What is scabies and how is it transmitted. How can you identify scabies symptoms in the groin area. What are the most effective treatment options for scabies. How can you prevent scabies infection and protect your partners.

Understanding Scabies: A Highly Contagious Skin Condition

Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. These tiny parasites burrow into the upper layers of the skin, where they lay eggs and reproduce. The resulting immune response leads to intense itching and various skin manifestations.

Is scabies considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? While not exclusively an STI, scabies can indeed be transmitted through sexual contact due to the prolonged skin-to-skin contact involved. However, it’s important to note that scabies can also spread through non-sexual close physical contact or by sharing contaminated items.

Transmission of Scabies

How does scabies spread from person to person? The primary modes of transmission include:

• Direct skin-to-skin contact (both sexual and non-sexual)
• Sexual activity
• Contact with contaminated items such as towels, bedding, or clothing

The highly contagious nature of scabies means that if one person in a household or intimate relationship becomes infected, others are at high risk of contracting the infestation as well.

Recognizing Scabies Symptoms in the Groin Area

Identifying scabies can be challenging due to the microscopic size of the mites. However, several telltale signs can help in diagnosis, particularly when they appear in the groin region:

• Intense itching, often worsening at night or after hot showers
• Silvery lines under the skin (burrow markings)
• Small, red, raised bumps on the skin surface
• Rashes in skin folds, including the genitals and buttocks

Why does scabies often affect the groin area? The warm, moist environment of the groin provides ideal conditions for mites to thrive. Additionally, the thin and sensitive skin in this region makes it more susceptible to infestation and irritation.

Other Commonly Affected Areas

While the groin is a frequent site of scabies infestation, other parts of the body may also be affected, including:

• Between fingers and toes
• Under fingernails
• Around the waistline
• In the folds of the knees and elbows
• Under the breasts in women

Diagnosing Scabies: When to Seek Medical Attention

If you suspect you may have scabies, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. A doctor can confirm the presence of scabies through a combination of visual examination and, if necessary, skin scrapings to identify mites, eggs, or fecal matter under a microscope.

How long does it take for scabies symptoms to appear after infection? For first-time infections, the incubation period typically ranges from 4 to 6 weeks. However, if you’ve been previously infected, symptoms may manifest within a few days of exposure.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Scabies

Once diagnosed, scabies requires prompt treatment to eliminate the infestation and prevent further spread. The primary treatment options include:

1. Topical medications: Prescription-strength creams or lotions containing permethrin, malathion, or benzyl benzoate
2. Oral medications: In severe cases or for those who can’t use topical treatments, oral ivermectin may be prescribed
3. Environmental measures: Washing all bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water (at least 50°C) and drying them thoroughly

How should scabies medications be applied for maximum effectiveness? Follow these steps:

• Apply the cream or lotion to clean, dry skin from the neck down
• Pay special attention to areas between fingers, under nails, and in skin folds
• Leave the treatment on for 12-24 hours before washing off
• Reapply to any areas washed within the treatment period
• Repeat the treatment after 7 days to ensure all newly hatched mites are eliminated

Managing Scabies Symptoms and Complications

While treatment effectively eliminates the mites, itching may persist for several weeks due to the body’s ongoing immune response. To manage discomfort and prevent complications:

• Use over-the-counter antihistamines to reduce itching
• Apply cool compresses to soothe irritated skin
• Keep fingernails short to minimize skin damage from scratching
• Monitor for signs of secondary bacterial infections, which may require antibiotic treatment

Can scabies lead to long-term health issues if left untreated? While scabies itself doesn’t cause permanent damage, prolonged infestations can lead to chronic skin conditions, secondary infections, and in rare cases, a more severe form known as crusted scabies in immunocompromised individuals.

