Use soap substitutes, avoid vigorous rubbing at the skin and keep bathing time short. The skin should be dried gently after bathing and emollients applied. Avoid perfumes and cosmetic products. Creams Emollients minimize dryness. Some emollients are also humectants, e.g. urea cream.
Humectants attract water into the skin, and are useful on unbroken skin but can cause stinging.
Emollients should be applied as frequently as possible. Topical steroids are the main treatment of eczema. The strength required and the base used will depend on the stage and location of the eczema. In chronic eczema, creams and ointments are both suitable. Twice daily application is usually sufficient.