Relief from eczema and finding an eczema treatment that works for you may be just around the corner. Shielding lotions are showing promise with users as an effective way to minimize the effects of the debilitating skin condition.

According to The National Institutes of Health, some 15 million people in the United States including about 10 percent to 20 percent of all infants suffer from the red, itchy, dry cracking skin associated with eczema.

Although there is no known cause - or cure - for the disease, The American Academy of Dermatology acknowledges that most cases are closely tied to a family history of allergies.

Those who are genetically predisposed and then exposed to environmental triggers may develop eczema. Many people who have eczema also suffer from allergic rhinitis and asthma, or have family members who do.

Eczema sufferers have tried many different treatments, but since so many factors affect why a person develops eczema, it's difficult to predict which treatment plan will work best. What works for some often has no effect on another victim of eczema.

Treatments have included applying lotions, creams, or ointments to keep the skin as moist as possible, lifestyle modifications, use of a non-sedating or sedative antihistamines, depending on the severity, phototherapy, and for particularly severe cases, medications such as corticosteroids and cyclosporine, may be prescribed.

Avoiding triggers is often the best plan of action in the prevention of flare-ups. Some common triggers include rough or coarse materials coming into contact with the skin, overheating or sweating, irritants such as certain soaps, detergents, and disinfectants, contact with juices from fresh fruits and meats, dust mites, and animal saliva and danders may trigger itching. Even upper respiratory infections often caused by viruses and stress can be triggers.

Often, the best treatment is also the best prevention of eczema outbreaks in the first place as well as to control the itching to prevent further damage to the skin. The following simple precautions may help to reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups

* Moisturize frequently with a shielding lotion that both protects from exposure to external irritants and keeps the moisture locked beneath the surface of the skin to prevent cracking

* Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity

* Avoid sweating or overheating

* Reduce stress

* Avoid scratchy materials (e.g., wool or other irritants)

* Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents

* Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, mites, and animal dander)

* Be aware of any foods that may cause an outbreak and avoid those foods

* Cold compresses applied directly to itchy skin can also help relieve itching

* If necessary, consider a nonprescription corticosteroid cream or ointment to reduce inflammation, or consider an antihistamine applied topically or taken orally.

Consult your physician immediately if an infection or fungus develops, as this can be a more serious condition, or if the condition escalates in severity.

Regular use of a shielding lotion coupled with basic preventative measures can tackle the majority of eczema outbreaks.