Preventing Scabies: Protective Measures and Partner Care

Preventing scabies involves a combination of personal hygiene practices and careful management of close contacts. Key prevention strategies include:

• Maintaining monogamous sexual relationships with uninfected partners
• Limiting the number of sexual partners
• Undergoing regular STI screenings
• Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals
• Refraining from sharing personal items like clothing or bedding

Do condoms protect against scabies transmission? Unlike many other STIs, condoms and dental dams do not provide effective protection against scabies, as the mites can infest any area of skin-to-skin contact.

Talking to Partners About Scabies

Open communication with sexual partners is crucial in managing and preventing scabies infections. While it may feel uncomfortable, discussing STIs, including scabies, is an important aspect of responsible sexual health. Choose a relaxed moment to have this conversation, emphasizing mutual care and prevention.

Beyond Treatment: Long-term Management and Follow-up Care

After completing scabies treatment, it’s important to remain vigilant and take steps to prevent reinfestation:

• Monitor for any recurring symptoms and seek prompt medical attention if they appear
• Ensure all close contacts, including sexual partners and household members, receive treatment simultaneously
• Continue to practice good hygiene and avoid sharing personal items
• Attend follow-up appointments as recommended by your healthcare provider

How long should you wait before resuming sexual activity after scabies treatment? It’s generally advised to avoid sexual contact until both you and your partner(s) have completed the full course of treatment and been cleared by a healthcare professional.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Dealing with scabies can be emotionally challenging, often causing feelings of embarrassment or anxiety. Remember that scabies is a common condition that can affect anyone, regardless of personal hygiene. Seeking support from healthcare providers, counselors, or support groups can be beneficial in managing the psychological aspects of the infection.

In conclusion, while scabies can be an uncomfortable and distressing condition, especially when it affects sensitive areas like the groin, it is treatable and manageable with proper care and attention. By understanding the symptoms, seeking prompt medical care, and following prevention strategies, you can effectively combat scabies and maintain your sexual health. Remember, open communication with partners and healthcare providers is key to managing this and other sexually transmitted infections.

Scabies (sexually transmitted infection)

Scabies (sexually transmitted infection)

What is scabies?

Scabies is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, a mite which lays its eggs under the surface of your skin and reproduces. When the eggs hatch, mites crawl out onto your skin and make new burrows.

The mites can be difficult to identify and may be confused with pubic lice as both conditions cause itching in the genital area.

Is scabies a sexually transmitted infection?

Scabies can be classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), because it can be spread through sexual contact.

How do you get scabies?

The incubation period for scabies is usually 4 to 6 weeks for first infections and if you are reinfected you may get symptoms within a few days.

Scabies is spread through:

• direct skin-to-skin contact – non-sexual and sexual
• sexual activity
• contact with towels underclothing or bedding of an infected person.

It is extremely contagious, so if you have scabies your sexual partners will also need treatment.

How do I know if I have scabies?

The scabies mites are tiny and can be difficult to see.

Scabies (meaning ‘to scratch’), is a condition primarily characterised by intense itching which is usually worse at night or after a hot shower or bath.

You may also see silvery lines (burrow markings) under your skin. Sometimes you may get small, red, raised lumps on the surface of your skin.

Skin rashes are generally found in the skin folds including:

• genitals or bottom
• knees
• waistline
• hands, wrists, and between your fingers.

How do I protect myself (and my partner) from getting scabies?

• Have a long-term relationship where neither of you is already infected, and neither of you has other partners.
• Limit your sex partners – the fewer people you have sex with, the less chance of having sex with someone who has genital warts or other STIs.
• Have regular STI check-ups.
• Using condoms and dental dams (external site) will not protect you against scabies.  

Talking about STIs

This can be difficult, but the person you have sex with has a right to know if you have an STI.

Discuss it when you are feeling relaxed and confident, not just before you have sex.

Your partner will appreciate your honesty and that you don’t want to infect him/her. You have the right to know if they are infected, too.

What do I do if I have scabies?

• See your doctor for a diagnosis if you think you may have scabies.
• Don’t have sex until the scabies has been treated.
• Advise your sexual partner/s to seek treatment for scabies.

