Groin Itching

Groin itch, also known as jock itch, tinea cruris or ringworm of the groin, is a skin disorder of the groin area that occurs due to fungal invasion. Our body usually hosts a variety of bacteria and fungi, out of which some are useful while others multiply rapidly and form infections. Usually related to athlete's foot and ringworm, a fungal infection is caused by different types of microscopic mold-like-fungi called dermatophytes. These dermatophytes basically thrive in warm and moist areas, and are triggered by friction from clothes and prolonged wetness in the groin area, especially due to sweating. Groin itch is contagious and may get transferred from one person to another by skin contact or through touching unwashed clothing. Although it is not a severe infection, it may spread to anus and cause severe anal itching and discomfort.

Causes

Some of the common causes of itching in the groin are:

• Lichen Simplex Chronicus: Lichen simplex chronicus is a skin disorder, that occurs due to stress, insect bites, dry skin, etc. causing chronic itching and scratching. Prolonged scratching causes characteristic changes like thickening and darkening of the skin, often known as lichenification.
• Eczema: Eczema is an inflammation of the skin due to environmental irritants, stress, temperature changes or family history of certain allergic conditions like asthma, hay fever, etc. The skin becomes itchy and scaly and prolonged scratching may cause the skin to thicken and have a leather-like texture.
• Pubic Lice: Pubic lice also known as Phthirus pubis, is another common cause of groin itching at night. This lice infestation generally occurs due to sexual activity and so, is commonly found in adolescents. Pubic lice are small, six-legged organisms that infect the pubic hair areas and so, are found in armpit hair and eyebrows. It can also happen due to physical contact with infected objects like toilet seats, sheets and blankets.
• Other Factors: Chemical irritation, obesity, excessive sweating, wearing same or tight clothes for a long time, diabetes, etc. are some other probable causes for groin discomfort.

Symptoms

Sometimes, the infection can be so severe that along with itching the person may also experience symptoms like:

• Elevated edges, red skin rashes in circular shape
• Abnormally dark or light skin
• Scaly patches that may blister and ooze
• Burning sensation in the groin, thigh or anal area
• Flaking, peeling or cracking of the skin

Diagnosis

Usually, the doctor diagnoses groin itch as per the appearance of the skin and in most of the cases tests are not required. However, to confirm the diagnosis, either a culture or a skin lesion biopsy can be performed. A KOH test may be conducted, in which the skin is scraped with a scalpel on a glass slide, a few drops of potassium hydroxide (KOH) are put on to the slide and the slide is heated for some time. The test works by releasing the hyphae (threadlike filaments forming the mycelium of a fungus) after binding the skin cells together.

Treatment

Groin itching due to severe or recurring infections or infections lasting longer than two weeks may require a proper medical treatment. Strong medications like antifungal creams or medicines containing ketoconazole or terbinafine, or oral antifungals may be prescribed by the doctor. Over the counter antifungal or drying powders containing miconazole, clotrimazole, or tolnaftate are also effective in providing relief from the discomfort and itchiness.

Jock itch responds well to self care at home and cures on its own after a couple of weeks. Keeping the skin clean and dry, wearing loose fitting clothes especially in summers, avoid sharing clothes and towels, use of antifungal powders or sprays, and maintaining proper hygiene are some simple yet effective ways of avoiding groin itching.