Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsOther CausesDiagnosisTreatmentWhen to See a Doctor
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Other Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
When to See a Doctor
Heat rashon the groin is a commonskincondition that can affect anyone—from infants to older adults. It’s also referred to as miliaria, sweat rash, andprickly heat.
However, there are multiple other conditions that can cause askin rashon the groin, such as chafing,atopic dermatitis, jock itch,psoriasis, andpityriasis rosea.
This article explains the symptoms and treatment of heat rash and other conditions that can cause groin irritation.
Verywell / Laura Porter
A-Z List of Rashes
Heat Rash Symptoms
Heat rashin adults or children usually develops in areas whereclothingcauses friction or skin rubs together, such as skinfolds, armpits, elbow creases, the groin, thighs, or behind the knees. In infants, the rash usually develops on the neck, shoulders, and chest.
The rash can range from mild to severe, and how it is referred to is based on the symptoms a person has and the appearance of the rash.
Heat rash can take three forms, including:
14 Heat Rash Remedies: At-Home Treatment and OTC Options
What Is “Disney Rash?”
Other Causes of Groin Rashes
There are several conditions that can cause irritation in the groin area. These conditions might be mistaken for heat rash.
Psoriasis
Psoriasisis an inflammatory condition that causes skin cells to build up and form patches on the skin. The patches are usually discolored or red and develop white or silvery scales. The skin is dry, itchy, and may bleed.
The patches can appear anywhere on the body, but psoriasis usually affects the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
How to Treat a Heat Rash on the Face in Babies and Adults
Chafing
Chafingdevelops from skin rubbing against skin or clothing. The outer layer of skin becomes irritated and breaks down. Symptoms of chafing include skin discoloration, bumps, stinging, blisters, bleeding, and warm and peeling skin.
Irritation or Allergic Reaction
An itchy, discolored rash can happen when your skin comes into contact an irritant or a substance to which you’re allergic. This skin reaction is known ascontact dermatitis.
Atopic vs. Contact Dermatitis: How They Differ
Atopic Dermatitis
The Stages of Eczema
Jock Itch
What Causes a Genital Rash and How Is It Treated?
Pityriasis Rosea
Pityriasis roseais a small, scaly rash. It first appears on the torso and spreads to the upper arms, thighs, or neck. The rash might itch, especially when a person is exercising or gets hot.
They may also refer you to adermatologist—a doctor who specializes in skin conditions—to help diagnose or treat the rash.
What Causes Pain in Your Groin?
If the area is itchy, stinging, or painful, ointments and creams are available that can help soothe your symptoms, including:
Other steps that you can take to help ease the symptoms of heat rash and give your skin a chance to heal include:
How to Get Rid of Heat Rash
Pictures of Common Skin Rashes
Most cases of heat rash clear up with good hygiene and keeping the area cool. However, if you have signs of an infection, you’ll need to talk to your doctor.
Signs that heat rash has become infected include:
Do You Need to See a Doctor About Your Rash?
Blocked sweat glands can affect your body’s ability to regulate your body temperature, which could lead to overheating and heat exhaustion.
Signs of heat exhaustion include:
If you’re experiencing heat exhaustion, move to a cooler place and rest. If your symptoms do not improve, seek medical attention.
What to Do If Your Child Has Heat Rash
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Guerra KC, Toncar A, Krishnamurthy K.Miliaria. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls PublishingRendon A, Schäkel K.Psoriasis pathogenesis and treatment.IJMS. 2019;20(6):1475. doi:10.3390/ijms20061475El-Gohary M, van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, et al.Topical antifungal treatments for tinea cruris and tinea corporis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2014;(8):CD009992.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009992.pub2.Villalon-Gomez JM.Pityriasis rosea: diagnosis and treatment.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Guerra KC, Toncar A, Krishnamurthy K.Miliaria. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls PublishingRendon A, Schäkel K.Psoriasis pathogenesis and treatment.IJMS. 2019;20(6):1475. doi:10.3390/ijms20061475El-Gohary M, van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, et al.Topical antifungal treatments for tinea cruris and tinea corporis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2014;(8):CD009992.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009992.pub2.Villalon-Gomez JM.Pityriasis rosea: diagnosis and treatment.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Guerra KC, Toncar A, Krishnamurthy K.Miliaria. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls PublishingRendon A, Schäkel K.Psoriasis pathogenesis and treatment.IJMS. 2019;20(6):1475. doi:10.3390/ijms20061475El-Gohary M, van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, et al.Topical antifungal treatments for tinea cruris and tinea corporis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2014;(8):CD009992.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009992.pub2.Villalon-Gomez JM.Pityriasis rosea: diagnosis and treatment.
Guerra KC, Toncar A, Krishnamurthy K.Miliaria. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing
Rendon A, Schäkel K.Psoriasis pathogenesis and treatment.IJMS. 2019;20(6):1475. doi:10.3390/ijms20061475
El-Gohary M, van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, et al.Topical antifungal treatments for tinea cruris and tinea corporis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2014;(8):CD009992.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009992.pub2.
Villalon-Gomez JM.Pityriasis rosea: diagnosis and treatment.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