How do I get treated?

Treatment includes:

• anti-scabies lotions (as directed by doctor or pharmacist)
• washing all bed linen, towels and clothing in hot water at a temperature of at least 50 °C and dry them well
• avoiding skin-to-skin contact with your sexual partner/s until treatment is completed.

The itching from scabies often lasts for up to 4 weeks after successful treatment.

Applying the treatment

Follow this advice to effectively treat scabies: 

• Creams and lotions are better absorbed after a shower and towel drying.
• Apply a thin layer of the cream or lotion to your whole body surface, from the chin down. A pastry brush may make it easier to apply.
• If possible, ask someone else to apply it for you. This will make sure your whole body surface is covered.
• Avoid your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Pay particular attention to the areas between your fingers, under your nails, the soles of your feet and between your buttocks.
• Do not wash your hands after treatment.
• Leave treatment on the body for 12 to 24 hours and then wash thoroughly. People often choose to apply the cream in the evening and leave it on overnight.
• Re-apply the cream to any area that has been washed within 12 to 24 hours.
• The treatment may need to be repeated in a week’s time to kill recently hatched mites.
• If the pimples or spots become infected, antibiotics may be necessary.

Where to get help

• See your doctor.
• Ring healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222.
• Call the Sexual Health Helpline (9227 6178 for metropolitan callers or 1800 198 204 for country callers).
• Visit the Could I Have It website (external site) for information and free online chlamydia testing (external site).
• Contact your local sexual health clinic (external site).

Remember

• You can get scabies from direct skin-to-skin contact from an infected person.
• Scabies is caused by mites infesting the skin – it is highly contagious.
• Treatment involves non-prescribed creams or lotions.
• Your sexual partners will also need treatment.

Acknowledgements

Public Health

This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

See also

• 
  Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)




• 
  Contact tracing




• 
  Scabies

Scabies-Itch Mite Rash

Is this your child’s symptom?

• A very itchy rash caused by the scabies mite
• A mite is a tiny, invisible bug that burrows under the skin
• A doctor has told you your child has scabies or
• Your child has had close contact with another person who has it

Symptoms of Scabies

• Widespread little red, bumpy rash that mainly involves the skin folds.
• Intense itching is the main symptom. If it doesn’t itch, it’s not scabies.
• Appearance. The small red bumps are often in short straight or wavy lines. These are the burrows/tunnels of the mite. The bump or water blister is where the mite entered the skin.
• Location. Classic scabies is found in skin creases such as finger webs. Hands and wrists are the most common sites. Armpits, groin, scrotum, buttocks, navel, waist, and ankles can be involved.
• The face and neck are usually spared. In infants, the rash can involve the face and scalp.
• The rash usually looks the same on both sides of the body.

Cause of Scabies

• Scabies mite
• Scabies comes from skin-to-skin contact with someone who has scabies.
• After contact, a person will come down with scabies rash in 4 to 6 weeks.
• Itching is the first symptom.
• The rash and itching are the body’s allergic reaction to mites in the skin.
• Can occur in anyone and does not mean poor hygiene.
• Scabies mites do not carry any disease.

Prevention of Spread to Others

• Scabies is very contagious and prevention is difficult.
• It’s best to treat everyone who has had close contact.

When to Call for Scabies-Itch Mite Rash

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Spreading red area or streak with fever
• Your child looks or acts very sick

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Spreading red area or streak, but no fever
• You think your child needs to be seen

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

• Your child had close contact with someone with scabies and not treated
• Yellow soft scab that drains pus or gets bigger, not better with antibiotic ointment
• Severe itching not better after 48 hours of steroid cream and allergy medicine
• Rash goes away with treatment and then returns
• After 4 weeks, itch is still present
• You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

• Scabies infection

Seattle Children’s Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

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  Federal Way
  
  
  
