Basic care

• Moisturize generously at least twice daily and within a few minutes after a short lukewarm bath or shower. Creams or ointments usually work better than lotions.
• Use gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and fragrance-free detergent. Avoid perfumed products and harsh scrubbing.
• Keep nails short and try not to scratch. Cool compresses can ease itch.
• Notice personal triggers, commonly heat, sweating, wool, fragranced products, irritants, and stress. Do not assume foods are a trigger without a clinician's assessment.

During a flare

• Topical corticosteroid cream or ointment is usually first-line treatment. The strength and duration should match the body site and severity.
• Lower-potency products are generally used on thin or sensitive areas such as the face, neck, skin folds, groin, and underarms. Stronger products may be needed briefly elsewhere, under medical guidance.
• If steroid treatment is unsuitable or not enough, a clinician may prescribe non-steroid options such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus. For widespread or difficult eczema, dermatologists have additional treatments.

Seek medical care promptly if

• Skin becomes painful, hot, swollen, rapidly spreading, or develops pus, yellow crusting, or weeping.
• You have fever or feel unwell.
• It involves the eyes, is severe, disrupts sleep, or does not improve after 1 to 2 weeks of appropriate care.
• A baby or young child has a new or extensive rash.