It may take some ‘trial and error’ to find out what things or combinations help bring eczema under control. The first line of defense, maybe even before an official diagnosis, is usually over-the-counter skincare products. Moisturizer that hydrates the skin can help lessen the itch of dryness or the soreness of cracked skin. Any products are ideally free of fragrance to lessen the chance of further irritating the skin. It is also wise to try and identify the causes eczema outbreaks. Some people make notes about their flare ups to find a pattern around what may be causing them. While this may point to something easy to avoid, like a certain kind of food, in some cases, stress causes flare-ups. When this is so, it is important to find ways to reduce stressful situations and attempt to modify stress reactions. Ultimately many people with eczema end up using prescription therapies for help. Today there are many options. A doctor may first prescribe a corticosteroid cream to try and bring the intensity of the flare-up down. If no relief, an oral steroid medication, immunosuppressant, or newer injectable (a "biologic") may be prescribed.