Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for Groin Eczema

Groin eczema can affect adults and children alike. Although eczema typically affects other areas of the body such as the hands, feet, scalp, face, inside the elbows, the neck, and behind the knees, it can flare up anywhere, including the groin area.

It’s not clear what causes this itchy, red, scaly rash. However, skin irritants and allergens are a common trigger for many people.

This article covers the different types of groin eczema and their potential causes, as well as ways you can treat this condition and help prevent flare-ups.

Types

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes severe itching, dry skin, and scaly patches.

In the groin area, there are three types of eczema:

• Scrotal eczema: Scrotal eczema occurs in the scrotal area and may spread to the penis, buttocks, and around the anus. It’s common but often mistaken for other skin conditions, such as fungal infection. Stress is also believed to contribute to scrotal eczema.
• Vulvar eczema: Vulvar eczema affects the soft folds of skin around the vagina, causing itchiness, redness, and sometimes pain. It’s one of the most common skin disorders of the vulva and can be confused with conditions like yeast infection.
• Perianal eczema: This affects the skin around the anus and can result in oozing lesionsand a burning sensation.

What Are the Causes of Groin Eczema?

The causes of groin eczema, like other forms of eczema, are not fully understood. It is believed to be linked to genetic factors and various triggers.

These triggers can vary between individuals and may include irritation from beauty or cleaning products, weather changes, or nutritional deficiencies.

Irritants or Allergens

Irritants or allergens may contribute to the development of eczema. Many everyday products that people use could cause skin irritation and lead to the skin condition. Products such as soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, and body wash could all cause atopic dermatitis to develop.

Other common irritants include:

• Fragrances and perfumes
• Fabrics such as polyester or wool
• Chemicals in shampoos such as cocamidopropyl betaine
• Leather dyes such as paraphenylenediamine
• Antibacterial ointments such as neomycin or bacitracin

Changes In the Weather

Temperature and humidity (the amount of moisture in the air) can also trigger an eczema flare-up. Temperatures that are extremely hot or cold can set off a reaction in the body that leads to the development of eczema. In areas where the air lacks moisture, eczema can also become worse.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Nutrition is important for overall health, and this also applies to skin conditions like eczema. Studies suggest a connection between immune function and eczema. Nutrients and trace minerals are crucial for immune system effectiveness, so certain deficiencies might increase the risk or severity of eczema

Deficiencies in vitamins A, E, and D, as well as minerals like zinc, selenium, iron, copper, magnesium, and strontium, have been investigated as potential risk factors for eczema.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

A type of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis is typically found on areas of the body that are oilier such as the upper back and scalp. It is most commonly found in infants and adults aged 30 to 60.

There is some evidence that suggests there is a link between yeast infections and seborrheic dermatitis, but the evidence is not conclusive. Also, seborrheic dermatitis can occur in the groin in some cases, but it almost always affects the head exclusively. It is not a common cause of groin eczema.

Infants are also susceptible to seborrheic dermatitis on their scalp and buttocks. When it develops on the scalp, it is called a cradle cap. When it develops in the buttocks of infants, it can be mistaken for diaper rash.

What Are the Symptoms of Groin Eczema?

The symptoms of groin eczema are similar to those of eczema on other parts of the body. They can include intense itching and a red, scaly rash.

Other general symptoms of eczema include:

• Dry skin
• Bumps on the skin
• Leathery patches on the skin
• Crusting skin
• Swelling in the affected area
• Blisters with clear fluid

Some symptoms are specific to groin eczema, depending on the area of the groin affected and who is experiencing it. Scrotal eczema is characterized by thickening of the skin in the area to the point where it feels leathery. The skin will also be red and inflamed with severe itching.

In vulvar eczema, the symptoms will be similar to those of eczema but could also include pain in the affected area.

How to Treat Groin Eczema in Children and Infants

Children and infants with groin eczema will have symptoms similar to those in adults. They may be seen scratching their groin area excessively to help with the itch caused by the condition. This can worsen eczema and lead to further inflammation.

Eczema vs. Jock Itch

Scrotal eczema is often mistaken for jock itch. Jock itch causes similar symptoms to eczema such as a red, scaly, and itchy rash. The difference between the two is that jock itch is caused by a fungus.

