If you're itching for relief from AD or ICD, these treatments can curb your urge to scratch. This is important because the less you scratch, the less chance of infection-and the quicker your skin will heal.

The oatmeal soak. As with ACD, soaking in a bath to which you've added an oatmeal product, may reduce the itching and irritation.

Moisturize, moisturize, and moisturizer. Some people seem to outgrow AD because they learn to moisturize properly, which prevents their skin from cracking and irritants from entering the cracks.

But not just any thin, drippy lotion will do. Lotions are the enemy. They just dry out your skin-there's very little oil in them. You have to use an oil-rich moisturizer that doesn't pour-that is, something solid. You can also use the 'old faithful' of emollients-petroleum jelly.

Avoid any moisturizer formulated with fragrances or preservatives, especially if you have ICD. Apply the moisturizer to a small portion of your skin first to see if your skin reacts.

Come clean without causing a rash. AD's most significant trigger factor is failing to seal in your skin's absorbed moisture after you bathe or shower. Irritant reactions can cause extremely dry skin as well. So moisturize within three minutes of stepping out of the tub or after washing your hands if you have hand eczema. If you swim, grease up after your laps, too.

Fight the itch with ice. Apply a plastic bag if ice cubes or crushed ice to itchy, inflamed skin. Ice is the best thing you can use to fight the urge to scratch. It's especially good for cutting the swelling or redness of ICD. Applying cool compresses is another soothing option.

Wear natural fabrics and loose clothing. Wear natural fabrics that breathe, like cotton. They let air circulate around your skin, keeping it dry and comfortable. Avoid synthetic fabrics and wool. And don't wear anything that makes you perspire. To keep cool, layer your clothing.

Don't sweat it. Avoid strenuous exercise during flare-ups of AD or a bout with ICD. Perspiring can irritate your skin. Also, wear light sleepwear and turn down the thermostat at night so you won't perspire while you sleep.

A rash decision: hydrocortisone. According to some dermatologists, people with eczema should use a steroid cream any time their skin starts to redden or itch. As with ACD, a drugstore 1 percent hydrocortisone cream should be enough to calm the itching, although your doctor can prescribe stronger versions.

But don't overuse hydrocortisone cream. It's a wonderful treatment, but long-term use can cause side effects like thinning of the skin and stretch marks. Also avoid using it around your eyes. Use it for a few days on the onset of redness, then try to get by with just your moisturizer.

Try antihistamines. Experts disagree on whether antihistamines really help relieve the itch of eczema. But you may want to try them to see if they work for you. Try the newer antihistamines like Tavist, Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton, they won't make you sleepy and may block the action of histamine, the chemical that causes the itching.