Eczema often flares up in problem areas where skin touches skin, like inside the elbows or behind the knees, but one of the most annoying and possibly embarrassing areas to get eczema has to be the groin. The region is a warm, moist place for infections and rashes. Groin skin is more absorbent than other regions of skin, which makes it more prone to irritation.
Groin eczema, also known as groin dermatitis, is very common and has symptoms that are similar to eczema affecting other parts of the body. These symptoms may include:
- Dry, scaly skin
- Itching
- Redness or discoloration
- Broken hairs
- Blisters oozing clear fluid
Groin eczema is sometimes mistaken for jock itch, a fungal infection also known as tinea cruris. However, unlike jock itch, groin eczema:
- Is a chronic condition
- Not contagious
- May lead to thick, leathery skin
- May not have patches with clearly defined edges
A doctor can usually diagnose eczema by looking at the rash, but may need to examine the skin by scraping off a small sample for testing. Seeking a medical opinion can help get a proper diagnosis and recommendations for proper treatment for quicker relief.
Here are some treatment ideas:
1. Switch Your Underwear
To keep sensitive body regions clean and dry, avoid irritating chemicals, fabrics, or latex bands, we recommend our allergy free underwear. Here are some great 100% organic cotton and latex free options options to soothe groin dermatitis:
Shop for all our allergy free underwear.
2. Soothe with a Natural Cream or Balm
Groin dermatitis can cause itching and inflammation, so washing the skin with a gentle, specially formulated soap and using a natural cream with healing ingredients can help with symptoms. We recommend:
Emily Skin Soother’s Soap for Eczema – unscented and made with a special blend of Chinese herbs to soothe dry, chapped, red, rough, flaking, and irritated skin.
Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream – a gentle, nourishing, award-winning formula what will not burn or sting even the most sensitive areas.
3. Try Wet Wrapping
This quick and effective technique works on any part of the body. Soak in water for twenty minutes, towel dry, apply cream of choice, cover with a damp layer of clothing, then top with a dry layer of clothing. We recommend:
Allergy Free Underwear – or another 100% cotton, latex-free underwear for both the wet and dry layers.
WrapESoothe Eczema Suit or WrapESoothe Pants – to use in children in place of underwear.
Or try dry wrapping, without the mess of damp clothing. Check out Remedywear clothing for eczema which features TENCEL with zinc.
4. Heal From Within
The cause of eczema isn’t fully understood, but it is a chronic condition, meaning there are periods with symptoms and periods with no symptoms, called flare-ups and remissions. People can reduce the frequency and severity of eczema flares by trying certain preventative options, like identifying food triggers and eliminating them via an elimination diet. For more information and tips, see How To Get Rid of Eczema Naturally.