It can be difficult to tell the difference between the two conditions, but there are some signs you can look out for to distinguish them. For example, eczema is likely to start in an area other than the groin; the skin in the area may thicken and have the appearance of leather; and it is not curable with treatment. Jock itch, on the other hand, begins in the groin area and can be treated effectively with antifungal medication.

How Is Groin Eczema Diagnosed?

Your primary care physician can diagnose groin eczema. They may suggest that you also see a dermatologist, especially if allergic contact dermatitis is suspected or the diagnosis is uncertain.

Your doctor can sometimes diagnose groin eczema by just looking at the rash during a physical exam. They will rule out other conditions that can be causing similar symptoms, such as a yeast infection or sexually transmitted disease. A skin biopsy (skin sample) may be taken for testing in a lab. This will help to determine the source of the rash.

How Is Groin Eczema Treated?

Treatment for groin eczema typically begins with the removal of the trigger. For scrotal eczema, this includes stopping any over-the-counter treatments, wearing loose clothing, and stress management.

Other treatments include:

For vulvar and perianal eczema, treatment involves prescription moisturizing agents or steroid creams. The creams should be applied after you finish bathing or showering. Emollients should also be used in place of soaps and other moisturizers that may exacerbate the condition.

For children or infants with groin eczema, particularly if it is seborrheic, treatment will involve using emollients such as mineral or olive oil and petroleum jelly. This can help loosen the scales of the affected skin area. Once they have been loosened, they can be removed using a cloth. Ketoconazole 1% to 2% cream has also been shown to be safe and effective for infants with seborrheic dermatitis.

Natural Remedies

Some natural remedies may be effective at treating and managing groin dermatitis at home. However, they should only be used after receiving a conclusive diagnosis and instructions from your physician.

Switch Your Underwear Brand

Some fabrics can irritate the skin in the groin area. Switching underwear fabrics can be a helpful way to address your eczema and remove the possible irritant that is triggering it.

Try Wet Wrapping

Wet wrapping is used when an eczema flare-up is particularly severe. It involves using clean cotton clothing or gauze and wetting it with water. The wet wrap is then applied to the affected area under pajamas or other loose-fitted clothing. It is meant to relieve itching and inflammation.

Wet wrapping should be done after bathing and applying any topical medications for your eczema.

Use a Gentle Cream or Balm

Using creams or balms to moisturize your skin can be a great way to combat groin eczema. It’s important to choose a product that is free from any added fragrances, dyes, and other common allergens that may make the condition worse.

Some gentle ointments that can be used include petroleum jelly and mineral oil. They are often the first choice when it comes to gentle moisturizing. Creams and lotions can also be used, as well as skin barrier repair creams.

When choosing a cream or balm, you should avoid certain ingredients such as:

• Fragrances: Although fragrances may make products smell good, they are usually common allergens.
• Essential oils: Essential oils contain natural fragrances that can be just as harmful as artificial ones.
• Urea: Urea-based emollients can be used for eczema. However, some people may find it irritating to the skin.
• Lanolin: People with eczema may be more prone to developing an allergy to lanolin, an oil produced by sheep.
• Retinoids: Retinoids are often used in anti-aging and anti-acne products but can trigger eczema flare-ups.
• Cocamidopropyl betaine: This is a foaming agent used in shampoos and body washes. It is often marketed as a tear-free formula for children’s products but can lead to eczema. 
• Propylene glycol: Propylene glycol is often included in creams and ointments as an emulsifier, which encourages two liquids to mix together. It can also be found in many eczema medications, but people who are allergic to it will experience flare-ups.
• Ethanol: Alcohol can burn and dry out the skin, making eczema worse.

How Is Groin Eczema Prevented?

Some things you can do to help prevent eczema flare-ups include the following:

• Do not scratch the area of skin when it becomes itchy.
• Establish a skincare routine with your doctor’s recommendations.
• Wear the right type of underwear.
• Wear loose-fitted underwear and clothing when possible.
• Wash all new clothing prior to wearing it.
• Use mild, fragrance-free soaps and body washes.
• Take lukewarm baths or showers.
• Bathe or shower and change into dry clothes as soon as possible after sweating.
• Manage and recognize stress.
• Limit or eliminate all allergens and irritants you know about.