Itching in the groin is natural for everyone to experience as well as itching in other parts of the body. It’s just that, itching in this part is often more troublesome than itching in other parts of the body.
So what causes an itchy groin? Check out the following explanation.
Various causes of itching in the groin
Here are some things that can cause itching in the groin.
1. Not keeping the genitals clean
The groin is one area of the body that is always covered. This area is usually covered by more than one layer of clothing, making the air around it much warmer.
If you don’t regularly maintain the cleanliness of the genital area, this will make the groin area sweaty and moist.
The presence of pubic hair also makes sweat, dead skin cells, and germs prone to develop. This is what triggers people to experience itchy skin in the groin.
2. Irritation
The friction of the skin between your thighs and groin when you run or walk can cause the skin of your thighs to become sensitive and inflamed.
If you rub or scratch the itchy area, this will cause inflammation of the outer layers of the skin.
As a result, the groin skin looks reddish, rashes like burns, itching, and even scaly skin.
If not treated immediately, this red rash will get wetter and damp due to sweat, making the blisters worse.
3. Fungal infection
The groin is one of the most strategic locations for fungi to reproduce quickly because it is moist and warm.
A fungal infection in the groin is called tinea cruris or ringworm. In fact, the fungus that causes ringworm naturally lives in dead skin, hair, and nail tissue.
Basically, the existence of this fungus is not dangerous. However, the fungus multiplies quickly and causes an infection when the area it is in is warm and damp.
Apart from the groin, other parts that are prone to infection are the inner thighs and buttocks. This infection can be transmitted from one person to another through direct skin contact.
4. Genital lice
Fleas are parasites that can cause itching in the groin. This parasite is generally transmitted through sexual activity.
If you experience itching, irritation, and small white spots appearing on your pubic hair, you may have pubic lice.
This itching is generally worse at night when the fleas are more active and feed on human blood.
Pubic lice also cause sores on the genital area accompanied by small gray-blue marks known as macula cerulean.
5. Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis can affect any part of the body including the groin. There are two types of contact dermatitis, namely allergic and irritant.
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs in people who are sensitive to certain harmless substances, such as soaps, shampoos, and even detergents.
Meanwhile, irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the skin experiences irritation from a substance even though it does not have an allergy to a particular substance.
Substances that cause irritation can vary from sweat, urine, dirt, cosmetics, jewelery and tight clothing. Irritation in this groin area will then trigger itching.
In general, itching from contact dermatitis is not severe, but it can be annoying.
6. Intertrigo
Intertrigo is inflammation of the skin that appears between the skin folds. This condition is caused by bacteria and fungi that should not invade the skin.
Intertrigo most often occurs in the groin area and genital area, causing itching in the groin.
This skin inflammation can be exacerbated by many factors such as humidity, hot weather, wearing narrow clothes, to skin friction with clothes.
Areas experiencing intertrigo will appear reddish or brown in the form of large “fields” of rashes right in the folds separated by white lines.
Your skin may also appear dry and crusty, feel very itchy, and even emit an unpleasant odor that is different from your usual body odor.
7. Herpes genital
For some people, itching in the groin can be a sign or early symptom of genital herpes which is caused by the Herpes simplex virus.
This condition causes the genital area to become swollen, hot, reddish, and painful. Not infrequently, blisters or fluid-filled resilience can form.
Not only on the genitals, but watery lumps called elastic can also appear around the mouth and anal area.
Quoting the Mayo Clinic, some people may experience these symptoms several times a year and some people may experience no symptoms at all.
Genital herpes can be spread through touch, but more often it is spread through sexual intercourse.
8. Sexually transmitted diseases
Unsafe sex practices can cause sexually transmitted diseases. Besides genital herpes, other common sexually transmitted diseases are chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and gonorrhea.
Various types of sexually transmitted diseases trigger an itchy sensation in the groin. Quoting the MedlinePlus website, this sensation can turn into pain and burning.
If you experience an itchy groin followed by common symptoms of venereal diseases, such as itchy genitals, pain when urinating, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and pain during sex, consult a doctor immediately.
If you think you need a venereal disease test, ask your doctor. Talk about your concerns and what specific tests are needed.