Eczema in the groin area

by buboyzlavandero
(Metro Manila, Philippines)

My eldest son has complained to me about his eczema. He has this skin condition since birth. It appeared in his feet and fingers, back of the legs and arms. Recently, it has become worse. It has spread to his genitals and groin area. Based on advised from friends, I told my son to wet the affected area in running water every time he feels like scratching. It removes the itching temporarily but after an hour or so, itching will return. The urge to scratch is so great that I observed my son scratching his genitals even while sleeping.

Last week, my son showed the affected areas and I saw skin breakage already. He also finds it hard to wear his underwear since it rubs on the exposed skin. At night, he has difficulty sleeping for he cannot close his legs. He has to sleep with his legs extended out.

Before we were using corticosteriod ointments for treatment but it has darkening of skin side effect and some areas like his legs become scaly. How can I help my son alleviate his condition without the side effects of corticostiroid. Aside from treatment, I would appreciate if you can give me some preventive measures or advice on how to prevent scratch at the onset of itching?