Groin irritation can be a very common nuisance, caused by a variety of causes, but fortunately it can be treated and prevented.
There is one region of the body prone to irritation, itching, redness and blisters, this region is the groin. Both men and women are prone to suffering from groin irritation for a variety of reasons. Especially because it is an area that is very covered and stuffy, which increases the risk of infections and allergies.
Therefore, irritation in the groin can be caused by several reasons, such as the growth of pubic hair, allergies to underwear material, and even skin problems such as folliculitis or groin ringworm. However, despite being uncomfortable, these irritations can be easily treated with ointments, remedies and even home tricks.
Therefore, today we will better understand the main causes of groin irritation and what to do in these cases. Let’s go.
Main causes of groin irritation
As previously stated, several factors can influence the appearance of irritation in the groin area. It is a sensitive region, which remains stuffy for long periods, in addition to accumulating humidity. Therefore, favoring the appearance of allergies, mycoses and other skin problems. So, let’s look at the most common causes of groin irritation below:
Underwear allergy
Allergy, or contact dermatitis, as it is also called, is one of the most common causes of groin irritation, in both men and women.
This happens because many pieces of underwear are made with synthetic materials, which can interfere with the skin’s ability to breathe, causing itching and irritation in the area, as well as redness, peeling and even eczema. In more serious cases of contact dermatitis, it can even cause contact urticaria, a skin lesion characterized by the formation of papules on the skin. It is usually caused by contact with a substance present in underwear to which the patient is allergic.
From this point on, the recommendation is to stop using the underwear that is causing the allergy, and also to use an anti-allergic ointment and opt for cotton underwear. Finally, if after three days the irritation does not improve, it is recommended to see a dermatologist to identify the real cause of the allergy and prescribe the best treatment according to the cause.
Hair growth
Depending on the type of hair removal, it is very common to cause irritation to the groin skin. This is because after shaving or waxing, the skin becomes more sensitive and therefore more prone to itching and irritation in the region. However, the worst happens a few days later when the hair starts to grow and can become ingrown, causing a lot of itching and discomfort.
So, to prevent this from happening, a very interesting tip is to use moisturizing cream in the region. This way, in addition to hydrating and calming the skin, the cream will relieve the irritation caused by itching and also reduce the desire to scratch the area, which could make the situation even worse. Laser hair removal is also an option to end the problem once and for all.
Groin folliculitis
Folliculitis in the groin is mainly characterized by the appearance of red dots on the skin in the region, which in addition to being very itchy, can also cause lesions and even dark spots on the skin. It is an inflammation that affects hair follicles in any region of the body, including the groin.
This inflammation can be caused by several factors, such as increased keratization in the skin, which increases the risk of obstructing follicles and makes it difficult for hair to come out. Furthermore, the hair removal method can also influence the risk of folliculitis, as well as the heat, sweat and stuffiness in the region.
As for treatment, it will depend on the cause of the inflammation, the type and severity of the injuries. But in general, the recommendation is to carry out local hygiene with warm water and antiseptic soap, the use of medicines and ointments with corticosteroids. In addition, of course, laser hair removal, which destroys the hair follicle, therefore preventing inflammation from returning.
Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid wearing very tight clothing and opt for cotton underwear. As well as keeping the area dry at all times, drying it very well after bathing, and always shaving in the direction of hair growth, all to prevent irritation in the groin.
Groin ringworm
Ringworm, as we know, is a skin infection caused by fungi. Therefore, it is very common in the groin area, precisely because it is a stuffy area that accumulates heat and humidity. In fact, ringworm in the groin is one of the main causes of itching and irritation in the groin in men, although it can also appear in women. This is because men tend to produce more sweat and also have more hair than women, making them more prone to this type of infection.
Furthermore, mycosis in the groin is also more common in those who practice sports, obese people and people with diabetes, as these are situations that increase the risk of bacteria proliferating in the folds of the skin. Common symptoms are redness in the region, itching, peeling and even small blisters or lumps on the skin.
In this case, the first recommendation is to see a dermatologist to obtain a more accurate diagnosis and the best treatment. This may be the use of antifungal ointment, such as Ketoconazole, Clotrimazole, Miconazole, among others, and antifungal pills, in more serious cases.
However, simple habits are recommended to speed up recovery and prevent mycosis from returning. Such as avoiding wearing very tight clothing, avoiding heat and humidity in the area, drying the area well after bathing and not keeping your underwear wet for a long time. Additionally, change your underwear daily, make compresses with chamomile tea, wash the area with garlic tea and use antifungal powders to help dry the lesions and reduce skin friction.
Groin irritation from pubic lice
Pubic or flat lice, also known as pediculosis pubis, is another cause of irritation in the groin. However, this problem is mainly related to poor intimate hygiene or sharing towels and underwear, and can happen to both men and women. The symptoms, in turn, are redness, itching and irritation in the groin.
So, to put an end to the problem of itching in the region, the ideal is to look for a dermatologist, so that he can recommend the best medicine for lice, such as ivermectin, for example. Other options to alleviate the problem and eliminate lice are to shave the intimate area and use tweezers to remove all remaining lice. Furthermore, wash handkerchiefs, towels and underwear in hot water, with a temperature above 60ºC.
Anyway, what did you think of this article? In fact, take the opportunity to also check out Dark groin – What causes darkening? Can you lighten the area?
Sources: My Life DermaClub Your Health Your Health
Images: Parana Shop Dom Total VIX Laser Treatments Tua Saúde Laser Treatments
