Itching in the groin can be caused by hair growth after waxing, allergy to the material of the panties or underwear and, in these cases, applying a moisturizing cream or anti-allergic ointment, such as Polaramine or Phenergan, can help to relieve itching and end the discomfort quickly.
However, itching in the groin can also indicate a skin problem, such as groin mycosis, which is more common in men. This itching can also happen in women, not only in the groin, but also in the vagina. Furthermore, itching in the groin may also be due to the presence of lice in the pubic hair, but this situation is rarer.
It is important to consult a dermatologist if the itching does not improve after 3 days with adequate hygiene care, wearing cotton underwear and applying ointments, as it may be necessary to carry out tests to identify other causes that are causing itching in the groin.
1. Allergy to panties or underwear
Allergy, or contact dermatitis, is one of the main causes of itching in men and women, as there are many items of underwear that are made from synthetic materials, which makes it difficult for the skin to breathe and causes itching and irritation.
In addition to itching, allergy to panties or underwear causes symptoms such as redness, peeling and the presence of white or red dots on the groin skin and this is caused by contact with a substance present in the underwear or panties to which the person is allergic.
What to do: In these cases, it is recommended to apply an anti-allergy ointment, such as Polaramine or Phenergan, for example, wash your panties or underwear before using and give preference to wearing cotton underwear. If the itching does not improve after three days of following these measures, it is important to consult a dermatologist to identify the cause and begin the most appropriate treatment.
2. Groin ringworm
Ringworm is the main responsible for itching in the male groin, as it is very common for men to produce more sweat and have more hair than women, being more susceptible to the growth of fungi in this region. In these cases, the region becomes red, itchy, the skin may appear to be peeling and spots and small blisters or lumps may even appear on the skin.
What to do: To stop itching in the groin caused by ringworm, it is recommended to go to the dermatologist so that the region can be observed and appropriate treatment can be indicated, which can be done with ointments, creams or antifungal lotions. In more advanced cases, your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications. Discover other treatment options for groin mycosis.
3. Hair growth
Shaving with a razor, or even with wax, causes irritation to the groin skin, making it more sensitive and this can lead to itching in the area. After a few days, when the hair starts to grow, the pores on the skin may become blocked and the hair may become ingrown, also causing itching in the groin area.
What to do: To stop itching in the groin caused by hair growth after shaving, a good tip is to apply a moisturizing cream, as in addition to hydrating the skin, the cream relieves the irritation caused by itching and, consequently, the urge to scratch decreases.
Other tips to avoid itching due to hair growth include exfoliating before shaving, using shaving foam and moving the razor in the direction of the hair, in the case of shaving.
4. Candidiasis
Candidiasis is the main cause of itchy groin in women and is normally associated with symptoms in the intimate region, such as itching in the vagina, pain or burning during intimate contact, redness, swelling in the vulvar region and white discharge. Despite being more common in women, candidiasis can also occur in men and lead to itching in the groin.
What to do: It is recommended to see a gynecologist, in the case of women, or a urologist, for men, to evaluate the region and recommend appropriate treatment, which can be done with antifungal creams or oral antifungal medications. Check out the care you can take at home to treat vaginal candidiasis.
5. Pubic lice
Pubic lice, also known as pediculosis pubis or flat lice, are more common in cases of poor intimate hygiene or sharing towels and underwear, and can appear in both men and women and cause redness, irritation and itching in the groin area.
What to do: To stop this type of itching in the groin, you should consult a dermatologist to prescribe medicine for lice, such as ivermectin, for example. Other tips to help relieve itching and eliminate irritation in the groin are shaving the genital area, using tweezers to remove lice and washing sheets, pillows and underwear in water with a temperature above 60ºC.
