Image via Drugstore.com

If you've never had to deal with the pain that is eczema, then good for you. Sadly though, about 15 million Americans have, and it's actually the most common skin ailment in small children because of their sensitive baby skin. Because I have naturally oily, combination skin, I thought I'd be immune, but the weather has shifted a bit and I've been warily watching what started as a tiny red patch grow to the size of a nickel, on my right breast of all places. Great.

The thing about eczema is, for minor cases at least, it's best treated with hydrocortisone: Aveeno makes a nice one that, luckily, you can get over the counter. (More severe cases have to resort to antibiotics and other drugs.) However, I have to admit that the option that seems to be helping the most so far is Vaseline's ridiculously rich emollient Intensive Rescue Heal and Repair Balm. It's hypoallergenic and fragrance free, rings in at about $8.00, and is a great general moisturizer to keep in the medicine cabinet. Also makes for one hell of a hand cream, especially if your cuticles tend to crack and peel.

Any other remedies out there?