What causes rashes around the groin?

But STIs are rarely thought of as a cause of rashes. Contrary to what you might think, a rash can be a distinctive sign of certain STIs, especially rashes in the groin.

Keep reading to find out more.

Having a skin rash in the groin area can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing experience, so understanding the underlying cause is important.

Your groin rash could be caused by:

• Build-up of sweat after exercise
• Irritation after shaving
• Allergy to new types of soap, shower gel, shampoos, deodorants or lotions; latex condoms or lubricant; or synthetic underwear material or washing powder

If you’ve recently started using a new product, try eliminating it to see whether the rash goes away. If not, it could be caused by something more serious.

Other causes of groin rash:

• Infecting parasites
• Fungal infections, such as ringworm
• Skin conditions, such as psoriasis or lichen planus
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including viral and bacterial infections
• Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or Crohn’s disease, where the immune system attacks healthy cells
• Allergic reactions
• Yeast infection on the skin
• Pubic lice

Some STIs can cause rashes, sores, ulcers, or blisters, especially around the groin and genital area.

Herpes

Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause rashes around the groin and genital area. The rash typically appears as red bumps or blisters in the affected area. These blisters may be painful and itchy. Eventually, these blisters will burst and become sores.

A Herpes infection is more likely to spread when the outbreak occurs. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV 1) usually causes Oral Herpes, and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV 2) usually causes Genital Herpes.

Scabies

Scabies is a skin infestation caused by tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites burrow into the skin and lay eggs. Symptoms of a Scabies infection include itchy skin and a rash that can resemble acne or pimples, featuring small pink bumps, blisters, or scales. The rash can be confined to a specific area or spread throughout the skin.

Scabies is different from other infections as it can spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact such as holding hands or hugging, and not just through sexual contact. Although it is rare, sharing clothes, towels, or bedding with an infected person can also result in the spread of Scabies.

Syphilis

In the primary stage of a Syphilis infection, you may notice sores (also known as chancres) appear around the genitals, anus, rectum, or vagina. These chancres are round, firm, and painless. They tend to go away on their own three to six weeks after they appear.

As for the secondary phase, a rash could appear on various parts of the body, such as the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. This rash may seem rough and red or reddish-brown and could resemble a prickly heat rash, small blotches or scales, cold acne, or pustules. Moreover, the secondary phase could lead to moist warts in the groin or white patches in the mouth.

Genital Warts (HPV)

Some Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections can cause Genital Warts. These warts appear on or around the genital area. They are flesh-coloured protuberances that resemble large skin tags or moles. They are usually the same colour as the surrounding skin or slightly darker.

Genital Warts are mostly benign and go away on their own within two years of the initial infection. However, they can be removed with topical creams, freezing, or surgery.

If you’re worried about having an STI, there are a few things you can do.

If you’re not already doing it, practice safe sex. Use protection whenever you’re getting intimate with a sexual partner. This can include using barrier methods of protection, like condoms and dental dams.

You may also want to avoid sexual contact with more than one person at a time, since having sex with multiple partners can increase your risk of exposure.

If you want to be sexually active with a new partner, it’s a good idea to have a conversation with them about your sexual health. Discuss your sexual history and decide what you’re most comfortable doing together. Many new couples believe that getting tested together can enhance trust and intimacy within the relationship, ultimately improving the quality of their sex life.

If you are worried about your sexual health, you should consider having an STI test to gain peace of mind and protect your health.

You can contact our highly trained sexual health advisors on our 24/7 phone line. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have and organise an appointment at a clinic near you. You can also send a message to our advisors using our live webchat, or book your appointment online.