OTC products
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments are products or medications you can buy without a prescription. Some OTC eczema treatments are used for moisturizing skin; some are used to help skin symptoms such as rash, redness and itch; and some are for gently cleaning skin to prevent infection.
Explore OTC products that earned the NEA Seal of Acceptance.
Bathing
The most effective way to treat dry skin is to give it the moisture it needs through proper bathing and moisturizing. Soak in a warm bath or take a shower and then moisturize immediately afterward (within three minutes). You can help calm specific symptoms of eczema by adding bleach, vinegar, salt, oatmeal or baking soda to your bath water.
Moisturizing
When your skin gets too dry, it can become irritated and cause your eczema to flare. Wind, low humidity, cold temperatures, harsh soaps and too much washing without the use of a moisturizer immediately after, all can lead to dry skin.
Bathing and properly moisturizing are two of the most important things you can do to help control your condition. It’s important to understand how and when to properly moisturize, and which products are best to use when you have eczema.
Prescription topicals
Prescription topical medications include corticosteroids (steroids) and topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs). Available through your doctor, these medications are applied to the affected area of the skin to help ease redness, rash and itching.
Phototherapy
In phototherapy, a special machine is used to emit narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) light onto the skin in order to help reduce itching and inflammation, increase vitamin D production and bacteria-fighting systems in the skin.