What is groin irritation and infection?

Groin irritation and infection refers to discomfort or changes to the skin in the groin area.

The groin is where your upper thighs meet your lower abdomen (tummy) area. It can also include the skin between the thighs and the area around your genitals and anus. Groin irritation and infection can affect people of all sexes and genders.

Sometimes irritation and infection can happen together.

What are the symptoms of groin irritation and infection?

Symptoms can vary depending on the cause.

Groin irritation may include symptoms such as:

• itching, burning or stinging
• redness or rash
• flaking, dry or thickened skin

Groin infection may lead to symptoms such as:

• redness or rash
• itching
• pain
• swelling
• unusual discharge
• sores on the skin (including blisters, ulcers or warts)
• Skin changes can also affect your genital area, which may make it painful to urinate (wee) or have sex.

Read more about groin pain and swelling.

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What causes groin irritation and infection?

Groin irritation and infection can have different causes. Some things may contribute to both.

The skin in your groin is warm and often stays moist. Sweat, urine, vaginal discharge or other body fluids, together with rubbing (friction), can damage the skin's protective barrier. This makes the skin more likely to become irritated or infected.

Common causes include:

• soaps, shower gels, shampoos, deodorants or hygiene sprays
• washing powders or liquids
• excess rubbing of the area, such as through exercise or sex
• new underwear, especially if it's not made from cotton
• a build-up of sweat after exercise
• lubricants, spermicides or latex products (such as condoms)

Groin infection

Groin infection happens when germs such as fungi, bacteria or viruses affect the area.

Common causes include:

• fungal infections such as tinea ('jock itch') or candidiasis (thrush)
• sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as herpes
• other viral or bacterial skin infections

Conditions that may lead to groin irritation and infection

Some conditions can cause irritation, infection or both. These include:

• skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
• infestations such as scabies or pubic lice (crabs)
• skin cancer

Skin inflammation caused by contact with different substances is called contact dermatitis, and can affect any part of the skin, including the groin.

Read more about vaginal irritation and infection.

Who is more likely to develop groin irritation or infection?

Some people are more likely to develop groin irritation or infection, including:

• babies and young children — nappy rash and prolonged contact with urine (wee) or faeces (poo), including bedwetting, can irritate the skin
• older adults — urinary or faecal incontinence can increase moisture and irritation
• people with larger skin folds — skin rubbing together and trapped moisture can increase irritation and infection
• people who are pregnant or going through menopause — hormonal changes can affect the skin, making it more prone to irritation
• people with certain medical conditions — including diabetes or a weakened immune system, which can increase the chance of skin infections

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you have a new groin irritation or infection, or one that is not improving.

Also see your doctor if you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or have difficulty or pain when urinating (weeing).

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How is the cause of groin irritation and infection diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your groin area. They may also examine the skin on the rest of your body.

Sometimes they may:

• take a swab or biopsy (small sample) of some skin for testing
• suggest a urine test
• suggest blood tests
• refer you to a dermatologist (skin specialist)

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How are groin irritations and infections treated?

Treatment for groin irritations and infections will depend on the cause. You can discuss the best treatment options with your doctor or pharmacist.

Some fungal skin infections may clear up by themselves.

Self-care at home

Here are some tips to help you care for irritated groin skin:

• Wash your groin with cool water and a soft cloth.
• Avoid soap and scented products.
• Don't clean the area too often, and use a mild moisturiser such as sorbolene cream.
• Wear loose, cotton clothing.
• Try to avoid overheating and sweating.
• Avoid sharing towels when your skin is irritated, or you have a skin infection.

If your doctor tells you that you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), ask about telling your sexual partners. It's important that they are also checked and treated if needed. Avoid sexual contact until your doctor says it is OK.

Medicines for groin irritation and infection

Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on treatment options based on the cause. If you have broken skin or sores, do not put on any cream or lotion until you have checked with your doctor or pharmacist.

Options may include:

• soothing creams, lotions, ointments or an emollient (moisturiser)
• antifungal creams or ointments for fungal infections
• antibiotic treatment for bacterial skin infections
• medicines to treat an STI
• a steroid cream (corticosteroid) to manage symptoms such as inflammation

Read more about treating contact dermatitis and eczema.

If you are in pain, ask your doctor or pharmacist about pain-relief medicines.

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What are the complications of groin irritation and infection?

If groin irritation or infection is not treated, ongoing irritation can damage the skin's protective barrier. This may increase your chance of developing an infection or lead to other complications, including:

• skin damage
• an abscess
• repeat infections

Can groin irritation and infection be prevented?

There are things you can do to help prevent skin irritation and infection in the groin area:

• Keep your groin area clean and dry by bathing or showering regularly using warm (not hot) water and a gentle cleanser.
• Change nappies or incontinence pads soon after they become wet or soiled.
• Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing and cotton underwear when possible.
• Avoid tight-fitting and synthetic clothing.
• Avoid things that can irritate your skin.
• Avoid activities that lead to rubbing or chafing of the skin.
• Wash your hands before touching your groin area.
• Practice safe sex to reduce your chance of STIs.

Resources and support

• Melbourne Sexual Health Centre has information on preventing genital skin irritations through skin care.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.