Summarize:

If your eczema is so uncomfortable that it interferes with your sleep or daily activities, make an appointment with your doctor or a dermatologist (skin specialist). You should also get medical help if you've been trying home remedies and over-the-counter medications and are not seeing any improvement. Your doctor may recommend combining natural remedies with medical treatments, such as prescription skin creams, oral medications to fight inflammation, or light therapy treatments. You should also see your doctor if you don't know for sure that eczema is causing your symptoms. They can give you a proper diagnosis and recommend an effective treatment for your condition. Sometimes severe eczema can lead to a more serious secondary bacterial or viral infection. If your skin becomes infected, you may need antibiotics or other medications to treat it. Call your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as: yellow or oozing scabs, pus, fever, or red, streaky skin. Even natural skin care products can cause allergic reactions in some people. Stop using any product if you develop a rash, itching, pain, or scaly skin in the area where you applied the product. Call your doctor if the rash is severe, comes on suddenly, covers a large area, or affects your face or genitals. Call emergency services or go to the emergency room if you feel like you're having an allergic reaction. Some symptoms of an allergic reaction may be wheezing or difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, mouth, or throat, dizziness or lightheadedness, or nausea and vomiting.
See your doctor if your eczema is severe or persistent. Get medical attention if you think you have an infection. Seek emergency care if you have a severe reaction to a skin care product.