Eczema - Treating it

Thankfully, therefore, many products that treat mild eczema are available over the counter in pharmacies - though if you have a more severe case you may need prescription-strength medicines - including the following:

Dry skin products: If your eczema is relatively mild, ask your pharmacist to recommend moisturising products that might help, including lotions, creams and sprays.

Emolients: Also available as lotions, creams and sprays, as well as products that you put in the bath, emollients help reduce the amount of moisture lost from your skin. These are most effective when your eczema is under control (that is, they keep your skin from losing too much moisture when it is relatively healthy). Again, your pharmacist can recommend one that's suitable for you.

Antihistamines: If your skin is inflamed and very itchy, your GP or pharmacist may also recommend a type of antihistamine tablet that can make you feel drowsy, which might help you sleep at night.

Steroid creams: Mild steroid creams are available to buy over the counter at pharmacies, but stronger versions are available on prescription. These work by suppressing your body's inflammatory response. Always ask your pharmacist to recommend one that's suitable for you, and read the instructions carefully, as applying them too thickly or for too long a period could harm your skin.

Steroid tablets: These are generally only prescribed for very severe cases of eczema, and should only be taken for very short periods of time.

Antibiotics: If your skin becomes infected, your GP can prescribe a course of antibiotic tablets.

For more information on eczema, call the National Eczema Society help line on 0800 089 1122, or visit www.eczema.org