My kid has eczema pretty bad. His knuckles sometimes crack open when he plays basketball in the winter because they get so dry. There is a probem with your skin's lipid layer, and it won't hold water. Outbreaks can be triggered by allergies or dry weather.

I suggest you keep your hands well-moisturized. This is a preventative measure. You need a heavy cream moisturizers followed up with something that has petroleum jelly in it to act as a barrier against water loss. You can also try putting cotton gloves over the creams while you sleep. You will need to carry high-quality hand creams so you can re-apply frequenty throughout the day. Do this even when you aren't having an outbreak - prevention is key.

If you are itchy to the point that you can't sleep, you can take a dose of Benedryl, but that is mostly for its sedative effects - not so much for itch relief.

The hydrocortizone may help, but you shouldn't overuse it. It can thin your skin if you use it too much. This may not seem like a big deal when you are in your 20s, but it will suck BIG time when you are older.

If you can't keep it under control this way, you wi have to see a physician for some prescription medications.

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