Steriods

A Steroid is a terpenoid lipid characterized by a carbon skeleton with four fused rings, generally arranged in a 6-6-6-5 fashion. Steroids are produced naturally by the human body including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

The steroids that are most important for eczema-sufferers are corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are involved in the stress response and immune response in the human body. Coricosteroids are released by the adrenal cortex.

There are two types of corticosteroids: glucocorticoids and mineralcorticoids. Glucocoritcoids are the most important for the eczema-sufferer. 

Glucocorticoids are responsible for anti-inflamatory response of the human immune system. Cortisol is a primary glucocorticoid.

Cortisol increases blood pressure and blood sugar while decreasing immune response. The synthetic version of cortisol is hydrocortisone. Low cortisol levels combined with an over-active immune response may cause eczema rashing, flaking, peeling skin.

Steroid -> Corticosteroids -> Glucocorticoids -> Cortisol/Hydrocortisone

Eczema

Eczema is a condition which results in the inflammation of the upper layer of skin. The symptoms include rashes (tough, itchy, raised skin), extreme dryness (flaky, peeling skin), swelling, oozing or bleeding.

Eczema is hereditary and is often, but not always,  accompanied by Asthma and/or Hay Fever. It is triggered through the intake of allergens or irritants.