4 tubes right away.  I also give her an Aveeno oatmeal bath once a week.  Hopefully this can help you as well.  I can totally empathize with your frustration!