The convenience is offset by higher risk of side effects, though luckily I seem to have avoided those.
The pills really seem to be the solution for me.
My eczema had gotten pretty bad in recent years, and much of what you said resonates with me, though I don't think I ever got to the point of being effectively disabled.
My skin is like 90% smooth now with some last stubborn patches, but I'm hoping with time they and the residual scarring will start to disappear.