Redness between the legs is a fairly common occurrence. And there are reasons for that. The skin in this area is very prone to inflammation. A large number of sweat glands are located in the groin. Constant humidity creates favorable conditions for the propagation of pathogenic microorganisms. Redness is often accompanied by itching and burning. Pain appears when walking and when the affected areas come in contact with clothing. What can cause skin irritation? And how to stop inflammation? We will answer these questions in the article.
External factors
Redness of the skin between the legs does not always indicate a disease. In many cases, inflammation is provoked by the following external factors:
- Neglecting personal hygiene. The skin in the groin often sweats. With insufficient hygiene, contaminants accumulate on the epidermis, and then bacteria multiply. This leads to severe irritation. Therefore, the inguinal region must be washed regularly. It is recommended to use hypoallergenic types of soap or gel. Hygienic procedures must be performed at least 2 times a day, preferably in the morning and evening.
- Wearing uncomfortable underwear. The epidermis in the inguinal region is very tender. Synthetic underwear often rubs the skin and causes inflammation. It is very harmful to constantly wear tight underpants, strings that crash into the body.
- Overweight. In fat people, while walking, the inner surfaces of the hips rub against each other. This problem most often occurs in the hot season. Rubbing the skin is accompanied by severe redness and soreness.
- Unsuccessful depilation. After hair removal in the intimate area, skin irritation often occurs. Most often, redness appears after depilation using a razor. This procedure must be carried out very carefully, trying not to damage the skin. Sometimes inflammation occurs after applying hair removal creams. It is important to remember that depilatory products intended for arms and legs are not suitable for the intimate area.
These causes of redness between the legs can be eliminated independently. It is necessary to carefully observe the hygiene of the inguinal region and give preference to linen made of cotton and linen. After hair removal in the bikini area, it is necessary to treat the skin with antiseptics, and then emollient creams and lotions.
With frequent rubbing in the groin, it is recommended to wear long underwear that covers the inner thighs. This will reduce skin friction.
Possible diseases
Inflammation in the groin most often appears with dermatological diseases. Irritation of the epidermis may be a sign of the following pathologies:
- epidermophytosis;
- erythrasma;
- intertriginous dermatitis (diaper rash).
There are other causes of redness in the groin:
- allergic reactions;
- sexually transmitted infectious pathologies.
Next, we will consider in detail possible diseases that are accompanied by flushing of the skin in the groin.
Epidermophytosis
Inguinal epidermophytosis is a disease of a fungal nature. Its causative agents are microorganisms of the genus Epidermophyton and Trichophyton. Infection occurs through the household. You can get infected through towels, washcloths, bedding and other items that the sick person used.
Fungi affect the skin in the inguinal folds. The following factors contribute to the active reproduction of pathogens:
- neglect of hygiene;
- excessive sweating;
- excess weight;
- the presence of wounds on the skin;
- stay in hot conditions.
The first sign of pathology is the appearance of red spots in the groin. First, the rashes have a size of up to 1 cm, but subsequently increase to 10 cm. The spot has clear boundaries and jagged edges.
As the pathology develops, blanching of the skin is noted in the center of the rash, and pustules and vesicles appear on the edges of the spot. The rash takes on a ring shape. Skin manifestations are always accompanied by severe itching and discomfort when walking.
Rashes can pass from the inguinal region to the inner surface of the thighs and buttocks. Often secondary foci of fungal lesion are formed in the scrotum in men, and in women - in the fold under the mammary glands.
Most often, inguinal epidermophytia is acute. But if untreated, the fungal infection becomes chronic. Signs of the disease can subside for a while, but with a decrease in immunity or insufficient hygiene, rashes reappear on the skin.
Erythrasma
This disease in its manifestations is very similar to a fungal infection. However, erythrasma is of bacterial origin. The causative agent of the pathology is corynebacteria. These microorganisms live on the skin of many people and under normal conditions do not cause any disease. Pathological manifestations occur only with uncontrolled reproduction of bacteria. The following adverse factors contribute to this:
- decreased immunity;
- sweating
- hot weather;
- poor hygiene;
- rubbing the skin with synthetic clothing.
Erythrasma refers to mild infections. However, the possibility of infection cannot be completely ruled out. Corynebacteria are transmitted through personal hygiene items and through sexual contact.
