Any over-the-counter non-irritating moisturizing agent can be helpful in eczema (because, as previously mentioned, eczema tends to go hand-in-hand with dry skin). If over-the-counter moisturizers are insufficient, speak to your doctor about prescription moisturizing options. Often ointments can be more effective than over-the-counter lotions, as they form a stronger barrier to keep the skin's moisture in. They are also usually less irritating to your skin. Over-the-counter antihistamines may provide temporary relief from some of the symptoms of eczema, although they should be used with other treatments such as moisturizing. Stronger antihistamines may need to be prescribed by your doctor. Antihistamines that are also sedatives, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may help you sleep better, which could help with itching. Consult with your pediatrician before giving antihistamines to children, especially sedatives. An example of this would be hydrocortisone (the most commonly used), although there are also some stronger ones your doctor can prescribe if needed. These work by diminishing the skin's "immune response," which in turn reduces inflammation, the size of the rash itself, and the itchiness. Corticosteroid creams or ointments applied to the skin are helpful and effective treatments for eczema, but you should always use them only as recommended by your doctor. Improper use of corticosteroids can cause infection, skin damage, or further irritation, among other side effects. Do not share your prescription creams with others, even if they also have eczema. Acupuncture is sometimes effective for relieving pain, and studies suggest that acupuncture may help reduce itchiness from eczema. Acupuncture generally does not produce severe side effects, so it may be a good choice if you are having trouble managing the itch with medication alone. Look for an acupuncturist who is licensed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). This non-profit agency helps regulate the practice of acupuncture for safety and effectiveness. Many insurance plans do not cover alternative therapies such as acupuncture. However, they may be more likely to do so if referred by your doctor. Consult with your doctor, who can help you find a licensed practitioner in your area. These medications are for short-term use only due to the potential side effects such as cataracts, osteoporosis, lowered infection resistance, high blood pressure, and thinning skin. However, for short-term treatment of severe flare-ups your doctor may recommend briefly taking the pill form to get the rash and itch exacerbation under control. Other anti-inflammatory agents and immune-modulating pills may be prescribed if your condition is very severe. These treatments may include cyclosporine, methotrexate, or mycophenolate, all of which can have serious risks and side effects. Only you and your doctor can decide whether these treatments are right for you.
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One-sentence summary -- Use moisturizers. Take oral antihistamines if itching is severe. Ask your doctor about "corticosteroid" creams or ointments. Talk with your doctor about acupuncture. Consider oral (pill form) corticosteroids for very severe flare-ups.

Q: Reading is a great way to unwind after a long day. It can also help your body and mind relax and get ready for bed. Try avoiding books/magazines about stressful topics like war, crime, or terrorism. Choose a book that lets you delve into the fictional world within its pages. Music is often used as a tool to help manage stress, anxiety, and depression. If you're trying to calm down after a long day, try listening to music that soothes you. You can do this at home as well as in the car on your commute home from work/school. Choose something relaxing. It doesn't have to be classical music, though it can be if you enjoy it. The goal is to spend time listening to music that takes you out of a stressful moment. If you don't have any relaxing music of your own, try listening to jazz. It can be very soothing while still being upbeat, and the fact that it's often all instrumental may help your mind disengage from your stressful day. Exercising is a great way to get outdoors, but you don't have to be active to sit outside and enjoy the fresh air. Sometimes simply being outside the house - especially if you live near nature - can calm your anxious mind and reduce your stress levels. Try sitting outside. You can watch the sunset, or simply set aside a half hour before or after dinner to enjoy a cup of decaffeinated tea outdoors. If you have a porch or patio you can sit there. If not, you can simply sit in the grass, or set up a lawn chair in your yard. If you're feeling tense after a long day, a hot shower or bath can help relieve sore muscles and reduce your stress levels. Just make sure you don't make the water too hot so that you don't burn yourself. Though it may not always be possible, it's best to disengage from your work life when you come home. Some individuals may be required to read and respond to emails at home, be on call in case of a situation, or take tasks home to complete. These individuals won't have much choice, as failing to do these things could lead to discipline or even dismissal. However, if you're allowed to leave your work at your place of employment when you clock out, it's best to do so. Unless you're required to, resist the urge to check or respond to work emails. They'll still be there in the morning, and dealing with them at home after a long day could make you more stressed out. Try not to think about work. It may be difficult, especially if something at work is stressing you out or you have a deadline looming, but if you can distance your home life from your work stress you'll be much better off.
A: Read a book or magazine to calm down. Listen to music to relieve stress. Spend some time unwinding outside. Take a hot, relaxing shower or bath. Avoid thinking about work to prevent stress.

Article: Observe that the straw is divided into two sections by the "bendy" part. One section is longer than the other. Cut the longer section halfway between the end and the bend. Cut it lengthwise, keeping your cut as straight as possible. You may want to trace the cut with a marker before cutting. Place the cut piece on a folded towel or hard surface, and flatten it with the edge of a spoon. See the photo for more help. Make sure they stay connected in the middle. Set aside the wings for now. As you did with the other piece, use the edge of a spoon to flatten the rest of the straw, except for the bend. Once the straw has been flattened, position your scissors so that they cut through both layers, just slightly inward from one of the edges created by the fold. Cut all the way up to the bend. This will be the "tail" of the bird. On the portion of the straw you just cut, position your scissors so that they cut exactly along the other fold, stopping at the bend. You should end up with three pieces on this portion of the straw - two thick "legs" and one slim "tail." They should resemble the legs of a tripod. You should end up with what looks like the bill of a bird. Position the straw so that the tail is on top and pointing back toward you. Grab one of the legs, and fold it under the tail. Then, take the end of that leg and pull it over the tail and through the loop you created. Don't pull it tight just yet, though; repeat the same process with the other leg. Once both of the legs are in position, tighten them slowly and symmetrically so that they make a knot where the tail meets the bend. They should be at a 90-degree angle from the tail. Flatten it with the edge of a spoon for better effect.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Cut the straw. Cut the short piece open. Flatten the piece. Fold the piece in half, hamburger-style. Cut symmetrical wings on both sides of the fold. Cut small slits around the edges of the wings to make the feather tips. Flatten the other parts of the straw. Cut out the tail. Cut the legs. Bend the legs and tail outward. Position the bend in the straw so that it resembles the neck of a bird. Make two cuts just above the bend of the straw, angled toward the center. Wrap the legs around the tail. Tighten both legs at the same time. Make sure the legs point downward. Push the tail toward the bend to loosen it a bit, and slip the wings through the opening. Tighten the tail into place again. Make small feather cuts in the tail. Display the bird on a glass by putting the rim between the two legs.