The groin area in humans has a constant supply of moisture in the form of perspiration and other bodily fluids. This moisture content is especially higher in summers and, sometimes, even in winters when one wears several layers of tight clothing. This can give rise to rashes in this region. An important type of rash in the groin area in females is heat rash-also called prickly heat or miliaria. This is an extremely uncomfortable, itchy and painful rash which is sometimes accompanied by a burning sensation. Many women suffer from heat rashes in the groin due to the use of tight skinny jeans or nylon underwear. Heat rashes in the groin can also spread or increase, resulting in secondary skin infections.
In this guide, we will study heat rashes in groin in women in greater detail and also consider the right treatment for it.
Identifying heat rash in the groin in females
It is a bit difficult to identify any rash occurring in the anogenital area especially in women because many skin conditions can give rise to rashes in this region.
- Fungal infections like Candida or yeast– These rashes occurs when the pH of the vagina is affected as a result of fungus or yeast which increases for some reason such as taking antibiotics for treating other infections.
- Intertrigo– This groin rash in females occurs when the skin of the inner thighs rubs against each other.
- Jock Itch– Though more common in males, this fungal rash can also affect females. It mainly results from a fungal infection caused dermatophyte fungi.
- Miscellaneous– Some other causes of rashes in females in the groin area include chaffing due to tight skinny jeans and nylon thongs or underwear as well as razors used for shaving etc.
Thus, many types of skin conditions can result in rashes in groin in females.The main difference between these and heat rashes is that the latter usually occur in hot and humid environment when the sweat glands get clogged and the sweat has no outlet. As a result, there is formation of blisters or pustules in the afflicted region. In the groin, a heat rash occurs in form of red, itchy and blistery pustules that may start oozing clear liquid after a few days. Scratching the rash can lead to further complications as the bacteria trapped under the nails (or microbes in the underwear and tight clothing) can cause secondary infections in the fragile skin. These bacterial infections might require steroidal creams or oral antibiotics for treatment.
How to treat severe heat rash in the groin?
If you are sure that what you are suffering from is indeed a heat rash, it is best to wait it out for a couple of days instead of rushing to the doctor.
- Most cases of mild to moderate heat rashes in groin in females disappear on their own after a few days. In some cases, the rash might persist for a week or two.
- In either case, it is best to air the rash out by going without underwear as far as possible. The best time to heal the rashes in groin area is at night when you can wear soft pajama bottoms without other tight or restrictive clothing. If needed, you may even forgo of the bottoms. This will help the skin remain cool and dry.
- In fact; heat rashes occurring anywhere on the body do not need any special cream or topical medications. If needed, you can apply some Aloe Vera gel on the groin rashes. Aloe is very soothing and can help treat most kinds of rashes. You can also apply some Calendula/calamine lotion as these are specifically made for heat rashes or prickly heat.
- While bathing, you could add colloidal oatmeal to the tub water and soak in it. Oatmeal can help soothe the rash in the groin area and also cool the burning or inflammation. Alternatively, add some baking soda to the water as this can help reduce possibility of bacterial infections.
- Many top brand manufacturers have products specifically designed for treating heat rashes in groin in females. These include Aveeno® and Johnson&Johnson® etc. Their range of talcum powders and baby powders can be used for dusting liberally all over the body after bathing. This helps reduce perspiration which is the main trigger factor for a heat rash in the groin area in females.