Does stopping hydrocortisone cause flare up of eczema? my daughter is on it for a while now, the ointment doesn't seem to work.are there any otcointment

No: Stopping the steroid does not cause flairs, but using it suppresses symptoms. Sun exposure will help and a good moisturizer with colloidal oatmeal can also improve things. You also should avoid antibacterial soap.

Not strong enough: The most important treatment for eczema is applying a good moisturizer immediately after bathing. I often choose ulactin or cerave for this purpose. The basic problem is a gene mutation causing the skin to become very porous. Aside from avoiding the triggers for the eczema (food, indoor allergen etc), you need a rx cream or even oral cortisone. Dark spots often means infection which needs rx.