Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentNatural RemediesPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Natural Remedies
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Groin eczemacan 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.
Westend61 / Getty Images
Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes severe itching, dry skin, and scaly patches.
There are three types of eczema in the groin area:
What Are the Causes of Groin Eczema?
Like other types of eczema, the causes of groin eczema are unclear. It’s believed that eczema may be a result of genetics and triggers.
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:
Atopic vs. Contact Dermatitis: How They Differ
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.
Genital skin can be particularly prone to irritation because of sweating, tight clothing, and friction between skin surfaces. Urine and feces are also irritating to the skin and can trigger groin eczema.
Nutritional Deficiencies
What a person eats is vital to their overall health, and that’s no different when it comes to skin conditions such as eczema. Research has shown that there is a link between immune function and eczema. Since nutrients and trace minerals play a vital role in how the immune system works, it is thought that certaindeficienciescan increase the risk of or worsen eczema.
Specific nutritional deficiencies that have been investigated as possible causes of eczema include vitamins A, E, and D. A deficiency in minerals such as zinc, selenium, iron,copper, magnesium, andstrontiumhave also been considered to be possible risk factors.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
A type of eczema,seborrheic dermatitisis 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 acradle cap. When it develops in the buttocks of infants, it can be mistaken for diaper rash.
Although eczema triggers can be different for everyone, there are some common triggers such as dry skin, irritants, and stress.
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:
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
Psoriasis vs. Eczema vs. Rosacea: Know the Difference
Eczema vs. Jock Itch
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.
Scrotal eczema can spread to other areas such as the penis and buttocks.Research has shown that certain types of eczema may be linked to psychological stress.Feeling anxious, worried, or depressed can be possible triggers for eczema affecting the groin.
How Is Groin Eczema Diagnosed?
Your primary care physician can diagnose groin eczema. They may suggest that you also see adermatologist, especially if allergic contact dermatitis is suspected or the diagnosis is uncertain.
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 asmineralor 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.
What to Do When Your OTC Eczema Treatment Isn’t Working
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.
7 Home Remedies for 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 addedfragrances, 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:
Only use home remedies once you have spoken to your doctor. This will ensure that you have a conclusive diagnosis and can then try certain products that your physician recommends.
How Is Groin Eczema Prevented?
Some things you can do to help prevent eczema flare-ups include the following:
What to Eat When You Have Eczema
If your child has a rash that looks like groin eczema, make an appointment with your pediatrician to have it looked at as soon as possible. They can help you determine the best course of treatment for your child.
If you continue to itch your eczema in the groin, it can become worse. It can also remain aggressive if you continue to have contact with the irritant that triggered it.
Summary
Groin eczema is an itchy, red, scaly rash that affects the genitals—particularly the anus, scrotum, or vulva. It’s not clear what causes it, though genetics and certain triggers are thought to play a role. Triggers may include irritants (or allergens), nutritional deficiencies, emotional stress, and more.