At the beginning of the disease, red spots appear in the groin. They may also have a yellowish or brownish tint. The edges of the rashes are usually smooth, less often - ragged. Over time, the spots increase and merge into one large tumor. The surface of the rashes is peeling, this sign resembles the manifestation of fungal skin lesions.
Itching is mild. This disease does not cause severe discomfort to the patient. Often the only sign of pathology is redness between the legs. Burning and soreness appear only when a secondary infection is attached. A complicated course of erythrasma is observed in patients with obesity, diabetes mellitus, as well as with excessive sweating.
Erythrasma is a chronic disease. Pathology most often exacerbates in hot weather, when the patient sweats heavily.
Intertriginous dermatitis
In everyday life, intertriginous dermatitis is called diaper rash. This concept refers to a group of inflammatory skin diseases provoked by excessive sweating. In humid conditions, various bacteria, viruses and fungi actively multiply in the folds of the epidermis, which cause diaper rash. This disease is not transmitted from a sick person to a healthy one.
The following symptoms are characteristic of intertriginous dermatitis:
- hyperemia and swelling of the skin in the inguinal fold;
- itching
- burning sensation;
- the appearance of pustules and vesicles.
In women, redness between the legs more often appears during the menstrual period, as well as during pregnancy and menopause. Hormonal changes affect the composition of the sweat, which can cause diaper rash.
In men, a sign of intertriginous dermatitis is redness between the leg and testicles. The reason for diaper rash is not only hygiene. In male patients, intertriginous dermatitis can develop against the background of hormonal disorders. Frequent diaper rash occurs with a deficiency of testerone. Lack of male hormone leads to excessive sweating.
Allergic reaction
A common cause of red rashes in the groin is allergies. This causes severe itching between the legs and dry skin. The rash looks like small pink or reddish spots.
The following factors can provoke such an allergic reaction:
- wearing synthetic underwear;
- the presence of allergens in hygiene products;
- the use of washing powder with flavorings.
Allergy sufferers should pay attention to the composition of gels or soaps. For hygiene of the inguinal area, only hypoallergenic agents should be used. When washing underwear, preference should be given to powders with a minimum content of fragrances and fragrances.
In women, redness between the legs often develops after using daily panty liners with aromatic substances. If you are prone to allergic reactions, you should abandon the use of such hygiene products.
Genital infections
Hyperemia of the skin in the inguinal fold can be one of the symptoms of infectious diseases transmitted through sexual contact. These are quite dangerous and insidious pathologies. In the early stages, genital infections can occur without pronounced symptoms. In the absence of adequate treatment, the inflammatory process spreads from the genital area and groin to the internal reproductive organs.
Redness between the legs is observed with the following sexually transmitted diseases:
- Genital herpes. Redness of the skin in the groin fold is the initial sign of a herpetic viral infection. After 1-2 days, bubbles filled with liquid appear on the hyperemic areas. Acute herpes is accompanied not only by a rash on the skin, but also by systemic manifestations (fever, general weakness). In a chronic infection, there is no impairment of well-being. The only sign of an exacerbation of the disease is redness of the skin with the subsequent formation of a bubble rash.
- Candidiasis (thrush). This fungal infection can be transmitted through intimate contact. However, in many cases, the cause of candidiasis is a decrease in immunity. After all, Candida fungus lives on the skin of all people. It manifests its pathogenic properties only with a significant weakening of the body's defenses. With thrush, inflammation affects not only the inguinal fold, but also the genital area. In women, the fungal infection extends to the vaginal mucosa, and in men to the urethra. With thrush, the inflamed skin is covered with a white coating. There is a severe intolerable itching. Cheesy discharge leaves the genital tract.
- Gonorrhea. With this disease, rashes and redness of the skin are rare. Gonococcus is poorly adapted for reproduction in the layers of the epidermis. Gonorrhea is characterized by purulent inflammation in the urethra. In women, the pathological process affects the vagina and cervix. Rashes in the groin are formed when a gonococcus enters the general bloodstream. In this case, redness of the skin in the inguinal region may appear, as well as a rash in the form of hemorrhages or pustules.
- Syphilis. This is one of the most serious sexually transmitted diseases. At the first stage of the disease, skin rashes are not noted. An early sign of pathology is the appearance of a painless ulcer with a solid texture. It is formed on the mucous membranes at the site of penetration of the pathogen - pale treponema. In women, erosion is often localized in the area of the internal genital organs, so it can not always be noticed. The rash in the groin and in other parts of the body appears in the second stage of the disease. It can take the form of red or pink spots, pustules, warts. This is a very dangerous sign. Some time after the appearance of rashes, the third stage of syphilis occurs, in which the gradual destruction of soft tissues and internal organs occurs.
