Epiceram is a topical, non-steroidal skin cream based on research by dermatologists at the University of California, San Francisco, one of the leading dermatology research centers in the world. Unlike other approaches to treating eczema that use potent topical steroids or immunosuppressive drugs, Epiceram helps to restore the skin's own natural skin barrier by using a patented combination of lipids, the same type found physically in the skin.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new prescription treatment for eczema that may bring relief to persons who suffer from dry, itchy, flaky skin. Persons with eczema and other dry skin conditions have an abnormal skin barrier, as a result, the skin loses moisture. Elias is the inventor of the Epiceram patented technology and is also serving as the chief scientific officer of Ceragenix Pharmaceuticals, the Denver Company that developed Epiceram.

Eczema is actually a term for a group of medical conditions that cause the skin to become irritated or inflamed. The most general type is known as atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema. "Atopic" refers to a group of diseases with an often-inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions, such as hay fever or asthma.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common skin disease of childhood, affecting over 15 million people. People who had atopic dermatitis are at increased risk of occupational dermatitis as adults. Occupational dermatitis is common among nurses, hairdressers, dentists, and other occupations in which frequent hand washing is common.

The availability of Epiceram may be mainly welcome news to parents of infants with eczema. Nearly 60% of all eczema cases occur within the first year of life and treatments for infants with eczema are limited.