Eczema is a chronic skin condition categorized by recurrent rashes that leave the skin dry, inflamed, itchy, swollen, flakey and sometimes blistered. People who suffer from eczema need to make an extra effort to take care of their skin. Eczema should be kept moisturized, soothed and protected from allergens. Failing to take care of eczema can cause the condition to worsen or trigger an irritating flare up.Why Medicated Eczema Creams May Not Be the Safest ChoiceCurrently, there are two medicated eczema creams that have been approved by the FDA: pimecrolimus and tacrolimus. Both of these creams contain powerful immunosuppressant drugs called calcineurin inhibitors. Because these drugs have been found to cause cancer in rare cases, the FDA warned patients against their long term use in 2006. To lessen the risk of side effects, calcineurin inhibitors are usually only used to control severe flare ups in patients over two years old.How to Choose the Most Effective Over-the-Counter Eczema CreamWhile a prescription eczema cream can be used to treat severe flare ups, most patients will need a gentler cream for everyday use. When dealing with eczema, one of the most important things is to keep the skin moisturized. To find a moisturizing lotion, look for those that contain rich oils, humectants and natural extracts. Avoid lotions that are primarily composed of water as these lotions can be overly drying.It is also important to choose lotions that are free of certain irritants like fragrances and harsh preservatives. Instead of these irritating ingredients, look for an eczema cream that contains soothing ingredients like aloe, chamomile, vitamins and antioxidants. Some popular choices for eczema include Nutraderm, Eucerin, Lubriderm and Nivea. However, there are hundreds of creams that can be used by eczema patients.To control bouts of severe rash, over-the-counter corticosteroid creams can also be used to control inflammation, itching and irritation. More serious cases of eczema can also be treated with prescription corticosteroid creams. Still, while steroid creams can be beneficial, regularly hydrating the skin with a gentle moisturizer is the best way to control eczema on a day-to-day basis.