Itching Between Legs: Causes and Remedies

So many things from irritation from sweating and chafing to a fungal infection can cause itching between thighs or legs. That itching sensation can be very strong, but scratching in the area can be quite embarrassing. Therefore, it is important to determine the exact cause of itching and eliminate it to resolve the issue. Sometimes, it is easy to handle the situation, but on other occasions, you need medical assistance and require more time to recover completely.

What Causes Itching Between Legs?

Your genitalia and upper thighs stay covered most of the time, so it is quite common to develop itching in this area. It is even more common in the groin region – the area where your thighs connect to the torso. Dead skin cells and sweat can accumulate in this area and provide a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. When you do not pay attention to the issue, the overgrowth can lead to a bacterial infection.

Sweat and dead skin cells always play a role, but sometimes, pubic hair and poor hygiene can further complicate the whole issue. Tight underwear can lead to poor ventilation and this can also aggravate the situation. It is worth mentioning that there are bacteria and fungi naturally present on your skin, and they can overgrow when you do not pay attention to proper hygiene. This can cause a fungal infection to appear. Jock itch is a common problem, which refers to the fungal infection in the groin region.

What's more, itching can sometimes be the result of sexually transmitted infections, allergic conditions, and skin diseases, like psoriasis. Therefore, it is important to identify the underlying cause to be able to find the right treatment option for itching between legs. If you are still confused and do not know what may be causing the itch, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

Remedies to Help

You do not always need to seek medical help to treat itching because some simple home remedies work great in most cases. Here are some recommendations:

1. Maintain Good Hygiene

To avoid itching between the legs, you should pay special attention to good hygiene. Be sure to wash the area thoroughly. You can use some antibacterial soap for added protection. Ensure that you have cleaned the area between the folds because this is where bacteria and fungus can grow. Do not scrub vigorously though because the skin in this region is quite delicate. If you are washing with soap, ensure that you have used enough water to remove all the soap. It is equally important to dry the area properly. Use your towel for good results.

2. Utilize a Drying Powder

Excessive sweating or perspiration can also make you deal with itching between legs. Perspiration is your body's way to lower its temperature. You may sweat more in this area because of underwear and tight clothing. Environmental heat can also aggravate the whole situation, and the same holds true for pubic hair that can increase the heat. When you cannot do much about the heat, you should try a drying powder to deal with excessive sweating. You simply need to apply it to the groin, genital, and upper thighs to get rid of excessive moisture. Look for a drying powder that also comes with antifungal properties.

3. Ventilate the Area

Since you have to keep the upper thigh, groin, and genitals covered most of the time, it is common to develop an infection in this region. A good idea is to ventilate the area when you are at home. Moreover, you should also consider buying light underwear and be sure to wear clothing made of natural fibers to promote ventilation. Wearing breathable clothes is important if you are prone to bacterial or fungal infections between your legs.

4. Pay Attention to Your Underwear

Chafing is among the most common causes of itching between legs, but you can prevent it by wearing loose-fitting underwear. Ensure that your underwear does not hold tight around your groin, genitals, and thighs. You should do it even if it means you can no longer wear those lacy undergarments. Men should opt for boxer shorts instead of briefs to prevent the issue. Also, ensure that you know what sized underwear will work best for you.

5. Use Antimicrobial Cream

To avoid dealing with a bacterial or fungal infection, you can always make use of antimicrobial creams. You should use these ointments when you already have some irritation between your thighs because constant scratching can easily lead to a bacterial or fungal infection. If you have deeper cuts, try an antibacterial cream.

6. Other Tips

  • If your thighs become irritated because they rub with each other while walking, you may want to lubricate them to avoid the issue. Keep in mind that chafing can be very uncomfortable and it can also lead to skin discoloration. Applying petroleum jelly to lubricate the area may help.
  • You may also consider losing your weight if body weight in this region is causing the irritation.
  • Another good way is to wear longer undergarments so your thighs do not rub against each other.
 
 
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