What causes groin rash?
Grossular dermatitis (groin rashes) are caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites. They may affect any part of your body, but they tend to occur most commonly on the genitals. These skin infections usually appear one day after sexual activity. Sometimes they don’t happen until months later. There are different types of genital herpes virus and other sexually transmitted diseases that cause these symptoms.
There are several conditions that may lead to a rash on the genitals. This could be a sign of another health problem. A doctor may perform a physical examination and ask questions about your medical history, current symptoms, and past illnesses. Tests may be done to rule out other potential causes and conditions.
The doctor may recommend that you see a specialist depending on the cause of the rash.
Skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis can cause a rash on the genitals. Itching and scaling can be severe and may resemble symptoms of genital herpes. However, these conditions do not always cause genital symptoms. It is important to see a doctor experienced in diagnosing and treating skin conditions of the genitals.
Conditions that may cause a groin rash:
Chronic inflammatory diseases: Infectious mononucleosis, infectious papulopustular dermatitis, infectious yeast infection, infectious syphilis, viral laryngitis
Infectious diseases: Bacterial infection of the skin, Clamydia infection, Genital herpes, Genital warts, Lymphogranuloma venereum, Mycoplasma genitalium, Non-gonococcal urethritis, Non-gonococcal vulvovaginitis
Other: Immunodeficiency diseases, Malnutrition, Mycosis fungoides
Tests that may be done to help with a diagnosis:
A physical examination that could include tests for tuberculosis, a skin biopsy to check for conditions such as cancer or infection, and tests to check for other diseases that cause similar symptoms.
If you want to know what causes groin rash, it is important to see a doctor experienced in diagnosing and treating skin conditions of the genitals.
Is there a cure for groin rash?
Most genital rashes can be treated at home. First, wash the treated area with mild soap and water. Then, apply a soothing over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or ointment. Do not use corticosteroid creams on the eyes! These creams may decrease cell reproduction and increase the risk of infection. See a doctor immediately if the rash does not clear up or if it gets worse.
You can also relieve symptoms with anti-itch creams and anti-fungal ointments. Be sure to use these only on the genitals and to not use them on areas that are irritated such as the eyes. If your symptoms become worse or do not get better within a week, see a doctor.
There are no approved medications that can cure groin rash and some types of genital herpes.
How can I prevent a groin rash?
Genital Herpes
People with genital herpes can reduce the risk of spreading the virus by using condoms during sexual activity. This is not 100% effective and multiple condoms can be broken. Using gloves during sexual activity also helps prevent the virus from spreading. The risk of passing genital herpes increases after the first time the virus is spread.
Condoms: People who are sexually active with a person who has genital herpes should wear a condoms to prevent the transmission of the virus.
Gloves: Gloves can be worn during sexual activity if the person does not have a Herpes simplex infection.
The risk of passing herpes genital virus is greater during an outbreak.
Tests: There is currently no way to tell if someone has genital herpes without examination of the genitals. If you are concerned about spreading the virus or having an outbreak, do not have sexual contact and see your doctor.
Treating Herpes
There is no cure for genital herpes, but it can be treated. The virus cannot be completely cured, but outbreaks can be controlled with antiviral medication. Antiviral medication can reduce the frequency of outbreaks. Medication can also reduce the pain of an outbreak and shorten the duration of an outbreak.
Other Herbal Remedies:
Yohimbine can help stop an outbreak of genital herpes. Take one or two 100mg capsules, one hour before anticipated sexual activity. Do not take more than two capsules. Do not take within 6 hours of taking an antiviral such as Acyclovir or Famotidine.
If an attack of genital herpes occurs, seek medical attention immediately. Do not take yohimbine if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant.
Plant Extracts:
Plant extracts such as Prune juice can reduce the duration of genital herpes outbreaks. All involved in sexual activity should drink 1-2 cups of prune juice before engaging in sexual activity. This can be done for up to 48 hours before an outbreak of genital herpes.
All involved in sexual activity should avoid sexual activity until the symptoms have passed.
What homeopathic medicine may help me?
There are many homeopathic medicines that can help with genital herpes. Always check with a homeopath before taking a new medicine. Some of the most common are Arnica, Belladonna, Borax and Mercu.
How can I reduce itching with genital herpes?
An anti-itch cream can be used to help reduce itching. Most over the counter anti-itch creams contain corticosteroids. These are generally not recommended during pregnancy because they may cause birth defects. Avoid using anti-itch creams that contain hydrocortisone. A medicine that can reduce the frequency of genital herpes outbreaks is calamine lotion. This can be applied to the genitals several times a day. These creams can be applied as often as necessary. Avoid rubbing the area as this can make the outbreak worse and increase the amount of virus that is spread to other areas of your body.
Sources & references used in this article:
Herpes zoster treated by acupuncture by WR Gowers – 1901 – Old Hickory Bookshop
Examining ethnomedical diagnoses and treatment choices for diarrheal disorders in Lubumbashi Swahili by CJ Coghlan – Central african journal of medicine, 1992 – journals.co.za
Infliximab in the treatment of an HIV positive patient with Reiter’s syndrome. by PS Yoder – Medical Anthropology, 1994 – Taylor & Francis
Intravenous morphine plus ketorolac is superior to either drug alone for treatment of acute renal colic by N Gaylis – The Journal of Rheumatology, 2003 – jrheum.org
