Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can occur at any age but is most common in infants to young adults.  The skin rash is very itchy and can be widespread, or limited to a few areas.
 

Eczema: Skin Care Instructions

Cleansing:

Use a mild soap or cleanser such as Dove or Oil of Olay. Use soap very sparingly and only in essential areas – often no soap is needed on arms and legs. If the cleanser you are using seems to dry or irritate your skin then try a new soap or decrease the amount of soap used.

Avoid hot showers, if your skin is pink after a shower, the temperature is likely too hot. Hot water will further dry out your skin.

Pat dry, do not rub, skin after shower and while skin is still damp moisturize with a thick or greasy emollient such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline ointment), Cetaphil cream or anything that is thick and comes in a jar or squeeze tube (not a pump like a lotion)

Soaking in a tub can help put moisture back into the skin but it is important to seal this moisture in after soaking with a thick emollient cream applied while the skin is still damp. Bath oil may be added to a bath, but use caution as the oil can make the bathtub very slippery.

Moisturize your skin frequently:

A key factor in preventing eczema flares is keeping your skin as moisturized as possible. Dry skin is prone is small cracks which can cause an eczema flare. If the skin is very dry, application of emollient may be required 3 or even 4 times a day. Once your skin is well moisturized, keeping it moisturized will require less effort. Avoid moisturizers with a lot of fragrance and choose a thick, greasy cream or ointment (instead of a pump lotion).

Soaking in a tub can help put moisture back into the skin but it is important to seal this moisture in after soaking with a thick emollient cream applied while the skin is still damp.

Sometimes, especially for very dry skin, a humidifier in the bedroom can help keep skin well moisturized.

Avoid scratching or rubbing itchy areas.

This can cause small splits and cracks in the skin and may introduce bacteria leading to a superficial skin infection or eczema flare. Antihistamines can help with itch. Also prescription topical steroid or immunomodulator (Elidel or Protopic) creams or ointments will help alleviate itch. Non-steroid, over-the-counter itch relievers can help soothe itch – these include Eucerin Anti-itch spray, Sarna, and ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Neutrogena Soothing Relief Anti-itch moisturizer. Be sure to test these products on a small area of your skin to ensure that you are not sensitive to them. Aveeno oatmeal bath can also soothe itchy, irritated skin. It is important to moisturize the skin after soaking in a bath.

Use of prescription creams:

Use your prescription creams as directed. The smallest amount of prescription cream required to control areas of rash is recommended. Use the prescription cream or ointment once or twice a day to areas of itchy, red, inflammed or irritated skin. After application of prescription cream to areas of rash, then apply moisturizer to entire skin surface.

New topical creams such as Elidel and Protopic are non-steroidal, immunomodulators meaning they control or reduce the inflammation in the skin that causes eczema without the potential side effects of steroids. Thus they can have a "steroid-sparing" effect by helping fight inflammation. With the exception of the face, these creams do not work well alone and most often require use with a topical steroid so that the steroid cream will be applied once a day and Elidel or Protopic once or twice a day.

Wear clothes made of cotton or cotton blend. Avoid wool or other fabrics that may irritate skin.

Avoid or limit getting too hot or sweaty.

Continue skin care even after your skin has healed. This is critical in maintaining remission and preventing flares.