If redness of the skin is accompanied by an abscess or vesicle rash, fever, discharge from the genital tract and pain during urination, then an urgent visit to a venereologist is necessary. Such symptoms may indicate genital infections, which, without treatment, lead to serious complications.
Diagnostics
Which specialist should be consulted for skin hyperemia in the groin area? First you should visit the local therapist. If necessary, the general practitioner will refer the patient to a dermatologist, allergist or venereologist.
The doctor examines the patient’s complaints and examines the skin in the inguinal region. The following examinations can be assigned to the patient:
- inspection of spots and redness with a special device (Wood lamp);
- taking a scraping from the affected area;
- clinical tests of urine and blood.
- collection of smears from the urethra, vagina and cervical canal;
- Wassermann reaction test (for suspected syphilis);
- gynecological examination (for women).
The doctor makes a diagnosis based on a comprehensive examination. It is very important to carefully conduct differential diagnosis, since the symptoms of many skin and allergic diseases are similar.
Therapy
What to do with redness between the legs in the groin? How to treat the resulting inflammation? These issues often concern patients. The choice of treatment method depends on the cause of skin hyperemia. After all, the inflammatory process can be triggered by various pathogens.
With any etiology of redness, it is necessary to treat the affected area with bactericidal agents. Antiseptics are necessary to prevent secondary infection and the appearance of pustules. For skin treatment use solutions of the following drugs:
- "Chlorhexidine."
- "Furacilina".
- Miramistina.
In no case should you apply alcohol solutions to reddened areas of the skin. This causes severe pain and burning, which leads to increased inflammation.
Doctors also recommend treating red areas with La Cree cream. This tool can be used for dermatitis, diaper rash, allergies, fungal and bacterial infections of the epidermis. The cream contains extracts of medicinal plants and panthenol. The drug quickly relieves inflammation, disinfects the skin and promotes the healing of the epidermis.
Cream "La Cree" is applied to the reddened areas about 3 times a day. This is an absolutely safe remedy, which is prescribed even to infants and pregnant women.
Treatment of the skin with antiseptic and emollient creams helps to relieve external manifestations of inflammation and prevent complications. However, with fungal and bacterial damage to the epidermis, etiotropic therapy is needed to combat the pathogen.
With inguinal epidermophytosis, antifungal ointments are prescribed:
- Lamisil.
- "Clotrimazole".
- Ketoconazole.
- "Isoconazole".
In severe cases, oral administration of antimycotic agents is indicated.
If the patient is diagnosed with erythrasma, then he is prescribed antibiotics in tablets and capsules:
- Sumamed.
- Erythromycin.
- Doxycycline.
With erythrasma, it is also recommended to apply ointments based on erythromycin and fusidic acid to the affected areas.
Treatment of diaper rash between the legs consists in the appointment of local remedies with zinc and copper sulfate. These drugs disinfect and dry the inflamed areas. It is also recommended to apply sea buckthorn oil and Panthenol cream to the skin, these products have a softening effect. For prophylactic purposes, ointment "Clotrimazole" is used, this helps to prevent the attachment of a fungal infection. Skin folds should be kept clean and washed regularly with water and antiseptic soap.
If redness is provoked by an allergy, then you should protect yourself from the effects of an irritating substance. To relieve itching, oral and local antihistamines are prescribed (Fenistil, Suprastin, Claritin), and in severe cases, drugs with corticosteroid hormones.
Drug therapy of genital infections is carried out taking into account the type of pathogen. Depending on the type of microorganism, antibacterial antiviral or antimycotic drugs are prescribed. Before starting treatment, it is useful to take a test for the sensitivity of the pathogen to drugs. This will help you choose the most effective drug.
Prevention
How to avoid inflammation and irritation of the skin in the inguinal folds? Dermatologists are advised to observe the following recommendations:
- Avoid wearing too tight and synthetic underwear.
- Regularly flush the external genitalia and inguinal area.
- Use hypoallergenic products for hygiene and washing.
- In hot weather and with excessive sweating, use special antiperspirants for the intimate area.
- When performing depilation, avoid skin injuries.
- Do not use other people's hygiene items.
These measures will help prevent diaper rash, as well as fungal and bacterial skin lesions in the groin.