Itching is one of the things that can interfere with daily activities. Especially if you experience itchy groin, it will certainly look inappropriate if you scratch it in a public place.
The itchy groin area, usually looks reddish or looks peeling. In addition, the itchy groin on the edges can look like blisters.
Attacking the Moist Body
Generally groin itching is a fungal infection in the outermost part of the skin. This infection, also known as tinea cruris, can also affect the outer part of the hair or nails.
Groin is one of the locations where mushrooms breed quickly because they are moist and warm. Other areas where fungi develop quickly, including the inner thighs and buttocks. Fungal infections in the groin are also not uncommon with pain.
Especially for people with diabetes and obesity have a higher risk of experiencing itching in the groin due to fungal infections.
In addition to fungal infections, other causes of itching in the groin are irritation from overly tight underwear, bacterial infection of the female vagina, infection of the foreskin in men due to lack of hygiene, scabies and bacterial infections such as molluscum contagiosum.
For those who are sexually active, itching in the groin can occur due to sexually transmitted diseases such as genital herpes, syphilis, flea infections and warts.
How to overcome
The onset of irritating itching can make a person uncomfortable. To treat itching in the groin due to fungus, you can use an antifungal cream or powder. It is recommended to wash the affected area with soap and water before you use an antifungal cream or powder. Use evenly and regularly.
Follow the usage instructions correctly. Even if the symptoms subside, do not stop using creams or antifungal powder too quickly. Continue to follow the usage duration as recommended on the product label. This is so that the infection does not come back again.
When itching in the groin due to this fungus is scratched, it can cause bacterial infection. If this happens, antibiotic treatment is likely to be needed. However, it should be noted that the use of antibiotics must always be under the supervision of a doctor.
Treatment for itching in the groin needs to be done according to the underlying cause. If you are unsure about the cause, consult a doctor. By seeing a doctor and undergoing appropriate medical tests, the basic causes can be known and you can receive the right treatment.
Sexually transmitted diseases generally require medical intervention, for example, prescribing antibiotics for syphilis and medical procedures for removing warts.
Conditions to Look For
Although itchy groin itching is not dangerous, but there are some conditions that require you to immediately see a doctor, such as:
- Symptoms do not improve within two weeks, even after using an antifungal cream or powder.
- Itching in the groin occurs repeatedly.
- The infection appears to be getting worse.
To find out more, the doctor can do an examination along with taking skin samples in the problem area.
Prevention
Keeping the groin area clean and dry is one of the keys to preventing fungal infections. Dry thoroughly after you take a shower. In addition some other efforts include:
- Don't share clothes or towels with other people.
- Avoid too long wearing damp or wet clothes or pants, for example after you exercise or swim.
- Choose underwear made of cotton.
- Do not use underwear or pants that are too tight.
- Wash clothes, underwear, socks, or towels immediately after each use.
- When in a bathroom that is used for public use footwear.
- Avoid the spread of fungal infections from the feet to other areas, including the groin. Dry the legs with a towel at the end after finishing using them on the body. Then use socks before you wear pants, to minimize transmission.
- Use condoms when having sex with people who are not known for their sexual history.
- When shopping for underwear and swimming, avoid trying it directly. Wash first before wearing underwear and the newly purchased pool.
Even though it's annoying, there's no need to worry too much if you experience groin itching. Prioritize personal hygiene, in addition to providing the right treatment.