Inner thigh rash- 15 Causes,Symptoms & Treatments

Inner thigh rash or rash on inner thigh can be caused various conditions ranging from irritation of the skin due to heat or an allergy to various substances to severe parasitic infections. The rash is the appearance of red colored areas on the skin.

This rash can be completely symptomless or asymptomatic apart from the redness on the thighs, or it can be associated with other symptoms like itching, swelling or inflammation, fever, etc. Let us discuss all the possible causes of inner thigh rash.

Inner thigh rash causes:

1. Contact dermatitis:

Contact dermatitis is the inflammation of the skin which occurs in response to any type of agent to which the skin is allergic to. Our skin is extremely sensitive. Our skin can get irritated due to any irritant like a new undergarment, a soap to which your skin is allergic, etc.

Even any detergent powder used to wash your undergarments can lead to contact dermatitis. Some kinds of bath gels also can lead to contact dermatitis. Poison ivy is a type of poisonous plant. If any person is exposed to this plant, the skin becomes allergic and develops contact dermatitis.

In this condition, the skin becomes red, swollen or inflamed. Skin also tend to itch a lot and there is an appearance of red raised bumps on the skin called urticaria, or a simple redness of the affected skin. Sometimes, even blisters may appear on the irritated skin of inner thigh due to contact dermatitis.

2. Atopic dermatitis:

Atopic dermatitis is the synonym of eczema. In this condition, there is swelling or inflammation of the skin due to a hypersensitivity reaction. A hypersensitivity reaction occurs due to the excitation of our immune system in response to an allergen to which our immune system is sensitized before.

Atopic dermatitis can occur anywhere on the body, but the most common areas are the face, neck, groin or the inner thigh. It leads to excessive dryness of the skin and scaling of the skin, along with the rash on inner thigh. These people also suffer from continuous itching or pruritus.

3. Allergies:

Many people are allergic to many kinds of food, perfumes, clothes, drugs etc. Any kind of allergy can lead to the development of a rash on inner thigh. Foods that generally lead to inner thigh rash include nuts like peanuts, cashew nuts, almonds, avocado, some types of fish, etc.

This types of rash caused by allergies are called urticaria. Urticaria leads to the formation of maculopapular rash or bumps red in color or red rash on the skin, including inner thigh rash. Urticaria is extremely itchy.

Sometimes, allergies to foods can lead to life-threatening conditions like anaphylaxis. In this condition called anaphylaxis, the important parts of the body like heart, respiratory system can get involved. It leads to bronchial edema and sudden dyspnea or shortness of breath. It also leads to a sudden drop in blood pressure, fainting or dizziness, etc. If this person can’t get a shot or injection of adrenaline immediately, it can even lead to his death.

4. Heat rash:

During summers, many people suffer from this types of rash called heat rash. It occurs more commonly in regions like underarms and groin or inner thigh, where there is excessive sweating.

If there is a high level of sweating and the part of the skin is closed or covered with clothes, it leads to the irritation of the skin, that leads to heat rash. You can control or avoid heat rash by taking bath twice in the summer, wearing cotton clothes that absorb sweat and by applying talcum powder on the inner thighs, underarms and other areas that sweat a lot to keep them dry.

5. Jock itch:

Jock itch is a type of fungal infection of the inner thigh caused by a fungus called tinea cruris. Inner thigh or groin is enclosed by clothing and there is also a lot of sweating in this area of the skin. This tends to be more in hot weather like during summer.

This type of hot, humid environment facilitates the growth of fungi like tinea cruris, which causes inner thigh rash which is extremely itchy. It can be spread from one person to another person by using the clothes, and towels used by the infected person.

6. Sexually transmitted diseases:

There are many types of sexually transmitted diseases. Amongst them, Herpes simplex and syphilis are more common. They can spread from the genitals region to the inner thigh or groin and can lead to a rash on inner thigh.

They affect both the sexual partners, causing many other symptoms apart from the red rash on inner thighs. Both the partners need to get proper treatment from the doctor to get rid of this sexually transmitted infection.

7. Swimmer’s itch:

Swimmers itch is also called as cercarial dermatitis. This condition is caused by Schistosoma, a type of parasitic infection. This parasite burrows or digs through the skin and causes rash at the site of entry. It is seen among people who swim in contaminated water, which is infected with these Schistosoma parasites.

Then Schistosoma migrates to various body parts like lungs, liver and gastrointestinal tract and divides in the body. It damages these organs and causes many other symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain.

8. Candidiasis:

Candida is a type of fungus. It grows in regions of the body where it is conducive for its growth. Inner thigh or groin becomes sweaty and wet during hot and humid weather, example during summers. Also, if you wear tight fitting clothes, it further irritates the skin along with the wetness of sweating. This leads to the growth of the fungus called candida, which produces inner thigh rash and severe itching or pruritus.

9. Razor bumps:

Many women have the habit of shaving the hair on their inner thighs. Sometimes if you don’t moisturize the skin or groin properly before shaving or if you are too harsh or rough while shaving or if your skin is very sensitive, it can lead to the formation of razor bumps on the inner thighs.

10. Intertrigo:

Intertrigo is also known as Intertriginous dermatitis. In this condition, there is inflammation of the skin folds like the axillae or underarms and the groin or the inner thighs. There is a development of red raised bumps or red rash over these areas.

The red rash on inner thighs in intertrigo is extremely common in people who are suffering from obesity. In obese people, the thighs are fat, so they rub against each other and lead to rash due to the friction between the skin of both the thighs.

