There are many unpleasant areas to have eczema creep up on you, but one of the most annoying and possibly embarrassing areas has to be: the groin.
Groin eczema, also known as groin dermatitis, is actually more common than you think especially because the skin in that area is thinner and much more sensitive than other areas of the body. Not to mention that it’s almost always in contact with clothing that can contain irritants or allergens that only exacerbate your eczema.
Please keep in mind that although these tips have worked for many eczema sufferers, I am in no way a medical professional. If you’re experiencing severe eczema or have a topical infection, it is always best to seek medical advice immediately.
Before discussing groin dermatitis relief, it’s important to understand the differences between it and fungal infections.
Groin Eczema vs Fungal Infection (aka Jock Itch)
One of the most common fungal infections that develop in the groin area is known as Tinea cruris, aka crotch rot, aka jock itch. Not only is this fungal infection confused with groin dermatitis often, but it is also has similar symptoms to inverse psoriasis as well.
Jock itch, also called crotch rot, and tinea cruris, is a fungal infection that loves warm, sweaty skin folds. It usually looks like a red, clearly defined rash that can burn and itch and sometimes spreads in a ring shape.
Groin eczema is different. It is not caused by fungus. It tends to look more patchy, feel drier, and flare from friction, stress, sweat, or irritating products.
Jock itch improves with antifungal treatment, while eczema needs soothing, barrier-supporting care. The hard part is they can feel very similar.
Because all conditions are treated differently, seeking a medical practitioner to get a proper diagnosis on your skin condition is extremely important and will help ensure you find quicker relief.
Natural Treatment Ideas for Groin Eczema
If you are diagnosed with groin dermatitis, here are some ideas to find relief.
1. Switch to Allergy Free Underwear
To keep your most sensitive area breathing and less prone to fungal infections, opting for light, breathable non-irritating underwear is important. In addition, often times, eczema in the groin is caused or further irritated by contact with chemicals in fabrics or elastic bands containing latex. So, for your best chance at healing your eczema “down under,” a good option is to switch to a hypoallergenic underwear like these Remedywear™ boxer briefs. They are made with a unique cooling TENCEL and antibacterial zinc blend that was clinically proven [1] to reduce itchy skin and inflammation when worn just three consecutive nights!
2. Soothe with a Natural Cream or Balm
To keep skin moisturized and healthy, you’ll want to use a natural balm or cream underneath your latex free, allergy free underwear. Groin dermatitis can cause both itching and inflammation, so using a natural cream like our Nourish + Hydrate Manuka Balm can help wonders. It's great for soothing sensitive skin down under becasue of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of the New Zealand Manuka honey.
3. Wash Smarter
Washing your skin with a gentle, specially formulated soap for sensitive skin like our Nourish + Hydrate Cleansing Bar will also go a long way, but use all soap sparingly because even the most gentle and moisturizing of soaps is still a soap at the end of the day and ALL soaps will dry out the skin at least a little bit. Never, ever sit in a bathtub with soapy water or bubble bath when you have eczema of any kind, especially in the groin.
4. Try Wet Wrapping
If you or your child’s eczema is being extremely difficult, you can always try wet wrapping, which works great on any part of the body. Start by soaking in water (no soap!) for 20 minutes, towel dry, liberally apply the cream of your choice, cover with a damp layer of clothing and then top with a dry layer of clothing. You can use our Remedywear garments for sensitive skin and eczema as your damp layer.
If you’re looking for something a little easier to start off with, check out how to dry wrap here.
5. Start an Elimination Diet
Although the above suggestions might heal groin dermatitis temporarily, an elimination diet can eliminate any food allergens that may be causing flare-ups by creating higher levels of inflammation in your body and gut. To get started on an elimination diet, make sure to check out our blog post on How to Start an Elimination Diet.
Although eczema in the groin area can be annoying and embarrassing, there are many healing options available. However, if you are experiencing ongoing symptoms or are in a lot of pain, make sure to visit your doctor as soon as possible.
Do you have groin eczema? What have you learned today that you can try today and speak with your health care provider about?
References:
[1] Wiegand, 2013, Skin-protective effects of a zinc oxide-functionalized textile and its relevance for atopic dermatitis. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol; 6: 115–121. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3656624/