Groin folliculitis: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Folliculitis in the groin is inflammation of the hair follicle, which is the structure in the skin where the hair roots are located, leading to the appearance of symptoms, such as red balls that may contain pus, itching or a burning sensation.

Groin folliculitis is a relatively common condition, and is usually caused by skin rubbing when wearing tight clothing or due to ingrown hair after shaving or waxing, but it can also occur due to a bacterial or fungal infection. .

Read too: Ingrown hair: symptoms, causes, treatment (and how to remove it)

Generally, folliculitis in the groin can be treated at home by cleaning the area with antiseptic soap, but it may also be necessary to use specific creams or ointments, which should be recommended by the dermatologist. Check out the main treatments for folliculitis.

Symptoms of groin folliculitis

The main symptoms of groin folliculitis are:

• Red dots on the skin;
• Small blisters with pus, similar to pimples;
• Itch;
• Burning sensation;
• Sensitivity or pain in the region.

Groin folliculitis can appear in one or more hair follicles, and can also cause swelling or discomfort in the region and the appearance of spots in the groin, in some cases.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of folliculitis in the groin is made by a general practitioner or dermatologist, through evaluation of symptoms, health history and physical examination of the groin.

Make an appointment with the dermatologist in the region closest to you:

In some cases, to identify the cause of folliculitis in the groin, such as a fungal or bacterial infection, the doctor may collect a sample of the ball from the skin to be analyzed in the laboratory.

Possible causes

Folliculitis in the groin is caused by inflammation in the hair follicle, which is located at the base of the hair root, and is in most cases associated with bacterial infection. Staphylococcus aureuswhich can be found naturally in mucous membranes and skin, or can be caused by a fungal infection.

Some factors may contribute to the development of groin folliculitis, such as:

• Wearing tight clothingwhich cause friction with the skin;
• Wearing clothing that causes the skin to be stuffy and increased sweating in the groin;
• Do waxing with wax or blades;
• Regularly frequent environments with watersuch as swimming pools or hot tubs.

Additionally, groin folliculitis may develop more frequently in people with a weakened immune system or who have other health conditions, such as diabetes, infections or skin damage, for example.

Treatment for groin folliculitis

Treating folliculitis in the groin can be done at home with simple measures, such as applying a warm compress to the area about 3 times a day, and washing the area well with warm water and antiseptic soap while bathing, as it promotes dilation. of the skin pores, and cleaning the region.

When the symptoms of folliculitis in the groin do not improve after 1 to 2 weeks, with home measures, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist who may recommend the use of ointments, lotions or gels with antibiotics, such as neomycin, gentamicin or mupirocin, which help to combat bacteria and alleviate symptoms.

Furthermore, in the case of spots in the groin caused by folliculitis, the doctor may recommend the use of ointments to lighten the skin, such as hydroquinone, kojic acid or Vitamin C, for example. See other ways to lighten spots on the groin.

How to prevent groin folliculitis

Some measures can help prevent the development of folliculitis in the groin, such as:

• Avoid wearing tight clothing;
• Always keep the groin dry;
• Shower with neutral soap immediately after being in the pool, bathtub, spa or other public places;
• Wash the groin with neutral soap and water before and after waxing or shaving;
• Shave the groin hair in the direction in which the hair grows;
• Exfoliate your groin once a week to help remove dead skin cells;
• Do not share towels or clothes with other people.

Furthermore, in some cases, as a way to prevent the appearance of folliculitis in the groin, the doctor may recommend laser hair removal. Check out the benefits and how laser hair removal works.