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Suggest Treatment For Rashes In The Groin Area
Question: I have suddenly gotten a very bad rash in the groin area, between my lower abdomen and my upper thigh. I have been washing it with soap, drying it with a dry towel, and applying XXXXXXX & XXXXXXX First Aid Cream. This has been going on for a day and a half. The pain has lessoned considerably, but the rash is a very angry dark red. Is it a yeast infection? I am a 72 year-old female.
Brief Answer:
A few possible causes explained and advises given
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HealthcareMagic,
I read your question carefully and understand your concern.
A rash in the groin area can be most of the times due to fungal (yeast) infection. This rash generally starts slowly and takes a few days to develop. It generally is not painful but itchy and might get tender if you scratch it a lot. It is generally well-defined rash with clear borders and in many times it might be both sides.
If the rash has developed within a day or two it might still be a yeast infection but the chance of being a bacterial infection is higher. Especially if it is painful rash if the borders of the rash are not so well defined it goes more towards a bacterial infection. It might also cause fever.
Eczema is another possible cause but this happens symmetrically most of the times (would be expected to be in both groin areas), it is an itchy rash and not tender. It might also be in other areas of the body and you would know you have eczema (it is a chronic condition that generally starts at the young age).
Local reaction to something is another possible diagnosis if you relate the rash to the use of a certain chemical locally there.
So to conclude I would say:
1. If the rash is itchy and with clear borders and not tender it might be a yeast infection and taking an over the counter cream used for athletic foot twice a day for a week will be a help. Wearing cotton underwear is also advisable to prevent it. Being checked for diabetes is recommended as diabetes increases the risk for fungal infections.
2. If the rash is tender, not so itchy, not so well defined borders and especially if you are having some fever than more important causes of the rash should be considered and in this case, you may need to discuss with your doctor to initiate antibiotics for it.
3. Try to avoid chemicals or perfumed ingredients locally there to avoid any reaction in the area. This would avoid what we call contact dermatitis.
I hope this is helpful and answers your question but please feel free to contact us in case more clarification is needed on this.
Kind regards,
Antoneta Zotaj, MD
A few possible causes explained and advises given
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HealthcareMagic,
I read your question carefully and understand your concern.
A rash in the groin area can be most of the times due to fungal (yeast) infection. This rash generally starts slowly and takes a few days to develop. It generally is not painful but itchy and might get tender if you scratch it a lot. It is generally well-defined rash with clear borders and in many times it might be both sides.
If the rash has developed within a day or two it might still be a yeast infection but the chance of being a bacterial infection is higher. Especially if it is painful rash if the borders of the rash are not so well defined it goes more towards a bacterial infection. It might also cause fever.
Eczema is another possible cause but this happens symmetrically most of the times (would be expected to be in both groin areas), it is an itchy rash and not tender. It might also be in other areas of the body and you would know you have eczema (it is a chronic condition that generally starts at the young age).
Local reaction to something is another possible diagnosis if you relate the rash to the use of a certain chemical locally there.
So to conclude I would say:
1. If the rash is itchy and with clear borders and not tender it might be a yeast infection and taking an over the counter cream used for athletic foot twice a day for a week will be a help. Wearing cotton underwear is also advisable to prevent it. Being checked for diabetes is recommended as diabetes increases the risk for fungal infections.
2. If the rash is tender, not so itchy, not so well defined borders and especially if you are having some fever than more important causes of the rash should be considered and in this case, you may need to discuss with your doctor to initiate antibiotics for it.
3. Try to avoid chemicals or perfumed ingredients locally there to avoid any reaction in the area. This would avoid what we call contact dermatitis.
I hope this is helpful and answers your question but please feel free to contact us in case more clarification is needed on this.
Kind regards,
Antoneta Zotaj, MD
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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