Itchiness in the crotch can affect your daily routine. If you are affected by an itchy crotch, well you are not alone, up to 20% of the world’s population is affected by it.1
The itchiness in your crotch can be due to fungal infections, genital warts, and herpes. It can also be due to sweat build-up after exercise, soaps, shower gels, disinfectants, washing powders, and even new underwear!2
Let’s look at 5 common reasons for an itchy crotch:
1. Pubic Lice
Pubic lice also called as crabs are a type of parasites that commonly spreads during sexual activity.3 These lice will cause an itchiness in the area covered by pubic hair. Your skin can even turn bluish-gray or red due to constant biting. You may also experience soreness in the crotch.
You have a greater chance of being affected with pubic lice if you have several sexual partners or if you share your clothing and bedding with a person infected with pubic lice.4
How To Treat Pubic Lice
If you notice itchiness in your crotch, head to a medical professional immediately. The medical professional will examine and confirm the presence of pubic lice.
The medicine used for treating pubic lice contains a substance called permethrin. Apply this medicine to affected area as directed by the doctor and rinse well after some time.
Once the presence of pubic lice is confirmed, wash and dry all your bedding and clothing in hot water. Also, get yourself checked for other sexually-transmitted diseases.
2. Herpes
Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by two types of viruses, herpes simplex type 1 and herpes simplex type 2.5 Itching, soreness, discomfort, and tingling in the crotch area are some of the symptoms of being affected with herpes.6
How To Treat Herpes
There is no cure for herpes, however, medicines like Famvir and Valtrex can give you some relief by preventing or shortening the outbreaks.Consult a doctor for the diagnosis. The disease is confirmed by performing a culture of the lesion or a blood test.
You can also ease the symptoms by cleaning the affected area regularly with plain or salt water and by avoiding tight clothing.7
3. Genital Warts
Genital warts is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by human papilloma virus (HPV).8 It is commonly spread through sexual activities and by sharing sexual toys.
Genital warts are fleshy growth around the crotch area, they can be unpleasant to look at and may even cause psychological distress.9
How To Treat Genital Warts
Consult a doctor if you think you have genital warts. They can be treated by using medicines, by freezing the warts or ultimately by removal of the warts.
Doctor may even prescribe medication to boost your body’s immunity system which will eventually help clear off warts.
4. Fungal Infections
Fungal infection starts with itching and rashes appear soon after. The appearance of the infection will vary depending on the type of fungus that’s causing the infection. The appearance can be a moist and shiny area on your crotch, it can also be a red-brown patch.
How To Treat Fungal Infections
You can ease the discomfort by keeping the affected area dry and clean.10 Avoid sharing towels and change clothes everyday especially the underwear.
Fungal infections are treated by antifungal medicine or antifungal cream. Consult your doctor for the type of medicine or cream needed to cure the fungal infection.
5. Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a type of skin infection. It is caused when the skin comes in contact with something it is allergic to. The skin in the crotch area will tend to become red, dry, cracked, and blistered.11 Contact dermatitis can occur when you try out new detergents or soap.12
Other symptoms may include pain, discharge from the skin, feeling unwell, and having fever.
How To Treat Contact Dermatitis
Stop using the product immediately you think is responsible for contact dermatitis. The symptoms may disappear in few weeks time.
Also, consult a doctor for professional advice. The doctor may ask you to apply some moisturizer or ointments for relief. The doctor may even prescribe antibiotics.
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