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Care Advice for Scabies

1. What You Should Know About Scabies:
   • Scabies are easy to treat. Itching is the problem.
   • The itching normally lasts for 2 weeks after the scabies mites are killed.
   • Treatment with the anti-scabies cream does not help the itch.
   • The itching is an allergic reaction. The body reacts to the dead mites and eggs in the skin. It continues until all the skin containing the dead mites is shed. This usually takes 2 weeks.
   • Continuing to have the itch does not mean that the treatment didn’t work. It also doesn’t mean that it needs to be repeated.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Treating Close Contacts:
   • Scabies is easily spread to others. The symptoms don’t start for an average of 30 days.
   • Therefore, everyone living in the house should be treated before they develop a rash.
   • Close contacts only need to be treated once with the scabies cream.
3. Anti-Scabies Medicine (Prescription):
   • Scabies is treated with a prescription cream. (Currently, the most common product is Elimite).
   • If applied correctly, it’s almost 100% effective at curing scabies.
   • Apply the cream from the chin to the toes. Cover every square inch of the body. Don’t forget the navel, between the toes, under the fingernails and all the creases.
   • Areas that don’t seem infected still need to be covered with the cream.
   • Caution: Infants less than 1 year old also need the cream applied to the head. Put it on the scalp, forehead, temples, ears and neck. Avoid putting it around the eyes and mouth.
   • Bedtime is usually the best time to apply it.
   • Eight to 12 hours later give your child a bath with warm water. This will remove the cream.
   • One treatment is usually effective. For severe rashes, repeat the treatment 1 week later.
   • Approved for as young as 2 months old.
4. Steroid Cream for Itching:
   • For relief of itching, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid). No prescription is needed.
   • Do this 3 times per day to the most itchy spots.
5. Allergy Medicine for Itching:
   • If itching becomes severe, give an allergy medicine, such as Benadryl.
   • No prescription is needed. Age limit: 1 and older.
   • If needed longer than a few days, switch to a long-acting antihistamine, such as Zyrtec. Age limit: 2 and older.
6. Cool Baths for Itching:
   • For flare-ups of itching, give your child a cool or lukewarm bath. Bathe for 10 minutes.
   • Can add baking soda 2 ounces (60 mL) per tub.
   • Avoid all soaps. Reason: Soaps make the itching worse.
7. Cut Nails for Itching:
   • Discourage scratching.
   • Cut the fingernails short. Reason: Prevents a skin infection from bacteria.
8. Cleaning the House:
   • Live scabies mites are in clothing your child has worn in the last 3 days.
   • Machine wash all your child’s sheets, pillowcases, underwear, pajamas, and other recently worn clothing. Use hot water. High dryer temps also kill mites.
   • Put items that can’t be washed (such as blankets) into plastic bags. You need to keep them in the bags for 4 days to kill the mites. Scabies cannot live off the human skin for more than 3 days.
9. What to Expect:
   • One treatment with a prescription anti-scabies cream usually helps. This usually kills all the scabies mites and eggs. Make sure you leave it on for 8-12 hours.
   • The rash will heal up and go away in 2 weeks. There shouldn’t be any new rash after treatment.
   • The itching may last up to 4 weeks. Reason: It’s an allergic reaction to the dead scabies.
10. Return to School:
    • Your child can return 24 hours after one treatment with the anti-scabies cream.
11. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Rash looks infected (draining pus, scabs become larger)
    • Itching becomes worse or lasts over 4 weeks
    • You think your child needs to be seen
    • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the ‘Call Your Doctor’ symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 06/21/2023

Last Revised: 12/30/2022

Copyright 2000-2023. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Skin itching in the groin: causes, treatment, prevention

Skin itching in the groin is a receptor response of the skin to the resulting imbalance of the physiological state of a certain area, which can be caused by numerous reasons, from elementary non-observance of hygiene rules to the development of a pathological process.

