Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a freelance health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse in a variety of clinical settings.

Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University.

A red, itchy rash is uncomfortable anywhere on the body, but when it appears on the inner thigh, it’s downright uncomfortable.

Rashes on the inner thigh or near the groin are common because the area can become warm and moist. The lack of airflow means that sweat can build up. In addition, clothing may rub against the skin and cause irritation.

This article will provide an overview of common causes of inner thigh rashes, including their typical symptoms and treatment options. 

There are several possible causes of a rash on your inner thigh. Your healthcare provider will determine the cause and appropriate treatment plan.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that causes red, itchy skin. It affects about 1 in 10 Americans and commonly affects children.  

Possible symptoms of eczema include:

Chafing is a common condition that can occur on the inner thighs. It is caused by the frequent or recurrent friction of skin rubbing against the skin from walking, running, or exercising. 

Possible symptoms of chafing include:

Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction when the skin becomes irritated by an object or substance. For example, this could happen on the inner thighs if you are allergic or sensitive to a new soap, lotion, or laundry detergent. 

Possible symptoms of contact dermatitis include:

The best way to treat contact dermatitis is to avoid the irritant causing the reaction.

Heat rash occurs when the body is overheated, and the sweat ducts become blocked or inflamed. This may happen on the inner thighs in hot weather or following a strenuous workout. 

The types of heat rash include:

Hidradenitis suppurativa (inversa) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the skin. It is not believed to be contagious and usually first appears around the time of puberty. Both smoking and obesity raise the risk of this condition.  

Possible symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa include:

Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a form of ringworm, a common fungal infection. The fungus that causes jock itch thrives in warm, moist places. Therefore, tight-fitting clothing increases the risk of developing jock itch.  

Possible symptoms of jock itch in women include:

Razor burn is a condition that can affect any area of skin that is shaved with a razor. Razor burn goes away on its own over time. It is caused by irritation from the razor. 

Possible symptoms of razor burn include:

To avoid razor burn, take the following precautions when shaving the skin on your inner thighs:

Swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis) is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to microscopic parasites found in water. These parasites typically affect birds and mammals in the water. Infected snails release them in both fresh and saltwater bodies of water. 

When an individual swims in infected water, the parasites burrow into the skin, causing inflammation and an itchy rash. The itching may last up to one week but gradually disappear.

Possible symptoms of swimmer’s itch include:

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. It’s estimated that more than 9 million women in the United States are diagnosed with one each year. In addition, women tend to have more serious health problems, such as infertility, from STIs than men.

STIs that can lead to a skin rash include:

Each STI requires a different treatment. Ways to lower your risk of contracting an STI include:

See your healthcare provider to determine the cause of your inner thigh rash. It can be challenging to differentiate between the several infections or conditions that could be causing your discomfort. 

Your provider will begin by inspecting the rash and performing a physical exam. They will also conduct a thorough medical history, asking about recent trips or exposures. Your healthcare provider may refer you to a dermatologist if needed. 

A rash on the inner thigh or groin area is an uncomfortable experience. Possible causes include eczema, contact dermatitis, chafing, heat rash, hidradenitis suppurativa, jock itch, pityriasis rosea, razor burn, swimmer’s itch, and STIs. The symptoms and treatment options vary by cause. See your healthcare provider to determine the cause of your rash and how to treat it. 

It’s hard to imagine a more uncomfortable situation than a new, itchy rash on your inner thigh or groin area. You may feel embarrassed about bringing it up with your healthcare provider, but seeking treatment is important. It can be challenging to figure out the cause, and some infections must be treated immediately. Start by making an appointment with your healthcare provider. 

Jock itch on a woman looks like a red, scaly rash. The rash often appears in a ring shape and feels very itchy.

The first step to getting rid of a rash on your inner thigh is to see your healthcare provider to determine what is causing the rash. Once you receive the proper diagnosis, your healthcare provider will recommend appropriate treatments.

There are several possible causes of a rash on the inner thigh. First, determine if the cause is chafing. Chafed skin becomes red and irritated from skin rubbing against skin. This commonly happens on the inner thighs when walking or running.

American Academy of Dermatology. Atopic dermatitis clinical guideline.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. 5 ways to use petroleum jelly for skin care.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. Eczema types: contact dermatitis overview.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heat stress related illness.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) acne inversa.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. 8 reasons your groin itches and how to get relief.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of ringworm.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. Tips for men: how to shave.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cercarial dermatitis.

Office on Women’s Health. Sexually transmitted infections.

By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse. She has practiced in a variety of settings including pediatrics, oncology, chronic pain, and public health.

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