An itchy rash on the inner thigh can occur in both males and females. There are different causes of itching. Some are mild and can clear on their own without treatment, while in some cases, the itching can be a sign of a severe underlying condition that requires urgent treatment. Here is an insight into what causes itchy inner thighs, symptoms, and home remedies you can use to relieve the itching.
What causes itchy inner thighs?
Different conditions could lead to itchy inner thighs. As said, itching is a common discomfort that can occur in both males and females. Severe itching is often a sign of something serious. Here are some common causes of the itchy inner thigh:
1. Shingles
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Though not life-threatening, shingles can be very painful.
According to the Mayo Clinic, vaccines can help reduce the risk of shingles. Early treatment can help shorten the infection and lessen the chance of complications.
2. STD
An itchy inner thigh can also be a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection. Syphilis, genital warts, and yeast infection are an example of such a condition. Most STD infections will be accompanied by red spots, soreness, and painful fluid-filled blisters.
Most of these infections are highly contagious. Practice safe sex to prevent the infection and spread of sexually transmitted infections.
3. Jock itch
Jock itch or tinea cruris is a common fungal infection that affects the skin around the genitals, inner thigh, and buttocks. This fungal infection is characterized by an itchy, red, and often ring-shaped rash. Jock itch is common in people who sweat a lot.
4. Poor shaving
Poor shaving methods can cause red, raised, and severely itchy skin. Dry skin or razor bump after shaving is the main cause.
If that is the cause of the itching, applying Aloe Vera gel or lotion containing Aloe Vera will help soothe itching and cool the burning raised bumps.
5. Swimmer’s itch
Swimmer’s itch is an itchy rash that occurs after swimming. It is also known as cercarial dermatitis and mostly occur in freshwater lakes and ponds. This rash is usually caused by an allergic reaction to parasites that burrow into the skin while you swim.
6. Yeast infection
Yeast infection caused by the overgrowth of fungus can also cause itching. These infections are very common; though they are not harmful, they can bother you a lot. Yeast infection, especially in women, can cause pain, burning, and itching. This infection is common during the week before your period.
Itchy red rash on the inner thigh
The appearance of the rash-causing the itch will vary depending on what the underlying cause is. An itchy red rash is likely to be caused by any of the following:
7. Allergic reaction
Allergic reactions to foods, drugs, and cosmetics can also cause your skin to become itchy. In most women, such reactions can also be caused by wearing perfumed pads and irritating clothes.
8. Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis refers to the skin reaction to the irritant substance. Contact dermatitis is characterized by dry, scaly skin, oozing blisters, red skin, and extreme itching.
Contact dermatitis will often clear once the substance is removed from the skin. Avoid scratching, keep your skin clean, and apply petroleum jelly to soothe the itching.
9. Eczema, atopic dermatitis
Eczema causes your skin to become itchy, red, dry, and cracked. In some people, eczema is a long term condition. In other, especially children, eczema clears with time. Treatment, according to NHS, includes applying moisturizers and topical steroids.
10. Heat rash and Diaper rash in babies
Heat rash develops when blocked pores trap perspiration under the skin. Symptoms range from superficial blisters, red bumps, and itchy skin.
Heat rash will often clear on its own. Medical treatment may be required in severe cases of itching.
Itchy inner thighs no rash
In most cases, itchy skin will be accompanied by a painful, red rash. Most skin rashes are harmless and will often disappear without treatment. There are, however, some cases where one develops the itching without a rash.
Itching without a rash can be a sign of a severe allergic reaction or a possible kidney disease. When pointing to such cases, urgent medical attention is required.
The itching can also be a side effect of a medicine you just started using. If that is the case, stop taking medicine and report it to your doctor as soon as possible.
Itchy thigh rash pictures
The appearance of an itchy rash will vary depending on what the underlying cause is. For most people, however, the rash is often red, crusty, and accompanied by small painful, fluid-filled bumps. Here are some pictures of how an itchy rash on the thigh will appear.
