4 Ways of Dealing With Groin Eczema
There are many unpleasant areas to have eczema creep up on you, but one of the most annoying and possibly embarrassing areas has to be: the groin.
Groin eczema, also known as groin dermatitis, is actually more common than you think especially because the skin in that area is thinner and much more sensitive than other areas of the body. Not to mention that it’s almost always in contact with clothing that can contain irritants or allergens that only exacerbate your eczema.
Please keep in mind that although these tips have worked for many eczema sufferers, I am in no way a medical professional. If you’re experiencing severe eczema or have a topical infection, it is always best to seek medical advice immediately.
Before discussing groin dermatitis relief, it’s important to understand the differences between it and fungal infections.
One of the most common fungal infections that develop in the groin area is known as Tinea cruris, aka crotch rot. Not only is this fungal infection confused with groin dermatitis often, but it is also has similar symptoms to inverse psoriasis as well.
Because all conditions are treated differently, seeking a medical practitioner to get a proper diagnosis on your skin condition is extremely important and will help ensure you find quicker relief.
If you are diagnosed with groin dermatitis, here are some ideas to find relief.
1. Switch to Allergy Free Underwear
To keep your most sensitive area breathing and less prone to fungal infections, opting for light, breathable underwear is important. In addition, often times, eczema in the groin is caused or further irritated by contact with chemicals in fabrics or elastic bands containing latex. So, for your best chance at healing your eczema “down under,” one good option is to switch to 100% organic cotton, latex free Allergy Free Underwear like these Men’s Elastic Free Drawstring Boxers, Men’s Hipster Briefs, Women’s Latex Free Panties – Bikini Briefs, High Cut Panty, Low Rise Briefs, or Women’s Latex Free Panties – Waist Briefs.
We also really LOVE these Remedywear™ boxer briefs. They are made with a unique TENCEL and zinc blend that was clinically proven [1] to reduce itchy skin and inflammation when worn just three consecutive nights!
2. Soothe with a Natural Cream or Balm
To keep skin moisturized and healthy, you’ll want to use a balm or cream underneath your latex free, allergy free underwear. Groin dermatitis can cause both itching and inflammation, so using a natural cream like the Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream can help wonders. Washing your skin with a gentle, specially formulated soap like this Emily Skin Soother’s Soap for Eczema will also go a long way, but use all soap sparingly because even the most gentle and moisturizing of soaps is still a soap at the end of the day and ALL soaps will dry out the skin at least a little bit. Never, ever sit in a bathtub with soapy water or bubble bath when you have eczema of any kind, especially in the groin.
3. Try Wet Wrapping
If you or your child’s eczema is being extremely difficult, you can always try wet wrapping, which works great on any part of the body. Start by soaking in water (no soap!) for 20 minutes, towel dry, liberally apply the cream of your choice, cover with a damp layer of clothing and then top with a dry layer of clothing. You can use the Allergy Free Underwear or another latex free 100% cotton underwear as both your wet and dry layer.
For more information, check out: What Is Wet Wrap Therapy for Eczema? If you’re looking for something a little easier to start off with, check out how to dry wrap in Our Eczema Trials: Dry Wrapping.
4. Start an Elimination Diet
Although the above suggestions might heal groin dermatitis temporarily, an elimination diet can eliminate any food allergens that may be causing flare-ups by creating higher levels of inflammation in your body and gut. To get started on an elimination diet, make sure to check out our blog post: Our Eczema Elimination Diet Success (How You Can Do It Too!).
Although eczema in the groin area can be annoying and embarrassing, there are many healing options available. However, if you are experiencing ongoing symptoms or are in a lot of pain, make sure to visit your doctor as soon as possible.
Do you have groin eczema? Let us know how you treat it in the comments below!
Bio: Laura is a contributor and content developer for It’s An Itchy Little World. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes. Please see It’s An Itchy Little World’s disclaimer for information about affiliate links and more.
