Itch Between Groin and Thigh, Causes and Pictures
Most of us experience itching in the groin region every now and then, especially at the crease between the torso and thigh. It usually not a major problem and often passes within a few minutes without occurring again. The itching is often an inconvenience especially when the need to scratch is overwhelming in a public setting. However, sometimes groin itching can persist usually as episodes of intense itching that subsides and then recurs. It may or may not present with a rash and other symptoms such as pain, burning and inflamed lymph nodes in the groin.
The region where the thigh meets the torso is known as the inguinal crease or fold. It may appear as a well defined indented line in a muscular person with a low body fat content. In obesity, the crease may instead appear as a skin fold and this can increase the risk of certain conditions which are likely to present with itching. A number of skin diseases that can occur anywhere on the body may also affect this region but there are some skin diseases that are more likely to occur in the region between the torso and thigh.
Causes of Itching in the Inguinal Region
These are some of the possible cause of itching in the inguinal crease or fold, the region between the torso/groin and thigh. Since the region is constantly covered as part of social norms and may have to contend with garments that are not usually worn on other parts of the body, it creates an environment that is teeming with microorganisms which can complicate even minor skin diseases.
The itching may present with or without a rash. Constant scratching can increase the risk of infections, scarring and darkening of the skin in the groin region. The pictures below may include skin rashes that are found elsewhere on the body but may also occur on the inguinal region.
Trauma
Injury of the skin in the groin region is not uncommon. The inguinal crease is often affected due to undergarments and clothing. Chaffing of the skin due to tight underwear is a common occurrence and it can also occur with tight pants and swim wear. Another fairly common cause of trauma to the skin in this area may arise with removal of the pubic hair. Shaving and waxing can cause breaks in the skin which may further complicate with secondary bacterial or fungal infections.
Irritation
Skin irritation can occur for a number of reasons, many of which may also be responsible for trauma. Irritant contact dermatitis is where skin inflammation occurs due to the presence of irritants. This may include chaffing with underwear, sweat, water, soaps and strong shampoos as well as lubricants and other substances. The degree of irritation depends on the substance involved, concentration or intensity as well as the duration of exposure. It causes a red itchy rash and tears in the skin may occur over time particularly with scratching.
Allergies
Allergies are another major cause for itchy skin. It can be associated with allergy-related skin conditions like atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis. The latter, allergic contact dermatitis, arises when certain harmless substances (allergens) make contact with the skin and trigger and allergic reaction. The sensitivity to allergens depends on the individual. Contact dermatitis is common but most cases are due to contact with irritants rather than allergens.
Eczema
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a common condition mainly seen in childhood but it can persist through into adulthood. The hypersensitivity to certain substances (allergens) triggers and inflammatory skin reaction which presents as a dry, scaly rash which is white to red in color. It is very itchy and the skin folds are one of the more commonly affected areas on the body. Typically the elbows and behind the knees are affected but it can occur anywhere on the body including the fold between the groin and thigh.
Ringworm
Groin ringworm or jock itch is a common skin infection which is medically referred to as tinea cruris. It is caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. Due to the red ring-link rash that it causes it is referred to as a ringworm but there are no parasitic worms involved in the infection. The infection is usually superficial as the fungi can digest the protein in the outermost layers of skin where it thrives. The itching is intense and the skin rash may vary from red to dark brown in color. Yeast infections can also occur if there are breaks in the skin but do not cause the typical ringworm rash.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles usually due to an infection. Bacteria and fungi are the most likely causative organisms. It typically presents with tiny red or white pimples where the hair exits the skin. The rash may grow into open sores that are crusted. Pain and itching are common symptoms. It can affect hair follicles anywhere in the body but the groin region is one of the commonly affected sites. Although folliculitis usually does not lead to serious complications, it can lead to scarring of the skin and hair loss in the area.
Infestations
A number of parasites may infest the groin region and cause itching among other symptoms. The two main such parasites are the scabies mite and pubic lice. Scabies occurs when a tiny mite burrow into the skin where it lays eggs and triggers an allergies response by the body. Pubic lice (commonly referred to as ‘crabs’) feed off human blood and may reside on the pubic hair. Both infestations cause itching of the skin and rashes. The infestation can be persistent in some cases and may require repeat treatment to eradicate.
Picture of scabies rash
STDs
A number of sexually transmitted diseases can cause itching in the groin and upper thigh region, with or without a rash. These diseases may be caused by viruses, bacteria or protozoa. Genital herpes and genital warts are two sexually transmitted infections that typically causes itching of the genitalia and the area around it. Some of the other infections may cause itching but it may not extend beyond the genitalia to include the area between the torso and thigh.
References:
- Dermatology Atlas Brazil.
- Rashes on inner thigh. Medical News Today
Reviewed and updated on 10 August 2018.