Itchy small bumps on inner thighs
Itchy raised bumps are common and can appear on any part of the body. These small bumps are harmless and can result from several conditions. They can occur due to infection, allergy, or other skin disorders.
Folliculitis and razor bumps are common such bumps. Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles. Razor bumps or ingrown hair, on the other hand, are small raised small bumps that occur after shaving. They are common in people with naturally coarse hair.
Genital warts can also cause itchy bumps on the groin. Genital wart is a contentious sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus.
Itchy inner thighs female
Even though an itchy skin can occur to anyone on any part of the body, the itchy inner thigh is common in females than it is in males. The groin area has a constant supply of moisture. This Is due to perspiration and buildup of body fluids.
Poor hygiene and lack of proper ventilation around the groin are a common cause of itching. In females, itchy inner thighs can also be caused by a heat rash. The rash is extremely uncomfortable and will often be accompanied by a burning sensation.
The other cause of itchy thighs in females is irritating or chafing from wearing tight clothes. Severe itching can be a sign of an underlying infection. In such cases, proper treatment may be required to get rid of the rash. In such cases, the bumps appear as small, fleshy growths. In some cases, the warts are small that they are difficult to notice.
Itchy inner thighs during pregnancy
A lot of changes take place during pregnancy. Most of these changes are control and influenced by the fluctuating level of hormone- estrogen and progesterone- in preparation for the unborn child. Mild itching in the groin and inner thighs is usually nothing to worry about. Apart from fluctuating hormones, the itching can also be attributed to the increased blood supply and your skin stretching.
Mild itching during pregnancy can be handled and managed at home. However, if the itch becomes severe or starts to spread, urgent medical treatment is required. This can be a sign of an underlying infection that could put the life of your child at risk.
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy ICP is one of such serious condition known to cause itching during pregnancy. ICP, also known as obstetric cholestasis-OC, is a serious liver condition that affects 1 in every 140 pregnant women, according to the National Health Service, UK.
Normally, bile acid flows from your liver to your gut to help in digestion, in ICP, the bile acid does not flow properly, and it builds up in your body instead. Currently, there is no cure for this condition, but it should clear once you have the baby.
The symptoms of this condition will normally start at around 30 weeks of pregnancy and include itching without a rash. The itch is more noticeable at the hands and feet but can develop on any part of the body. The itch can be bearable in most. It is worse at night, preventing sleep.
Topical creams might be used to relieve the itching. Consult with your health care provider before using any oral medication to treat the itch.
Itchy inner thighs at night
Itching can occur at any time of the day. It could occur during day time or at night. In most cases, itching can be severe at night, causing a lack of sleep. Understanding the underlying cause of the irritation can help in treating and relieving the symptoms.
Itchy thighs during the night are most likely to be a symptom of lichen planus. Lichen planus is a non-infectious, itchy rash that can affect many parts of the body. The exact cause of this condition is unknown. It is, however, not infectious and does not run in families. The condition can be shown by symptoms such as itchy red bumps, scaly patches, and itchy skin.
Insect bites can also cause itchy groin and inner thighs at night. Most insect bites and sting are, however, not serious and often gets better within a few hours. Depending on the insect, some bites can become infected, cause a severe allergic reaction, or spread illness such as malaria. Symptoms of insect bites are a red, painfully swollen bump on the skin.
Contact dermatitis is also a possible caused itching at night. Applying an anti-itching cream or a natural ointment like coconut oil can help relieve the itching. If the itching persists during the day, they may want to check with your dermatologist. This might be a sign of an underlying infection.
Treatment
Most causes of itchy inner thighs are minor and can be handled at home. Some causes can, however, be serious, thus requiring urgent and proper medical attention. The treatment for the itchy will vary from one person to the other, depending on what the underlying cause and symptoms are.
If you develop a persistent itch that does not seem to clear with the self-care method, or become severe and spread to other parts of the body, have your dermatologist examine the condition to establish what the underlying cause of the itching might be. Your dermatologist will then be I a position to prescribe the proper treatment.
