I´va managed to stay completely off cortisone creams by having a sauna combined with freezing cold lagoon swims 3-4 times/week; this sauna/cold water routine is the best thing I´ve discovered so far for my eczema. I use ice packs when I get an irresistable urge to scratch and am using a thick base moisturiser plus zinc mixed with coal tar which reduces inflammation, reduces itch and I read has antimicrobial properties. I´m continuing with Vitamin D3 which keeps my skin smooth and moisturised to some extent. (as an aside, I am taking Vitamin B12 for parasthesia related to a deficiency in this vitamin. I read it is supposed to have anti-inflammatory properties but the supplement has made no difference to the eczema. STRESS is the biggest influencer apart from allergies to hay, grass and who knows what else.