Common Groin Irritation in Males

The most common itchy skin irritation in the groin area of males is jock itch, but other common causes of irritation in the region – down there, could include a yeast infection, allergic reaction, genital lice, genital herpes, genital warts or plain chafing.

Jock itch (tinea cruris)

Jock Itch is a dermatophytosis, a fungal infection, commonly caused by the fungi Trichophyton rubrum or T. mentagrophytes. It is characterised by an insistent itch and rash which may have a burning sensation. It could occur in the groin area, inner thighs and buttocks and usually affects adult men and teenage males. Treatment is topically applied anti-fungal cream. Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), is a natural product which processes anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and antioxidant properties and can be useful against a number of cutaneous conditions especially those involving dermatophytes.

Avoiding fungal infections

Fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, especially those which don’t receive much sunlight. 

• Avoid tight-fitting clothing
• Shower after exercising or when perspiring excessively
• Change out of damp or wet clothing
• Dry-off well after showering

Yeast infection (candida)

This infection is characterised by redness and itching. A shiny creamy/white substance may be present. This infection can lead to a condition affecting the head of the penis, known as balanitis. This can be a common infection due to its love of moist environments; it is an infection spread from a sexual partner; and due to the yeast which causes the problem is part of the microbial environment normally present on skin. The pathogen becomes a problem when there is an overgrowth or imbalance. This can occur, like most candida infections, after antibiotic use; in diabetics (due to dysregulated sugar, as candida thrive on sugar); when immune system is impaired; in obese individuals; and when hygiene practices are poor. Internal treatment using probiotic specifically, Saccharomyces boulardii. S. boulardii  can inhibit the growth, adhesion and biofilm formation pathogenic yeast. 

Skin irritation (Chafing)

Other problems can occur when the skin is irritated by clothing or skin on skin causing chaffing. This can cause redness, irritation and itch and have a burning sensation.

Choose clothing which does not irritate and apply a moisturising product to help with rubbing. Choose products which can form a barrier on the skin. Shea butter is an emollient fat extracted from the seed of the Shea tree with anti-inflammatory activity. Calendula officinalis offers anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and wound healing properties as well as having a mild antimicrobial action. Emu oil closely resembles the physiology of human skin and contains omega 3,6 and 9.

Allergy/dermatitis

If your skin is red, itchy and has a bumpy rash, this may indicate an allergic reaction. Changes in washing detergents, new clothing or other materials your skin has come in contact with may have caused a contact dermatitis to occur.

This can begin within a few hours of contact, to a few days. It is important to try to identify the cause of the allergen and remove it. Often once this is done the irritation will disappear in a few days. Applying a product for symptom relief which contains ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, albizia, calendula, aloe vera, chamomile or emu oil, may help reduce irritation. 

Neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus)

This is a common chronic condition characterised by lichenification plaques which form as a result of excessive scratching. Neurodermatitis affects females more than males, can occur in the groin area, face, neck, elbow and eyelids. Although not life-threatening disorder, suffers may feel anxiety and depression. This condition is thought to have a genetic, immunologic and skin barrier function connection. Support the condition of the skin emu oil, calendula officinalis, shea butter and products which can help reduce the chronic itch – albizia and emu oil. Support the immune system with echinacea, zinc and vitamine C. Support the nervous system with withania, passionflower or siberian ginseng.

Genital Herpes

This condition is characterised by a tingling or itching of the skin which can last between 12-24 hours. Blisters, redness, pain, irritation and inflammation can appear in the area affected. The blisters will often ulcerate and the skin peel and be irritated a few days after blisters break. The lymph glands located in the groin can become sore and swollen and some people may experience flu-like symptoms and feel unwell. Symptoms can begin around 7-10 days after infection and may take around 3 weeks to resolve.

Genital Herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused most often by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV2 is the name of the virus which most commonly effects the anal and genital areas, whilst HSV1 is responsible for herpes virus found around the lips or mouth (cold sores). Infection of the virus is through the mouth, genitals, anus or other small cuts on the body. Once a person is infected the virus remains in the body and can be become activated at any time. Activation can occur when the immune system is compromised, or when stressful or emotional situations occur or during sexual intercourse, but generally reasons for blister to activate is not completely understood.

Could it be Lice?

Lice not only occurs in the hair on the head, but this parasite can also infest the pubic area, known as pubic lice (often called crabs). The parasitic eggs are seen as tiny, white specs often at the root of the hair, and the lice are grey/brown colour crawling along the shaft – they are often hard to see. Pubic lice can be sexually transmitted or contracted from contaminated bed linen or towels. The doctor will diagnose and prescribe treatment for this condition. Wash all bedding, pyjamas and towels. 

Cancer

Any rash which does not resolve will often need a biopsy to rule out cancer. Extramammary Paget’s disease of the groin, penis, and scrotum, although uncommon, can cause itching and changes in the appearance of the skin.

With any new, unexplained rash or change appearing on the body, it is important to get a medical diagnosis to apply the correct course of treatment and rule out any serious heath disorders.

References

1. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/fungal-skin-infections/tinea-cruris
2. A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22998411
3. In Vitro Antimicrobial Activities of Commercially Available Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Essential Oils. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30421144
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/male-yeast-infection/expert-answers/FAQ-20058464?p=1
5. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/professional/SearchResults?query=Neurodermatitis
6. Quality Of Life of Patients with Neurodermatitis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3607245/
7. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1512/shea-butter
8. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/pubic/gen_info/faqs.html
9. http://conditions.health.qld.gov.au/HealthCondition/condition/14/188/62/Genital-Herpes
10. Advanced Extramammary Paget’s Disease of the Groin, Penis, and Scrotum https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4116380/