Eczema can appear anywhere, but in adults it's most common on the hands, says Dr. Christianson. Drop the soap. Many antibacterial and deodorant soaps are too harsh for dry skin, says Dr. Kline. So, in many cases, flakes can be banished forever just by switching to a mild, soaplike substitute, such as superfatted cleansing bars. Dove is often recommended because it's less drying, says Dr. Kline.
Some skin cleansers get their moisturizing power from gentle things like olive oil.
But stay away from lotions with lanolin, which many people become allergic to. Don't get rubbed the wrong way. If water has a chance to evaporate, it dries skin more because it literally sucks water out of the skin, rather than just off the surface. Dry off well, then immediately apply a moisturizer, says Dr. Caro. There are hundreds of moisturizers to choose from.