Eczema rash underarms and groin area

[xl_dean_lx]

I saw a dermatologist today for a rash under my arms and groin area. He said it was eczema and prescribed me Vanos. On Vanos' site it says not to use in groin area and underarms. Any thoughts? Is this safe?

"   Because VANOS® Cream may reduce levels of hormones that regulate your body’s immune system and energy levels (HPA-axis suppression), treatment should not last longer than two weeks or use more than 60 grams a week. After you stop using VANOS Cream, your adrenal gland may temporarily be unable to make enough of the hormones your body needs to adapt to stress (glucocorticosteroid insufficiency). HPA-axis suppression occurred in two out of 18 adult patients with psoriasis treated twice daily for two weeks and in one out of 31 adult patients with atopic dermatitis treated once daily. How often HPA-axis suppression occurs in psoriasis patients who are less than 18 years of age has not been determined. Because children have more skin compared to their body weight, they have a greater risk than adults of HPA-axis suppression and Cushing’s syndrome (a fatty hump between your shoulders, a rounded face, and pink or purple stretch marks) when they apply corticosteroids (steroid hormones) to the skin.
* If irritation develops, stop using VANOS® Cream and call your doctor.
* VANOS® Cream should not be used on the face, groin, or underarms; or for treatment of rosacea (flushed skin and pimples) or rash around the mouth.
* The safety and efficacy in patients younger than 12 years of age have not been established.
* The most commonly reported adverse events were headache, burning at the application site, inflammation of the nasal passages and upper throat, and nasal congestion."

[xl_dean_lx]

I used this Vanos cream in both areas until the rashes were gone. Now all of a sudden theyre back again. Whats going on? Why wont they go away for good?

[rkm99]

Vanos and other highly potent topical corticosteroids can cause the skin to thin. In the armpit and groin area the skin is already thin, more thinning  leads to the skin cracking and possible scarring.

Ask the doctor about low potency topical corticosteroids, such as Desonide, for those areas.

[xl_dean_lx]

What is the harm in using Vanos under your arms or groin area? I wonder why the dermatologist prescribed me this cream right after diagnosing me and seeing the rash in these specific areas?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Yes,it has been mentioned that Vanos cream should not be used for face, underarms or groins.I think that you should talk to your dermatologist and shift to some other steroid cream.Also 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 eczema 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 like Vanos). Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.