Hi Lozzie! I suddently developed eczema on my lower legs, and managed to track it back to when I cut down and removed a diosma bush! Even the cat was allergic to this bush!
Until recently, Prednisolone was the only thing that controlled the rash/itch, but I read on an Australian eczema assoc. website a way of treating it that worked very quickly for me.
Ensure that you use a non-irritating wash etc in shower (I splashed out and bought some Avene..expensive, but great. I now use Cetaphil though), then.......apply your treating cream, lotion etc onto DAMP skin, then apply your moisturiser over that. Once again, use an appropriate moisturiser like Cetaphil etc. Within two days my rash had disappeared and hasn't returned.
(Also, before I discovered this method, I used Ice Gel for the itch and it helped a lot.)
I have a neighbour who has tried this method for treating eczema, and it has also worked for her.
Very best of luck..Wendy from Oz ... 