Itching of the groin is as common as itching anywhere on the body. For most of us it is an occasional itch that quickly subsides and is not a persistent problem. An itchy groin is often more distressing than itching elsewhere on the body largely due to social component of it being unacceptable to scratch or touch the groin in public. However, many of the same causes of itching at other sites of the body are also responsible for an itchy groin except for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) which are often isolated to the groin area.

Why does the groin itch?

Firstly it is important to understand the area that the word ‘groin’ refers to. The groin is actually the crease between the torso and thighs on either side of the genitals. However, most people refer to the groin as the entire lower pubic area, including the crease, genitals and upper parts of the thigh. Commonly the groin is thought to be the area at the front of the body that is covered fully by underwear.

continue reading 7 Common Causes of Itchy Groin and Skin Rash

Definition

Calcinosis cutis is a condition where there are deposits of calcium salts in the skin. It may also extend to the underlying tissue known as the subcutaneous tissue and calcinosis can occur even deeper in the body including within muscles or organs. In calcinosis cutis, the abnormal deposits are made up of calcium salts and not bone as is the case with osteoma cutis.

When abnormal calcium deposition occurs in the soft tissues within the body, it can cause functional disturbances some of which can even be fatal in the long term. However, the prognosis is not usually as serious with calcinosis cutis. The condition can lead to severe disfigurement, superficial pain and skin ulcers. In rare instances, it can lead to gangrene due to blockage of blood flow.

continue reading Calcinosis Cutis (Calcium Deposits in the Skin)

Definition

Perioral dermatitis is a reddish skin rash around the mouth that presents with small pimples, tiny blisters and sometimes dry scaly skin. It closely resembles rosacea but is primarily isolated to the area around the mouth. The pimples are not due to acne vulgaris despite the similarity in presentation. Perioral dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that is mainly seen in women and sometimes in children. Although the cause of perioral dermatitis is unknown, it appears to be mainly linked to the use of topical corticosteroids. It does not usually affect the lips and rarely extends to the rest of the face. The inner part of the mouth is also not affected.

continue reading Perioral Dermatitis (Skin Rash around the Mouth)

Definition

Morphea is a rare condition where patches of thick, hardened and discolored patches occur on the skin. Morphea also spelled as morphoea is a form of localized scleroderma, an autoimmune condition of the connective tissue of the body. In morphea, it is only the skin that is affected whereas in other forms the blood vessels, muscles and even internal organs are involved. Although morphea in some cases can affect the flexibility of joint at the affected areas, it does not cause any other significant complications about from aesthetic impact. Morphea is incurable but can sometimes resolve on its own without any treatment.

continue reading Morphea (Hardened Skin Disease)

What is calciphylaxis?

Calciphylaxis is a condition where there is abnormal deposition of calcium in the body primarily affecting certain small blood vessels and leading to skin damage. It is also referred to as vascular calcification as the blood vessel becomes hardened due to the calcium deposition. The main blood vessels affected in calciphylaxis are the tiny arterioles supplying blood to the subcutaneous fat and the skin above it. It can be life threatening and most deaths arise from complications rather than from calciphylaxis itself. Although the skin is primarily affected in calciphylaxis, the same process can occur in the tiny arterioles of internal organs. The consequences of internal organ involvement can be life-threatening even without an infection.

continue reading Calciphylaxis (Calcified Skin Blood Vessels)