What is groin irritation and infection?

Irritation in the groin (the area between where your tummy ends and your legs begin) can be painful and annoying.

What are the symptoms of groin irritation and infection?

Irritation or infection of the skin in the groin area can cause symptoms such as:

• itching, burning or stinging
• redness
• swelling
• pain
• sores on the skin (including blisters, ulcers or warts)
• flaking, dry skin or thickened skin

Skin changes can also affect your genital area, which may make it painful to urinate (wee) or have sex.

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What causes groin irritations or infections?

There are many causes of groin irritation or infections, including:

• 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

Other things that can cause groin irritation or infections are:

• getting sand in your swimming costume or board shorts
• a build-up of sweat after exercise
• disinfectants, antiseptics and ointments
• lubricants and spermicides
• latex products, such as condoms

Skin inflammation caused by contact with different substances is called contact dermatitis.

Irritation can also be due to:

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

Groin infections can be caused by:

• fungus (such as tinea or 'jock itch')
• sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like herpes
• other viral or bacterial skin infections

How is the cause of groin irritation or infection diagnosed?

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

Your doctor will often be able to diagnose the cause of your irritation or infection just by examining you, but in some cases they may:

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

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you have a groin irritation or infection that you have not had before, or that's not improving.

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

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How are groin irritations and infections treated?

There are a few treatments for groin skin irritations and infections. Your treatment will depend on the cause of your problem. But there are some general things you can do to ease the symptoms.

Self-care at home

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

• Use a cool compress or an ice pack — ice packs should never be placed directly on your skin but should be wrapped in something soft like a tea towel.
• Wear loose, cotton clothes.
• Avoid overheating.
• Wash your groin with cool water and a soft cloth. Avoid soap and perfumed products.
• Use an emollient (a medical moisturiser) such as sorbolene cream.
• If you have broken skin or sores, don't put on any cream or lotion until you have checked with your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you are in pain, get advice on the medicines you can take. A pharmacist can advise you on soothing creams and lotions.
• Do not share towels, especially when your skin is irritated or you have a skin infection.

Medicines for groin irritations and infections

Groin infections

Treatment for groin infections will depend on the type of infection you have.

Some fungal skin infections will clear up by themselves if you keep the area clean and dry.

A mild infection should clear up quickly with an over-the-counter cream or ointment from a pharmacy. However, if that does not work you may need a prescription medicine.

Some bacterial skin infections may need antibiotic treatment.

If you have a sexually transmitted infection, you may also need antibiotics or another medicine. If you are told you have a sexually transmitted infection, your doctor will talk to you about telling your sexual partners so that they can also be examined and treated as necessary. Avoid sexual contact until your doctor says it is OK.

Lice or scabies

Other causes of groin irritation such as pubic and body lice or scabies need to be treated with medicated creams or washes.

Other family or household members may also need to be treated. You will need to clean your house by washing bedding and towels. Talk to your doctor about this.

Skin allergy or dermatitis

If the cause of your groin irritation is an allergy, you must try to avoid the trigger.

Find out more about treating contact dermatitis and eczema.

Other skin conditions

Treatment of your skin conditions depends on your diagnosis. Your doctor may recommend prescription creams or ointments or other treatments. These should be taken as directed.

Can groin irritations and infections be prevented?

To help prevent some skin irritations and infections in the groin area:

• dry yourself well with a towel after showering, bathing and swimming
• make sure your towels dry out between use
• change and clean towels regularly
• avoid tight-fitting and synthetic clothing
• avoid things that can irritate your skin
• avoid activities that lead to excessive rubbing or chafing
• wash your hands before touching your groin area

Complications of groin skin irritations and infections

Many groin skin infections clear up without treatment. Very rarely groin skin infections can lead to:

• skin breakdown
• an abscess forming
• repeat infections

Resources and support

If you need advice on what to do if you have groin irritation or infection, 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.