The best treatment for eczema can depend on the person and severity of the condition

Those who experience eczema know what an uncomfortable and bothersome condition it can be. Eczema, a skin condition that causes the skin to become irritated, dry and swollen in patches, has no cure, but with the right treatment people who experience this condition can experience relief and return their skin to its normal state.

If you think you might have eczema, the best first step is to see a health care professional. Since the skin condition comes in a variety of forms and can be accompanied by other conditions such as hay fever or asthma, the best treatment will depend on your situation. Here are some of the most common treatment methods of eczema:

* Prescription topical creams. For serious cases of eczema, your doctor may recommend a prescription-strength topical cream, which are often steroid-based. As is the case any time you receive a prescription, you'll want to make sure you listen carefully to your doctor and pharmacist when they provide instructions for use. Ask about any potential side effects.

* Non-prescription topical creams. Many cases of eczema can be treated with the use of over-the-counter topical creams or moisturizers. Your doctor or dermatologist may be able to point you in the right direction for choosing the best one and you can also find recommendations at Eczema.net.

* Oral antihistamines. Your doctor may recommend an antihistamine to help relieve the severe itching that's one of the most common side effects of eczema.

* Oral steroids. This solution is sometimes used for serious cases of eczema, but it is not a long-term solution because these prescription drugs can cause side effects over time.

* Immunomodulators. These prescription medications reduce immune system sensitivity to avoid flare-ups of eczema. However, the FDA has warned they should only be used as a last-ditch treatment - and with caution at that - because potentially serious long-term side effects are still being studied.

Another thing you should talk about with your doctor is potential simple home remedies. It's possible that you are experiencing skin irritation due to an allergic reaction to a piece of clothing that can be easily taken out of your wardrobe. Or you may be having an adverse reaction to your soap or laundry detergent. Certain people can even experience eczema flare-ups after a hot shower, so you may just need to turn the water temperature down a bit to avoid it.