One doctor, the head of a hospital's atopic eczema unit, has had great success in treating eczema without drugs by incorporating simple changes such as washing linens in hot water, vacuuming and dusting more frequently to get dust mites out of wall-to-wall carpeting, beds and furniture, switching to very mild soaps and detergents that don't damage the protective surface layer of the skin, and reducing contact with harsh and toxic household chemicals. In many cases, these simple lifestyle and skin care changes are all the eczema treatment needed.

Unfortunately, rather than implementing solutions such as the above, most people run to their doctor who gives them the standard prescriptions for creams and lotions. These eczema treatment drugs, while they may alleviate some of the symptoms for a short time, further damage the skin, exacerbate the condition, and don't address the source of the problem. When the first drug does not get the desired response, the usual solution is a switch to another medication that gets the same results.

What is the solution to eczema? 80% of eczema is caused by contact with harsh and toxic common household chemicals and environmental pollutants. Start by purging your household -- get rid of the myriad of chemicals in your bathroom, your kitchen and the closet where you keep cleaning products. Get rid of skin products that contain toxic ingredients like fragrances, dyes, propylene glycol and other chemicals. Switch to natural, non-toxic products.

Next, protect your skin from contact with environmental pollutants and chemicals that you just can't get rid of. Thousands of doctors now recommend a shielding lotion for that purpose. A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective layer that allows the skin to heal itself. According to Dr. Peter Helton, cosmetic dermatologist and medical director of the Helton Skin and Laser Institute in Newport Beach, California, "In order for the skin to heal and return to its healthy condition you have to seal in the moisture and oils that are below the outer layer of skin and protect it from the irritants in the environment. Hands down, a shielding lotion works better than any conventional cream."

For most dry skin and eczema conditions, drugs are not the answer. Before embarking on a course of treatment that involves one medicated cream after another, try the simple lifestyle changes above and use a shielding lotion for topical eczema treatment. This may be all the treatment you need, and could save you or someone you love years of misery.