The symptomatology of manifestations delivers a certain feeling of discomfort, thereby drawing attention to the emerging changes. Of particular importance is the inguinal region of localization of signs, which causes a fairly strong feeling of psychological stress with a physiological need for constant mechanical satisfaction to relieve the existing irritation of the dermis.

Appointment for a consultation with a dermatologist by phone +7(495) 256-49-52 or by filling out the online form

Answers to frequently asked questions about itchy skin:

• Which doctor treats itchy skin?
• What organs are affected by itching?
• Why is itching dangerous?
• What tests should be done for pruritus?
• What is the diet for itchy skin?
• What diseases does pruritus indicate?
• Skin itching without apparent cause?
• What parasites cause itching?
• What micro-organisms cause pruritus?
• How to get rid of itchy skin?
• Is it necessary to isolate a patient with pruritus?
• Skin itching in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract?
• What are the main causes of pruritus?
• How to distinguish between allergic and parasitic pruritus?
• How to prepare for a dermatologist appointment?
• How to check for skin diseases?
• What diseases does a dermatologist treat?
• What tests should be done by a dermatologist?
• What diagnostics can a dermatologist perform in a clinic?
• Where to go with a skin disease?

What causes skin itching in the groin?

The appearance of signs of unnatural sensations in the inguinal zone, and in combination with a change in the shade of the skin cover and superficial peeling, requires a mandatory visit dermatologist , to establish the nature of the development of a pathological deviation, with the subsequent possibility of effective and targeted therapeutic actions.

Among the most common exposure factors that provoke the appearance of sensations of irritation of the layers of the dermis in the groin include the following conditions:

• Violation of surface metabolic processes, which is observed with the frequent use of underwear made of synthetic materials, does not allow the skin to “breathe”, contributes to a more intensive production of the secretion of its glands, the accumulation of which is a favorable environment for the active growth of pathogenic bacteria. As a result of this condition, local inflammation easily develops with skin irritation.

• A prolonged course of a stable violation of the natural boundaries of the flora of the mucous tissues of the organs of the genitourinary system, provoking an exacerbation of a fungal or bacterial infection, forms the primary manifestation of a physiological disorder in the form of itching in the groin.

• A separate category of pathological manifestation of signs of irritation is a deformation change in skin tissues under the influence of a viral pathogen, in particular herpes of the genital area of ​​localization. The early manifestation of the disease is characterized by itching in a certain area of ​​the groin, which is subsequently combined with a pain sign and a bubble process of violating the integrity of the dermis.

• Hormonal background instability associated with age-related changes in the body during life can cause skin irritation, and endocrine diseases that characterize carbohydrate metabolism disorders have a typical sign of pruritus in the inguinal zone.

Useful information on the topic of itchy skin:

• Dermatologist
• Itching in skin diseases
• Skin itching without skin manifestations
• Skin itching in the groin
• Skin itching on the legs
• Skin itching on the hands
• Skin itching on the back
• Skin itching during pregnancy
• Skin itching in liver disease
• Skin itching in children
• Skin itching in the elderly
• Skin itching treatment
• Nocturnal itching
• Causes of itching

Methods of body rehabilitation

The main rule for the successful application of therapeutic actions is the purposefulness of their use, which can be done when identifying the causes of a pathological deviation by visiting dermatologist and having completed the required course of examination.

The doctor, using modern methods of influence, will determine the type of treatment, including drug exposure or the use of additional hygiene measures for the skin of the inguinal zone. Identification of an allergic factor contributing to the appearance of skin itching in the groin may lead to a dietary adjustment, with the elimination of foods that cause typical symptoms.

Methods for diagnosing skin diseases:

• Diagnosis of skin diseases
• Diagnosis of skin diseases at home
• Diagnosis of allergic skin diseases
• Diagnosis of bacterial skin diseases
• Diagnosis of viral skin diseases
• Diagnosis of hair diseases
• Diagnosis of nail diseases
• Diagnosis of neoplasms on the skin
• Skin scraping
• Blisters on the skin
• Dermatoscopy
• Demodex tests
• Diagnosis of genital infections
• Fungal tests
• Skin scraping

Which clinic should I contact?

