Itching in the groin is generally caused by ringworm (dermatophytic fungus) which is known as tinea cruris in the medical world. However, the symptoms sometimes also appear to be due to a bacterial infection (such as staphylococcus). Itching in the groin is generally felt around the groin, inner thighs, or buttocks which are usually damp and tightly protected by clothing. This disease mostly affects adult and middle-aged men. Moist skin is the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow. Fortunately, you can treat most cases of itchy groin at home using over-the-counter medications. On the other hand, to treat moderate to severe cases that last for more than 2 weeks, you can also visit a doctor.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Home Treatment
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms
The groin, inner thighs, and buttocks are the areas most often affected by itching because these areas are prone to moisture which promotes the growth of fungi and bacteria. While most cases can be treated at home, you should still visit your doctor for an official diagnosis as well as undergo tests to determine the cause (fungal or bacterial) as this can affect how it is treated. Symptoms of itching in the groin usually include:
- Itching, redness, or peeling of the skin in a ring or semicircle.
- Burning feeling
- Pain (usually in bacterial infection)
- Blisters along the edges of the rash
Step 2. Wash the skin of the groin 2-3 times a day using an antifungal shampoo
Keeping the area clean will help stop the spread of the fungus or bacteria causing the symptoms. Wash 2-3 times a day using an antifungal shampoo during your treatment.
You can buy shampoos like this without a prescription, some options include ketoconazole (Nizoral) or selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue). Many antifungal shampoos are marketed as anti-dandruff. However, skin fungus is a common cause of dandruff, so these shampoos are formulated to fight fungus
Step 3. Keep the itchy area dry
Excess moisture will make the bacteria and fungi that cause itching thrive. Dry the groin area after every wash and be sure to dry the sweat off the area throughout the day. Immediately changing sports clothes and washing them after wearing can also help prevent itching in the groin.
- Loose cotton underwear will help reduce sweating and allow sweat to dry faster.
- Change your towels every day while treating itchy groin, and don't share towels with anyone.
- You can use a powder like Gold Bond to keep the area dry.
Step 4. Apply an antifungal cream on the surface of the itchy area
Several over-the-counter antifungal creams can be used to help relieve jock itch. Apply after every wash and dry, and make sure to apply the cream all the way past the edges of the rash area.
- Choose products that contain terbinafine, miconazole, or clotrimazole. Brands of products containing this active ingredient include Lamisil, Lotrimin, Micatin, and Monistat. Always follow the instructions on the product packaging and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks.
- You can also apply zinc oxide ointment over another layer of product. This ointment will help protect the skin from irritation and moisture.
- Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after every time you apply the ointment or if you come into contact with an itchy area.
Step 5. Avoid using harsh chemicals on the itchy area
Harsh detergents, bleaching agents, and even softeners left on clothes can trigger irritation and make jock itch worse. Try to avoid products like these and other harsh chemicals that can come into contact with your groin during your treatment.
Step 6. Use an aluminum salt solution
An aluminum salt solution such as 10% aluminum chloride or aluminum acetate is an effective antiperspirant because it seals the sweat glands. To use this mixture:
Mix 1 part aluminum salt with 20 parts water. Apply this mixture to the infected area and leave it on for 6-8 hours. You should apply it at night because the sweat glands are the least active at that time. Wipe off the aluminum salt solution when you sweat again. Repeat this process until the sores on the groin are dry and faded
Step 7. Use a medicated compress to treat the blisters
The ringworm fungus which is responsible for most cases of itchy groin sometimes causes the skin to blister quite extensively. You can still treat this problem at home with medicated compresses, such as using Burow's solution. This solution will dry out the blisters and soothe them so you can continue with the antifungal cream.
Step 8. Treat athlete's foot
If jock itch occurs with athlete's foot, you can easily bring the fungus back into your groin when you put undergarments through your feet. Make sure to treat both of these diseases at the same time so that your groin doesn't get infected again.
Step 9. Try holistic treatments
If you prefer to use home remedies, there are several options available, including:
- Wet a gauze or washcloth with white vinegar (1 part white vinegar and 4 parts water), then apply to the infected area 2 times a day. After removing the gauze, pat the skin dry, but don't rub it or the infected area will peel.
- Pour 1/4 cup of bleach (such as Clorox) into a bathtub filled with water and soak in it every other day for mild cases. Be sure to dry your entire body after you're done bathing.
- Apply 6% ajoene gel. This extract is derived from garlic and contains natural antifungal compounds. You can use it 2 times a day for up to 2 weeks.
Method 2 of 2: Doctor's Treatment
Step 1. Visit a doctor if your condition does not improve within 2 weeks
If the condition does not improve within 2 weeks of undergoing home remedies, you may need a prescription antifungal or perhaps the itching in your groin is caused by bacteria. The doctor will prescribe antibiotics if this is the case.
The doctor may take a sample from the itchy area and send it to a laboratory for growth. The culture of this skin sample will help the doctor determine the cause of the itching in the groin, whether fungal or bacterial (usually staphylococcus)
Step 2. Talk about prescription antifungal creams
If your doctor determines that the cause is fungal, but over-the-counter antifungals don't work within 2 weeks (or more), your doctor may recommend a prescription antifungal cream. These antifungal creams include:
- Oxyconazole 1% (Oxistat)
- Econazole 1% (Spectazole)
- Sulconazole 1% (Exelderm)
- Cyclopirox 0.77% (Loprox)
- Naftifin cream 2%
- Note that econazole, sulconazole, cyclopirox, and naftifine should not be used by children. Side effects of these drugs include a burning sensation, skin irritation, stinging, and redness of the skin.
Step 3. Ask about oral antifungal medications
If these cases of itching in the groin recur, or if you have a compromised immune system (such as in people with HIV), your doctor may recommend stronger oral antifungals. These options include:
- Griseofulvin 250 mg 2 times a day until healed
- Terbinafine 250 mg/day for 2-4 weeks
- Itraconazole 200 mg/day for 1 week
- Fluconazole 150 - 300 mg/week for 2-4 weeks
- Ketoconazole 200 mg/day for 4-8 weeks
- Note that these medicines should not be used in children or pregnant women. Common side effects are liver damage, dizziness, convulsions, nausea and vomiting. If the doctor prescribes it, generally the patient's liver function will be monitored periodically.
Step 4. Talk about antibiotic options
If the culture results confirm that the cause of your condition is a bacterial skin infection, your doctor will talk about an antibacterial cream that needs to be applied to the itchy area. These options include:
- Erythromycin applied 2 times a day
- Clindamycin applied 2 times a day
- Metronidazole applied 2 times a day
- Your doctor may also recommend that you use an antibacterial soap to clean your skin before applying any medicated ointment. Over-the-counter antibacterial soaps such as Lever 2000 or chlorhexidine soaps such as Hibiclens.
Step 5. Ask about the choice of oral antibiotics
For more severe cases of itching in the groin, the doctor will prescribe oral antibiotics. Depending on the medication prescribed, you may have to use it for 5-14 days. Some antibiotics that may be prescribed include:
- Cephalexin (Keflex)
- Dicloxacillin
- Doxycycline
- Minocycline (Dynacin or Minocin)
- Erythromycin
Tips
- See a doctor if any of your symptoms last for more than 2 weeks.
- Avoid sharing towels because the microbes that cause itching in the groin can be spread easily through this method.
