I couldn't find any earlier threads on this so thought I'd start a new one - hope it's helpful for somebody!
My DS1 (14) has had eczema to a degree all his life, it seems to be topical (? ie not caused by food allergies) and we have mostly treated it in a haphazard fashion with steroid cream sometimes, aqueous cream when we remember (it itches when it goes on but does improve the redness/dryness), sensitive skin bath products etc.
Anyway it had flared up badly recently but since I have started washing his clothes separately in Surcare it calmed down a lot, except on his hands which were red, cracked and sore. (He does a morning paper round so is out in the cold for ages.) I once tried Nelson's Graphites (for dermatitis) on them and it made it worse but for the last couple of days I've put some Calendula on twice a day and it has almost vanished!!! The skin is still very dry but all the red/sore/cracked skin is better. And it doesn't sting or itch at all when it goes on. Magic!