Itchy Groin Area

Itchy groin starts with the symptoms that include rubbing, irritation, scratching with clothing. This prompts you to scratch or rub the affected groin area. Constant itching causes the skin to thicken. The thickened skin itches more, causes more scratching, which in turn leads to more thickening. Eventually, the groin area becomes leathery and brownish. This is a condition that may not require immediate medical attention, but can surely head towards worsening, and further complicating the condition.

You can prevent the aggravation of itchy groin by curbing it well on time. For this, you need to have an in-depth knowledge of the matter. You first need to learn about the probable causes of itchy groin so that you can not only effectively choose some of the home remedies given later in this article but can also think of some more, that can provide you relief.

Causes of Itchy Groin

Your body in general and the groin in particular hosts a wide variety of bacteria and fungi. Many of them are useful to your body but there can be some which are potent enough to cause health hazards. Fungi thrive best in moist and dark regions, and your groin is one of their favorite shelter.

There are innumerable causes of itchy groin. First of all, it occurs due to fungal or bacterial groin infection. When a particular kind of fungus grows and multiplies in the groin area and causes infection, it is known as jock itch. Such fungal groin infection mainly targets men and adolescent boys. It mostly restricts itself to the creases of the upper thigh, and does not invade the scrotum or the penis. However, it may spread to the anal region and cause itching, pain and burning sensation.

Secondly, eczema may be a cause of itchy groin, particularly in infants. It is described as the inflammation caused by a hypersensitive reaction in the skin. Eczema generally tends to run in families, which often have a history of asthma or hay fever. Thirdly, lichen simplex is a skin condition that results in scratchy and itchy groin area. It may be accompanied with other skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. Other identifiable symptoms of lichen simplex are nervousness, depression, anxiety and similar psychological disorders. Fourthly, the presence of pubic lice, Phthirus pubis can cause itchy groin at night. It mainly affects adolescents. You may get infected by sharing toilet seats, bed sheet, blankets, bathing suits, etc. with an already infected person.

Fourthly, the chemical irritants such as detergents, feminine sprays, creams, douches, ointments, fabric softeners, contraceptive foams or jellies can trigger an allergic reaction in your body. This may, in turn, lead to the formation of itchy, red rashes. If the groin area is affected, these chemical irritants can be a reason behind itchy groin. Finally, diabetes is marked by high levels of blood sugar. It may give rise to groin itching, and thus diabetes and itching groin area find association with each other.

Home Remedies for Itchy Groin

• Keep your genital and groin area clean and dry.
• Try to control the level of your blood sugar.
• Avoid using substances that you suspect contain the chemical allergens.
• Do not share clothing, bath suits, towels and wash cloths with anyone.
• Wear clothes after the groin area is completely dry after bathing, etc.
• You can use antifungal powder or sprays on the groin before wearing clothes.
• You may use over-the-counter anti-itch and steroid creams to relieve itching and inflammation from the groin area.
• Wear loose-fitting underwear and clothing made of cotton as it will help in sopping up moisture from the surface of the groin.
• Lose weight in case you are overweight. This will provide you relief from itchy groin.
• Have a cup of yogurt with live cultures daily.
• Avoid overexertion, excessive groin sweating and heat.
• Resist the urge to scratch or itch as they will only aggravate the condition of itching groin.

Even after trying the above suggested home remedies for itchy groin, you experience no or negligible improvement in your case, you should visit a dermatologist. Seeking medical care and attention will help you determine the exact underlying factor, its treatment, and thus, effective treatment of itchy groin area.