This inner thigh rash is also common amongst people suffering from diabetes. Also, heat or hot weather, humidity, sweating, lack of air circulation to the inner thighs facilitates the development of this kind of rash on inner thigh.

11. Folliculitis:

This condition is the inflammation or swelling of the hair follicles in the skin. It is caused by a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. The causes of intertrigo are also responsible for the growth of this bacteria like sweating, lack of air circulation, etc.

In this condition, there is the formation of red bumps on the skin which are filled with pus. If not properly treated on time with appropriate antibiotics, they can also progress to form an abscess.

12. Warts:

You might have heard about warts occurring on the genitals and warts on the foot. But, warts can also occur over the inner thighs. They are red bumps on the inner thigh which are very scaly.

13. Insect bites:

Bites of some insects like mosquitoes, ants, bed bugs can also lead to the formation of red raised bumps on the inner thighs. This inner thigh rash caused by insects can also be itchy. This rash disappears on its own within a few days.

14. Sports like jogging and cycling:

Some sports like jogging and cycling can also lead to the formation of inner thigh rash due to the friction between the skin of both the thighs during [laying the sport.  Also, there is a lot of sweating while playing the sport and you tend to wear tight fitting clothes during cycling or jogging, which tends to aggravate the problem further.

15. Improper clothing:

During summer months or hot weather, and during playing sports like jogging or cycling, if you wear any synthetic clothes which won’t absorb any sweat or if you wear any tight-fitting clothes, you will surely suffer from inner thigh rash. To avoid such problems, you will need to wear cotton clothes that are loose. This helps in allowing proper airflow and the absorption of the sweat which prevents inner thigh rash.

Treatment of inner thigh rash:

The treatment of inner thigh rash depends on the cause of the rash or the disease causing the rash. But, the general advice or the tips to get rid of the rash remain the same for all the causes of the rash on inner thigh. Let us explore the treatment options for the rash on thighs.

Antihistaminic:

Antihistaminic help in blocking a substance called histamine in the body. Histamine is involved in causing many types of allergic reactions like urticaria and allergies to foods. So, if you have developed inner thigh rash due to allergies or contact dermatitis, you will be prescribed antihistaminic tablets. You might also be prescribed antihistaminic creams if the rash is severe.

Steroid creams:

Steroid creams have anti-inflammatory properties or the property to reduce the swelling. So, they are used to treat conditions like eczema or atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, etc. But, they do have adverse effects when used for long term. So, only use them upon prescription by a certified dermatologist.

Antifungal creams:

If your rashes on thigh are caused by fungi like candida or tinea cruris, you will need to apply antifungal creams over the inner thighs to get rid of the infection. You may also need to take antifungal tablets orally if the infection of the fungus is very severe.

Some other drugs used:

Your doctor may prescribe some other drugs depending on the need to treat your condition like retinoids, immunosuppressant drugs like cyclosporine and phototherapy.

Tips for getting rid of inner thigh rash:

You need to some simple tips to get rid of the rash on inner thigh like hygiene, clothing, etc. Let us learn about the tips you need to follow to get relief from the rash on inner thigh.

Avoid wearing undergarments:

Yes, you heard me right. AS the groin or inner thigh is irritated and feel painful due to the rash on thigh, undergarments will aggravate the problem and make you feel more irritated. So, avoid wearing undergarments for few days until your rash heals.

Apply talcum powder:

Talcum powder has the property to absorb excess moisture. So, you can try to apply some talcum powder over the inner thighs after taking bath. This helps in keeping your inner thighs dry and reduces the wetness which is one of the reasons for the formation of rash on inner thigh.

Wear loose clothing:

Tight fitting clothes lead to irritation of the skin and restrict the air flow to the thighs. This along with excess wetness leads to inner thigh rash. So, wear loose fitting clothes. Allow p[roper air to flow to your inner thighs or groin.

Home remedies to cure inner thigh rashes (rashes on inner thigh):

There are many home remedies that you can try at the comfort of your home to get relief from the rashes on inner thigh.

Aloe vera gel:

Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It has a soothing effect on the skin and helps you get relief from the inner thigh rashes. You can get Aloe vera gel from the freshly cut Aloe vera leaves or you can also buy Aloe vera gel from an authentic manufacturer.

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C helps to promote immunity and it also helps in healing the skin problems as it helps in the formation of the collagen of the skin. You need to eat more citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, etc. to get more vitamin C.

Cold compress:

You can prepare a cold compress by placing a few ice cubes in a cloth and then applying the cold compress over the affected area of the inner thigh with rashes. It gives a soothing feeling to the affected person. But, never apply ice cubes directly over the skin without using a cloth as it can damage your skin.

Apple cider vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar is good in getting rid of inner thigh rashes. You can dip a cotton ball in a little solution of apple cider vinegar. Then apply this solution over the rashes on inner thighs. Wait for a few minutes, and then you can wash off the solution with warm water. This is an effective remedy for inner thigh rashes.

Other home remedies that can be tried:

• Applying baking soda mixed with water on the inner thigh rashes.
• Applying a paste of oatmeal and water over the rash and washing after a few minutes.
• Applying olive oil over the rash and massaging well.
• Applying chamomile tea bags over the rashes on the inner thigh and massaging for some time.
• Applying a paste of coriander leaves and water over the inner thigh rashes every day, for a few days.

Inner thigh rash pictures:

You can use some home remedies from the above list and follow them regularly depending upon your need and comfort to get rid of the inner thigh rashes. If your rash doesn’t resolve in a few days, or if you experience severe itching, or if you develop any other symptoms like breathlessness, or dizziness along with the rash, visit your doctor immediately without delay.