23 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.National Eczema Society.Male genital eczema.García-Souto F, Lorente-Lavirgen AI, Ildefonso Mendonça FM, et al.Vulvar dermatoses: a cross-sectional 5-year study. Experience in a specialized vulvar unit.Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. 2022;97(6):747-756. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.11.006Pichardo-Geisinger R.Atopic and Contact Dermatitis of the Vulva.Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am.2017 Sep;44(3):371-378. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2017.05.003Weyandt G, Breitkopf C, Werner RN, Zidane M, Furtwängler A, Jongen J, Rothhaar A, Schaefer D, Lenhard B.German S1 guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of perianal dermatitis (anal eczema).J Dtsch Dermatol Ges.2020 Jun;18(6):648-657. doi:10.1111/ddg.14125National Eczema Association.Eczema causes and triggers.National Eczema Association.Eczema causes and triggers.Ibekwe PU, Ukonu BA.Impact of Weather Conditions on Atopic Dermatitis Prevalence in Abuja, Nigeria.J Natl Med Assoc.2019 Feb;111(1):88-93. doi:10.1016/j.jnma.2018.06.005Fleischer AB Jr.Atopic dermatitis: the relationship to temperature and seasonality in the United States.Int J Dermatol.2019 Apr;58(4):465-471. doi:10.1111/ijd.14289Vaughn AR, Foolad N, Maarouf M, Tran KA, Shi VY.Micronutrients in Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review.J Altern Complement Med.2019 Jun;25(6):567-577. doi:10.1089/acm.2018.0363National Eczema Association.Types of eczema: Seborrheic dermatitis.National Eczema Association.What is eczema?MedlinePlus.Lichenified.Berke R, Singh A, Guralnick M.Atopic dermatitis: An overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.8 Reasons your groin itches and how to get relief.National Eczema Association.Eczema and emotional wellness.American Academy of Dermatology. Eczema types:Neurodermatitis self-care.National Eczema Association.Available eczema treatments.National Eczema Society.Female genital eczema.Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician.2015;91(3):185-190National Eczema Association.Wet Wrap Therapy.National Eczema Association.8 Skincare ingredients to avoid if you have eczema, according to dermatologists.National Eczema Association.Eczema and bathing.National Eczema Association.Eczema and exercise.
23 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.National Eczema Society.Male genital eczema.García-Souto F, Lorente-Lavirgen AI, Ildefonso Mendonça FM, et al.Vulvar dermatoses: a cross-sectional 5-year study. Experience in a specialized vulvar unit.Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. 2022;97(6):747-756. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.11.006Pichardo-Geisinger R.Atopic and Contact Dermatitis of the Vulva.Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am.2017 Sep;44(3):371-378. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2017.05.003Weyandt G, Breitkopf C, Werner RN, Zidane M, Furtwängler A, Jongen J, Rothhaar A, Schaefer D, Lenhard B.German S1 guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of perianal dermatitis (anal eczema).J Dtsch Dermatol Ges.2020 Jun;18(6):648-657. doi:10.1111/ddg.14125National Eczema Association.Eczema causes and triggers.National Eczema Association.Eczema causes and triggers.Ibekwe PU, Ukonu BA.Impact of Weather Conditions on Atopic Dermatitis Prevalence in Abuja, Nigeria.J Natl Med Assoc.2019 Feb;111(1):88-93. doi:10.1016/j.jnma.2018.06.005Fleischer AB Jr.Atopic dermatitis: the relationship to temperature and seasonality in the United States.Int J Dermatol.2019 Apr;58(4):465-471. doi:10.1111/ijd.14289Vaughn AR, Foolad N, Maarouf M, Tran KA, Shi VY.Micronutrients in Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review.J Altern Complement Med.2019 Jun;25(6):567-577. doi:10.1089/acm.2018.0363National Eczema Association.Types of eczema: Seborrheic dermatitis.National Eczema Association.What is eczema?MedlinePlus.Lichenified.Berke R, Singh A, Guralnick M.Atopic dermatitis: An overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.8 Reasons your groin itches and how to get relief.National Eczema Association.Eczema and emotional wellness.American Academy of Dermatology. Eczema types:Neurodermatitis self-care.National Eczema Association.Available eczema treatments.National Eczema Society.Female genital eczema.Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician.2015;91(3):185-190National Eczema Association.Wet Wrap Therapy.National Eczema Association.8 Skincare ingredients to avoid if you have eczema, according to dermatologists.National Eczema Association.Eczema and bathing.National Eczema Association.Eczema and exercise.
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.