With the ability to provide services in a complex, private medical institutions are preferred by patients when choosing a medical center. By opening the search page of our Help Desk for private clinics in Moscow “Your Doctor”, you can not only choose the right specialist, but also immediately place a call for a dermatologist at home from the specified specialized center.

Common symptoms and manipulations in dermatology:

• Eruptions on the skin
• Dermatologist house call
• Itching in the urethra
• Skin itching
• Skin rash
• Prevention of casual sex
• Skin neoplasms
• Pyoderma
• Rosacea
• Streptoderma
• Scabies
• Peeling skin
• Fungal infections
• Skin infection
• Skin pus
• Blisters on the skin
• Papillomas on the foreskin
• Venereal diseases
• Structure of the skin

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute scientific material or professional medical advice.

Author: Kasabov Vadim Vladimirovich Dermatovenereologist

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Itching in the groin in women is a matter of concern

Itching in the groin in women is a very common phenomenon. It can be caused by various reasons, and the method of treating inguinal itching depends on these reasons.

Inguinal trichophytosis

This disease is most common among men, but sometimes occurs among women. In about half of the cases, its causative agents are fungal microorganisms (most often, fungi of the genus Candida). Some types of bacteria, high humidity and heat, frequent friction in the groin area can also be the causes of inguinal trichophytosis , tight clothing or underwear, clothing made of fabric that does not allow perspiration to evaporate quickly enough. Although trichophytosis groin is most common in otherwise healthy women, obesity and diabetes increase the likelihood of developing this condition. The likelihood of trichophytosis is also increased in patients who suffer from increased sweating, who have any untreated fungal infections, and who have a weakened immune system.

From time to time appearing and disappearing itching in the groin is usually the first sign of inguinal trichophytosis. Gradually, the itching intensifies, and sometimes becomes unbearable. In addition, a rash may appear on both sides of the inguinal region, as well as in the folds of the skin in the perineum. It is formed by small blisters, from which purulent discharge sometimes comes. In some cases, the groin rash goes away, but then appears on the inner thighs. The rash and itching can spread to the labia and the entire perineum, as well as to the skin around the anus. If trichophytosis is caused by fungi, women may experience profuse white vaginal discharge. In severe cases, itching in the groin and other symptoms of the disease cause severe discomfort, and sometimes trichophytosis leads to complications such as ulcers and cellulitis (meaning an inflammatory disease of fatty tissue).

In most cases, trichophytosis groin is easily treatable and completely curable. Usually this disease is not contagious, but sometimes its pathogens can be transmitted through sexual contact, through simple touch, and also, for example, through towels or bedding. Therefore, when itching in the groin, it is always better to get a medical examination as soon as possible, and until you know its cause, take measures to avoid infecting other people.

Home remedies for trichophytosis

• Wash your groin and perineum two to three times daily with mild soap or gel and warm water;
• Keep the groin area dry;
• Wear cotton underwear that fits you perfectly and won’t irritate your groin area;
• Do not use bleach, fabric softeners or other laundry detergents that may irritate the skin;
• Apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone-clotrimazole ointment to affected skin once or twice daily;
• Prepare a vinegar solution at a ratio of one part vinegar to four parts water. Soak a piece of clean cloth in this solution and apply it to the groin area;
• Don’t scratch yourself! Itching in the groin can be very intense, but if you give in to temptation and scratch, it will bring you short-term relief and also lead to a vicious circle: you itch, itching and irritation increase, you itch again, and so on. In addition, nails can damage the skin, and this can lead to the development of a wide variety of infections.

