Eczema in genitals

I have been diagnosed with eczema several years ago and irritations occur on most of body esp. hands and legs during certain seasons of the year. it kud be summer or winter. then i treat it with various steroid ointments and take anti allergic tablets. every year i wud be prescribed a different steroid such as tenovate g, cobestol propionate, etc. on constant application the skin returns to normal. this year after prolonged eczema, i was prescribed halox ointment and allegra tablets. but wen i visited the doctor i did not mention abt the slight itching in my genitals at that time coz it wasnt really major at that point of time. i tend to itch during my sleep and finally decided to apply the ointment in that labia and inner thigh. although i havent been very regular with my application. my thighs have a discoloration and redness. now the skin in the area is flaky and itchy. i just wanted to know if i'm following the right procedure.

[willy851]

I have read so many horrible things about steroids that I would use them as little as possible. How long have you had eczema and how bad does it get without steroids?
Have you ever tried using moisturizers? I just use moisturizers after my shower.
You are using some very powerful steroids. Whenever you stop using them you go through withdraw. The condition gets worse for a short time.
I find it amazing that modern medicine can operate on your heart through a 1/4 inch hole but they can't stop your body from itching.
I believe the cure is known, but eczema is to profitable for dermatologists.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It could be due to eczema or fungal infections. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist. Also use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin. If still the symptoms do not improve then please get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.

[willy851]

You can't use the same steroids in the genital area that you use on your hands. The skin is very thin, in that area. You probably caused the problem to get much worse.
Have you ever been to a good dermatologist? Most only spend about 3 minutes with you. You need to go to a University that teaches. I went to five worthless dermatologists who made things worse. Then I finally went to a real one who spent almost two hours with me. Within three visits, my problems went away.
The problems was caused by the medication the idiot gave me to use.
Doctors should only get paid for successfully treating patients, that would cut the cost of health care by 90%