Minor Ailments

Eczema & Skin Rashes

Manage eczema and skin rashes with soothing treatments and pharmacist-guided care.

Managing Eczema and Skin Rashes

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin. It is especially common in children but can affect people of all ages. Eczema is often associated with allergies and asthma and tends to flare up in response to triggers such as soaps, detergents, sweat, stress, and certain fabrics. While there is no cure, proper skin care and treatment can effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life. PharmaChoice pharmacists can help you build a personalized eczema care routine.

Signs and Symptoms of Eczema

Symptoms include dry, sensitive skin; intense itching, especially at night; red to brownish-grey patches; small, raised bumps that may weep fluid when scratched; thickened, cracked, or scaly skin; and raw or swollen skin from scratching. Eczema most commonly appears on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, and inside the bend of the elbows and knees.

How Your Pharmacist Can Help

Your PharmaChoice pharmacist can assess eczema symptoms and recommend or prescribe appropriate treatment options when applicable, including moisturizers, barrier creams, antihistamines, and topical therapies. They can also provide guidance on trigger avoidance, skin care routines, proper bathing techniques, and ongoing symptom management.

Find Eczema Relief Near You

Find a PharmaChoice pharmacy near you for eczema care advice and a full range of skin care products. Our pharmacists are here to help you manage flare-ups effectively.

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to common questions about eczema and skin rashes, including what triggers flare-ups, the best moisturizers, and how to manage symptoms in children.

What triggers eczema flare-ups?

Common triggers include dry skin, soaps and detergents, certain fabrics (wool or synthetic), sweat, stress, temperature changes, pet dander, dust mites, mold, and certain foods. Identifying and avoiding your personal triggers is key to managing eczema.

What is the best moisturizer for eczema?

Thick creams and ointments (rather than lotions) that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic are best for eczema. Look for products containing ceramides, glycerin, or petrolatum. Apply immediately after bathing to lock in moisture.

Can over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream treat eczema?

Low-strength hydrocortisone cream (0.5–1%) is available without a prescription and can help reduce inflammation and itching during mild flare-ups. It should be used short-term on affected areas only. For more severe eczema, prescription-strength treatments may be needed.

How should I bathe if I have eczema?

Use lukewarm (not hot) water, limit baths to 10–15 minutes, use gentle fragrance-free cleansers, pat skin dry gently with a soft towel, and apply moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing to seal in moisture.

Is eczema contagious?

No, eczema is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person. It is a complex condition involving genetic and environmental factors that affect the skin's barrier function and immune response.

Get care guidance and treatment support from your pharmacist.

Our pharmacists can assess symptoms and prescribe treatments for minor ailments.