Itchy itchy dry skin

Living here in Chicago for years has taken toll on my skin. As we all know, it's cold here most of the time. Very cold. As a result, my skin has gone irritably dry. And because my skin is dry, so then, it also itches. To combat this dryness on my skin I apply lotion to my body as much as I can. The problem is, these regular lotions don't work really well. I have this rash like itchiness going on on my leg and according to sources it might be eczema. My question is, what is the best eczema treatment? After asking the web the same question I was given the answer that Aquaphor ointment is best for severe dry skin. Although expensive, it is well worth it. I'll give it a try and see for myself.