Groin Rash

The skin of the groin area is susceptible to different kinds of rashes. As this area remains warm and moist all the time, it gives an ideal condition for growth and survival of fungus, bacteria, yeast, etc. The symptom of groin rash is mild to severe groin itching which is often accompanied by reddening of the skin. Sometimes, the skin can become flaky too. In general, they appear on both sides of the groin. It can occur in men, women, children and even babies.

Causes

Some of the causes of groins rash are minor and others could be a serious issue. Fungal infection in the groin area is one major problem. Fungal groin rash is often referred to as jock itch. This kind of rash, if left untreated, can spread to other areas like buttocks and legs. Men are at a higher risk of getting this infection as compared to women. Erythrasma is a form of bacterial infection that gives rashes that are slightly brownish in color. Itchy rashes near the groin, often appear due to yeast infection as well. The skin in the groin area is extremely sensitive and may show allergic reactions when exposed to certain chemicals that are present in detergents, soaps, deodorants and latex used in condoms. Other serious conditions of groin rash are psoriasis, genital herpes, genital warts and pubic lice.

Some of the causes are not so severe. Wearing of tight fitting clothes will cause a lot of friction in the groin area which in turn will produce heat. The heat and sweat trapped up in the area, results in the outbreak of skin rashes. If the groin area is shaved, then the usual shaving rash or razor bumps is likely to appear. Babies and elderly who use diapers get diaper rash quite often. If the diaper is not changed at the right time and the area is not cleaned properly then diaper rash may occur. The material used in the diaper can also be held responsible for this.

Treatment

As soon as you notice any skin rashes in the groin, you should visit a doctor. Diagnosis is based upon physical examination of the appearance of the rashes, the skin color and its accompanying symptoms. Sometimes, the medical history, the working condition of an individual is taken into account to identify the cause of the rash. For fungal infections, both oral medicines as well as antifungal creams are prescribed. Rashes caused by bacteria is treated with the help of topical creams and antibiotics. Suitable medicines are also prescribed for all other types of rashes like herpes, yeast infections and genital warts. Rashes caused by allergies are treated with hydro-cortisone and steroid creams that has to be applied topically. Most importantly, the allergy causing substance should be strictly avoided to prevent any further recurrence. Diaper rash can be controlled by keeping the area clean and dry. To reduce the irritation, medicines with zinc oxide as a content can be helpful. Application of ice on all these rashes can have a soothing effect on the itchy groin area.

Groin rash should not be neglected and treatment should start without any delay. You can take some preventive measures at home in order to avoid recurrence of the rash. Wear loosely fitted clothes to minimize chafing the skin. If your baby is getting diaper rash quite frequently, then apply a light coat of petroleum jelly. Thus the moisture will not come in direct contact with the skin and prevent further aggravation of the problem. Those who are prone to yeast infections should include yogurt in their diet. This will reduce the chances of the infection.