Unfortunately, there is no short-term cure for dry skin or eczema. Instead, it relies on long-term management, which has two aims:

1. To maintain healthy skin
2. To prevent flare-ups.

This can be achieved by 'complete emollient therapy'. This involves using emollients to restore moisture to dry skin, which helps to improve the skin's barrier function and relieves itching and damage caused by scratching.

Emollient creams are a mixture of water and fat. They are non-greasy, easy to spread and appropriate for daytime use. Due to their water content, they often contain preservatives, which some people may become sensitised to

Lotions contain more water and less fat than creams. They spread easily but are less effective for very dry skin. Lotions are useful for hairy areas of skin or quick application

Ointments have a thick, greasy consistency and are the most effective emollient at holding water in the skin. They are recommended for very dry and thick skin, and are best applied before bed. They are not suitable for weeping eczema and some users find their consistency unpleasant

Bath oils coat the skin with a layer of oil that traps water. Oils can make surfaces slippery so should be used with caution, particularly when bathing young children

Soap substitutes don't usually produce foam, but they are effective cleansers. Finding the right regimen can be a matter of trial and error. Ideally, customers should choose a range of emollients for use at different times and for different purposes.

Topical corticosteroids

Corticosteroid creams and ointments reduce inflammation and are safe when used appropriately for eczema flare-ups. Topical corticosteroids are classed by their potency €“ mild, moderate, potent and very potent.

Only the mildest products are available OTC, such as hydrocortisone in strengths up to 1% (e.g. Hc45), clobetasone butyrate 0.05% (e.g. Eumovate), as well as products that combine a corticosteroid with an anti-itch ingredient (e.g. Eurax Hc).

OTC corticosteroids should only be used once or twice a day for a maximum of seven days and are not suitable for children (age restrictions vary depending on the product) or pregnant women. They should not be applied to the face, or to broken or infected skin.