National Eczema Society.Male genital eczema.García-Souto F, Lorente-Lavirgen AI, Ildefonso Mendonça FM, et al.Vulvar dermatoses: a cross-sectional 5-year study. Experience in a specialized vulvar unit.Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. 2022;97(6):747-756. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.11.006Pichardo-Geisinger R.Atopic and Contact Dermatitis of the Vulva.Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am.2017 Sep;44(3):371-378. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2017.05.003Weyandt G, Breitkopf C, Werner RN, Zidane M, Furtwängler A, Jongen J, Rothhaar A, Schaefer D, Lenhard B.German S1 guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of perianal dermatitis (anal eczema).J Dtsch Dermatol Ges.2020 Jun;18(6):648-657. doi:10.1111/ddg.14125National Eczema Association.Eczema causes and triggers.National Eczema Association.Eczema causes and triggers.Ibekwe PU, Ukonu BA.Impact of Weather Conditions on Atopic Dermatitis Prevalence in Abuja, Nigeria.J Natl Med Assoc.2019 Feb;111(1):88-93. doi:10.1016/j.jnma.2018.06.005Fleischer AB Jr.Atopic dermatitis: the relationship to temperature and seasonality in the United States.Int J Dermatol.2019 Apr;58(4):465-471. doi:10.1111/ijd.14289Vaughn AR, Foolad N, Maarouf M, Tran KA, Shi VY.Micronutrients in Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review.J Altern Complement Med.2019 Jun;25(6):567-577. doi:10.1089/acm.2018.0363National Eczema Association.Types of eczema: Seborrheic dermatitis.National Eczema Association.What is eczema?MedlinePlus.Lichenified.Berke R, Singh A, Guralnick M.Atopic dermatitis: An overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.8 Reasons your groin itches and how to get relief.National Eczema Association.Eczema and emotional wellness.American Academy of Dermatology. Eczema types:Neurodermatitis self-care.National Eczema Association.Available eczema treatments.National Eczema Society.Female genital eczema.Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician.2015;91(3):185-190National Eczema Association.Wet Wrap Therapy.National Eczema Association.8 Skincare ingredients to avoid if you have eczema, according to dermatologists.National Eczema Association.Eczema and bathing.National Eczema Association.Eczema and exercise.
National Eczema Society.Male genital eczema.
García-Souto F, Lorente-Lavirgen AI, Ildefonso Mendonça FM, et al.Vulvar dermatoses: a cross-sectional 5-year study. Experience in a specialized vulvar unit.Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. 2022;97(6):747-756. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.11.006
Pichardo-Geisinger R.Atopic and Contact Dermatitis of the Vulva.Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am.2017 Sep;44(3):371-378. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2017.05.003
Weyandt G, Breitkopf C, Werner RN, Zidane M, Furtwängler A, Jongen J, Rothhaar A, Schaefer D, Lenhard B.German S1 guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of perianal dermatitis (anal eczema).J Dtsch Dermatol Ges.2020 Jun;18(6):648-657. doi:10.1111/ddg.14125
National Eczema Association.Eczema causes and triggers.
Ibekwe PU, Ukonu BA.Impact of Weather Conditions on Atopic Dermatitis Prevalence in Abuja, Nigeria.J Natl Med Assoc.2019 Feb;111(1):88-93. doi:10.1016/j.jnma.2018.06.005
Fleischer AB Jr.Atopic dermatitis: the relationship to temperature and seasonality in the United States.Int J Dermatol.2019 Apr;58(4):465-471. doi:10.1111/ijd.14289
Vaughn AR, Foolad N, Maarouf M, Tran KA, Shi VY.Micronutrients in Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review.J Altern Complement Med.2019 Jun;25(6):567-577. doi:10.1089/acm.2018.0363
National Eczema Association.Types of eczema: Seborrheic dermatitis.
National Eczema Association.What is eczema?
MedlinePlus.Lichenified.
Berke R, Singh A, Guralnick M.Atopic dermatitis: An overview.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.8 Reasons your groin itches and how to get relief.
National Eczema Association.Eczema and emotional wellness.
American Academy of Dermatology. Eczema types:Neurodermatitis self-care.
National Eczema Association.Available eczema treatments.
National Eczema Society.Female genital eczema.
Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician.2015;91(3):185-190
National Eczema Association.Wet Wrap Therapy.
National Eczema Association.8 Skincare ingredients to avoid if you have eczema, according to dermatologists.
National Eczema Association.Eczema and bathing.
National Eczema Association.Eczema and exercise.
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