References:
[1] Wiegand, 2013, Skin-protective effects of a zinc oxide-functionalized textile and its relevance for atopic dermatitis. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol; 6: 115–121. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3656624/
FROM: Eczema
My 2 year old son suffers from eczema and in the past few months he has had groin eczema. For most of his life we have been using Pamper’s Sensitive diapers because he had a bad rash from using the regular Pamper’s diapers at the hospital when he was born. The Pamper’s Sensitive diapers have been working great for him up until a couple months ago when he developed groin eczema. His doctor had us use cortisone cream to get rid of the rash because it was so bad. I refuse to use cortisone cream anymore. Now I have to put Vaniply cream in that area (even though the rash is gone) every time I change his diaper otherwise the rash comes back. I just switched to using The Honest Conpany diapers on him to see if this would help, but I still have to continue using Vaniply. I am not sure what to do at this point. I really do not want to switch to cloth diapers at this point in the game, but part if me thinks that would solve the problem. He is gluten and dairy free. I use allergy friendly shampoo/conditioner and soap on him. He reacts to coconut oil products when they are put on his skin (he can eat coconut oil and does not react). What should I do?
Hi Lacey – Have you tried clothe diapers? Most people that move to clothe from disposables due to groin eczema, see a great improvement! Two other things I’d recommend are giving these natural ointemnts a try: Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream and Emily’s Diaper Soother.
PROBLEM: itchy or irritation at scrotum area for about 7 years and slightly at groin area. Only the folds of skin behind the scrotum and in the groin are affected .Skin looks slightly white while rubbing and the area is hard. Itching is more active at night when there is sweating at the area. There are times I have scratched so long and so hard that I open the skin and bleed.
History: . I have a office goers and remain dressed for about 12 hours. Previously, from the years 2010 to 2014, I dressed about 15 hours and had a daily journey for six hours. I have taken advice from several allopathic medicines. Problem subsided as soon as medicine taken but aggravated after some time. I have taken medicine from homeopathy DOCTOR (practiced in Hospital) for about three months but result nil. Another homeopathy Doctor have also given me medicine but he said it will not cure as the area is always covered and advised me to apply homeo aleo vera cream, Silk ‘n stay thrice a day. I used it but cannot apply thrice a day.
Kindly advise me remedy to relieve myself.
With regards,
Partha Sarkar
Darjeeling,WB,INDIA.
Hi there – I’m so sorry to hear about your eczema! I would suggestion speaking with your physician about modifying your diet to see if any foods are triggering your condition, which is quite comment. See more in this post.
How did you cure it,Same problem as mine.???
IVE HAD THIS FOR FOUR YEARS I WAS FREAKING OUT I THOUGHT I HAD HERPES THANK THE LORD
I have itchy scrotum for three years, how can i treat this, it is so bothering.
I’m so sorry to hear that. Did you read our post and gather any ideas on things to try to help find relief?
I’m having similar issues. Eliminated jock itch (fungal) by having oral anti-fungal tablets, and no STI present. Has to be scrotal dermatitis. CHECK for: STIs, jock itch, vitamin deficiencies. Stop all creams, lotions, wipes. Loose and natural fibres clothing, wash everything above 60C, DO NOT SCRATCH- take an antihistamine before bed. If the area is damp/wet, it might have discharge (not necessarily sweat) so have something to soak it up until it the skin heals. Speak to your doctor about a very mild cortisone steroid max 7 days. Reduce stress levels, take a daily multivitamin, wash daily with mild soap-free wash or even water. Things will improve!
I’ve actually had this as long as I can remember. I’m 33 now. I guess I just figured it was part of life. The itch would come and go. I found the most effective method of getting rid of the itch (on the short term) is Gold Bond Medicated Powder. It’ll give me like 6 hours of relief if its bad.
I’ve had a recent awakening and want to figure out how to deal with this. I don’t want it in my life anymore.
Thank you for the information and honestly, just seeing other people who have a similar experience IE – more than a couple of years really makes me feel better.
I’ll put your ideas into play and also talk to my doctor. As things seem to be bit more clear now.
PS, I’ve read that symptoms can effect the nape of your neck which I have and have had for at least 5 years. I probably have a more advance form.
Any, good luck and let me know if any new information arises.
I’ve narrowed down my symptoms to a couple of things:
1. My food. Sugar especially seems to aggravate it.
2. Hot weather.
3. Tight clothing
4. Stress. – I recently left my partner and this last month it has been reasonably irritated.
I’ve had the nape of the neck and groin combination for 10 years now! Still looking for answers. Going to try melatonin at night and some weird pajamas with gloves attached to try to stop scratching.
Hey what’s going on guys I’ve had I guess it’s scrotal eczema since 2019 and it is absolutely been driving me insane what can I do