Treatment for itchy inner thighs will include the following:
- Treating the underlying cause, this is specific to each cause that might be causing the itching and skin irritation.
- Antifungal creams and pills, for fungal infections such as jock itch and vaginal yeast infection in women.
- Antihistamine is used to treat allergic reactions that might be causing the rash and itchy inner thighs.
- Antibiotics oral or topical for bacterial infections causing the itch
- Topical ointment
- Steroids can be used to relieve inflammation caused by allergic reactions such as contact and atopic dermatitis
What products are recommended?
- Vitamin E Ointment From Basic Organics (Check price on Amazon)
- GNC Nourish Skin Vitamin E Skin Oil (Check price on Amazon)
- Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (75ml) and Brazilian Kiss Cupuacu Lip Butter (Check price on Amazon)
- Moisturizing creams – we recommend the one from CeraVe (Check price on Amazon)
Home remedies for itchy thighs rash
Most cases of itchy skin are often not serious. The itching can, however, cause a lot of discomfort especially when occurring at night. For mild cases of itching around the groin, there are some simple natural remedies you can use to relieve the itching.
Here are some natural remedies that can help relieve itchy on inner thighs:
1. Apple cider vinegar
ACV has antiseptic, anti-itching, and antibacterial properties that can help get rid of itching. Apple cider can be reactive in people with sensitive skin. In such a case, dilute the remedy by adding some water to dilute it.
2. Aloe Vera gel
Aloe Vera gel is the other great natural remedy you can use to relieve the itching. Aloe Vera is said to be an excellent anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial remedy that can help soothe the itching and prevent fungal and yeast infection.
- Extract and apply the gel over the affected parts of the skin
- Leave it on for some minutes then rinse with lukewarm water
- Repeat this for some time to soothe the itching
3. Baking soda paste
A baking soda paste can also help relieve the itching, and painful bumps on the skin. This is a great remedy if the itch is caused by a painful rash accompanied by itchy small, raised fluid-filled blisters. The anti-inflammatory properties of baking soda have a soothing effect that works to reduce the irritation.
- Add two tablespoons of baking soda powered in a cup
- Into it add some water then gently stir to achieve a fine paste
- Apply the paste on the affected area and leave it on for some minutes
- Rinse the paste off with lukewarm water, the dry part of your skin.
Other remedies you can use to get rid of the itching are Listerine, raw organic honey, oatmeal paste, and rubbing some lemon juice.
How to prevent itching between thighs around the groin
Mild causes of itchy inner thighs can be prevented. Simple lifestyle changes can help prevent your skin from becoming irritated or damage. When the itch is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, proper treatment and diagnosis are recommended.
So how do you prevent itching between thighs, around the groin, and other parts of the body? You do it in the following way:
- Maintain proper personal hygiene. This involves keeping your skin clean and dry. This way, you can get rid of dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria that might lead to infections causing itchy skin.
- Keep your groin well ventilated, wearing light underwear ensures free movements of air. This keeps your groin clean and dry, preventing the buildup of moisture and optimal conditions for fungal and bacterial growth.
- Avoid ill-fitting clothes that chafe and irritate your skin. For women, wearing bandelette might help minimize the chafing.
- Keep your groin dry with a drying powder
- Keep your thighs lubricated, especially if you are obese or overweight.
- Proper shaving method: poor shaving and hair removal methods may damage your skin, leading to folliculitis. Adopting a proper shaving method help prevent this. When shaving your groin, use few strokes as possible, do not shave too close to the skin, and always shave when your skin is wet.
References:
- Jock itch on inner thighs: http://www.healthline.com/health/jock-itch#what-is-it1
- How to stop itching between the thighs: http://www.healthhype.com/how-to-stop-itching-between-the-thighs.html
- Itching without rash: https://www.health.harvard.edu/decision_guide/itching-without-rash
- How to get rid of itchy skin: http://www.top10homeremedies.com/how-to/get-rid-itchy-skin.html
