Itching Genitals

12.04.2010 | By: I. M.

Find out why you experience genital itching, what are the causes and how you treat it.

Genital itching is a very unpleasant condition caused by a damp environment and inappropriate clothes. (PhotoXpress)

The disease, which is more common in humid and tropical places, is caused by a yeast infection of the skin and moist and sweaty clothes made of inappropriate materials.

What is genital itching?

Genital itching is caused by a rash that appears on the surface of the skin. It usually appears in the groin, but it can also appear on the inner side of the thighs, genitals and in the regions around the anus, rectum or vagina. It more often appears in men than women. The best conditions for its development are provided by a hot and humid environment. Genital itching is also a reaction to wearing sweaty and wet clothes in hot weather, or wearing several layers of clothes in winter, which increases the chances of dampness around the groin. If you’re overweight, the skin is moistened more rapidly when you sweat heavily. When itching appears, you immediately have to receive treatment because various bacteria can cause an additional infection. Otherwise, itching appears again and again in some people.

This infection has to be treated immediately. (PhotoXpress)

Causes of itching

In the initial phase, an infection appears in the groin from where it spreads to the inner side of the thighs. The infected skin is reddish brown, slightly rough and dry. Heat and dampness at the junction of the sex organ and thighs provide good conditions for the development of a yeast infection, while additional spread of the infection can be caused by wearing tight clothes. Genital itching to a large extent affects sports people and diabetics. The circumstances for a yeast infection can also be created in university dormitories or army barracks, that is, the place where several people live together and where yeast can thrive in towels, sheets and blankets.

Irritated skin is considerably different to other areas of the skin. (PhotoXpress)

Symptoms of genital itching

Itching first appears in the form of a reddish brown stain that may become larger on the surface. The skin of the infected area is slightly lifted and dry, and small pimples or even acne with a red and scaly centre may appear. Sometimes the infection spreads to the skin of the penis, whereas women can experience vaginal itching and a white, thick and hard discharge.

The symptoms of genital itching and a yeast infection can be very unpleasant. (PhotoXpress)

How do you treat itching?

When itching appears, you definitely have to see your doctor, who prescribes you an appropriate drug. An infection is usually treated with various creams that you apply twice a day at least for two weeks, or at least for a week after your rash disappears. Apart from a cream, you can also use gels, powders and sprays. The most commonly prescribed drugs for this type of infection and itching are Lamisil, Daskil and Dermgel. The infected area has to be cold and dry before application. If your infection spreads and becomes unpleasant, if lumps or swelling develops, and if the condition doesn’t improve within two weeks, you have to have a check-up. If your infection is associated with fever, physical weakness, vomiting, swollen groin, abscesses, difficult urinating and rashes on your penis or vagina, you have to go to the hospital.

Preventive care

In preventing a genital infection, you have to practise good hygiene of the aforementioned body part. Therefore, the genital area should be dry and clean and clothes should be as comfortable as possible and made of appropriate materials that don’t maintain or cause a damp environment. Cotton is the most appropriate material for underwear. Avoid using other people’s towels, sheets and blankets and after showering wipe well your genital area before you put your clothes on. Rinse occasionally your genital area with camomile tea or use soaps for intimate care. In most cases, the irritation disappears very rapidly.