Preparations for the treatment of trichophytosis groin

For mild fungal infections, wash the groin area twice daily with shampoos containing ketoconazole (Nizoral) or selenium sulfide. In the case of moderate to severe forms of trichophytosis, in addition to shampoos, it is recommended to use antifungal ointments, such as miconazole, clotrimazole or terbinafine. In the most severe cases, a doctor may prescribe tablets that contain substances that have an antifungal effect, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, or terbinafine.

If the disorder is caused by bacteria, antibacterial soaps (in the mildest cases) and antibiotic ointments such as clindamycin or metronidazole (if the infection is causing mild symptoms) may be used. In rare cases, a course of treatment with oral antibiotics is necessary. Doctors usually prescribe drugs such as cephalexin, dicloxacillin, doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, or levofloxacin. The duration of the course of treatment can be from five days to two weeks.

To prevent itching in the groin caused by trichophytosis, we recommend:

• Shower after training and physical work, thoroughly washing the groin and perineum;
• Wash sportswear, underwear and swimwear after every workout;
• Change your underwear frequently, and be sure to do so every time you sweat a lot;
• Do not wear underwear or clothing that is too close to the body and rubs the skin;
• Do not use intimate hygiene products containing fragrances and/or dyes;
• Do not walk barefoot in gyms, locker rooms and public swimming pools;
• Treat any fungal infections promptly.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by contact with a substance that causes an allergic reaction or irritation. In mild cases, it can cause itching and slight redness of the skin, and sometimes this disorder leads to swelling, large blisters and very painful sensations. Symptoms of contact dermatitis in the groin, such as itching, irritation and redness, can appear due to the use of gels, lotions and other cosmetics that contain allergens or simply harsh chemicals, due to pads (most often scented), washing powders and rinses, and even because of the underwear made of synthetic fabrics. In order for the signs of the violation to disappear and not reappear, it is necessary to identify the cause of their appearance, and in the future, if possible, avoid their impact.

Scabies

Scabies can cause very intense itching in the groin and also on other parts of the body. In addition, this disease is characterized by a rash that is formed due to the bites of parasites that cause scabies. It can appear in the groin, in the folds between the fingers and toes, on the wrists, elbows, and so on.

If you suspect scabies, you should definitely consult a doctor. This disease is usually not dangerous, but it must be treated, otherwise you can infect a lot of people. For the treatment of scabies, permethrin ointment and malathion lotion are commonly used; both of these preparations contain insecticides that destroy the scabies mite.

Phthiriasis, or pubic lice

The causative agent of this disease is the pubic louse – a small insect whose body length is from one to three millimeters. Typical symptoms of phthiriasis are severe itching in the groin, inflammation and irritation, bluish spots on the skin in the groin area – they indicate the places where the pubic louse lives, small blood spots on the skin and / or underwear. In some cases, pubic louse affects not only the groin area, but also spreads to the hair in the armpits, on the legs, and even to the eyebrows and eyelashes.

The pubic louse does not carry HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but patients diagnosed with phthiriasis are advised to be tested for STDs.

Phthiriasis has nothing to do with poor personal hygiene. Its pathogens are transmitted as a result of close physical contact with an infected person. The pubic louse crawls from hair to hair, but it cannot fly or jump. It needs human blood to survive and reproduce, so it usually leaves the body of one person only to move on to another.

Most often, pubic louse is spread through sexual contact, as well as through bedding, towels, clothes. Condoms and, especially, other means of contraception, do not protect against infection. For the treatment of phthiriasis, special ointments or lotions containing insecticides are used.

Other causes of itching in the groin in women

• Skin diseases, eg eczema, psoriasis, ringworm.
• Menopause. Due to the decrease in estrogen levels during menopause, the skin around the vulva becomes thinner, the amount of vaginal discharge decreases, dryness and itching appear. Often it also causes itching in the groin and perineum. These symptoms can be alleviated with the help of special lubricants and, in some cases, hormone replacement therapy.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding sometimes cause itching in the groin and perineum as a result of hormonal changes.