Rash on Inner Thighs
Having rash on inner thighs is a symptom and not a disease or a health ailment. Rash is a condition of the skin wherein it becomes red, inflamed and itchy.
The rashes can happen at any site of the body but here we shall talk about rashes in inner thighs that carry its own significance. Nevertheless, most of the rashes are treated in the same way – depending upon the cause.
Inner Thigh Rash Causes
Inner thigh rashes due to contact
If the portion of thighs has been exposed to something irritating and allergic, the rash may happen as response. Contact dermatitis or skin inflammation is due to adverse reaction to something that is allergic to your skin. This may include chemicals used in bathing soap, shower gel or detergent (used to wash the undergarments). It can also happen due to thighs rubbing each other, which is quite common in a person with fatty thighs. The rubbing of skins of inner thighs result in irritation (called intertrigo) that causes redness and inflammation of the skin.
The rash on inner thighs may also happen due to contact with poisonous component found in herbs like poison oak or ivy, or present in the insect’s sting or animal’s bite. For instance, tick’s bite can cause Lyme disease that first forms a round shaped wound and then turns into rashes. Disease like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can also cause rashes on arms and inner thighs (legs).
Allergy as the major factor to cause inner thigh rashes
Allergic food and/or medication can substantially cause rashes on inner thighs along with other sites of the body. While it is difficult to know which food can create allergic response, some common foods include avocado, peanut, shellfish, strawberry that are known to cause rashes on the body including inner thighs.
In most of the cases, body’s response to allergy is quite controllable, but in some unfortunate cases it becomes fatal, and the sufferer faces life-threatening reactions affecting not only skin but also kidneys, intestines, joints and heart. In such cases, profuse sweating, vomiting, and difficulty in breathing are common symptoms.
Diseases that may cause Rashes on Inner Thighs
Other than allergic substances and chemicals, there are some health ailments known to cause rashes on the body and so on the inner thighs. Psoriasis, impetigo and eczema are few of the diseases that are known to produce rashes or skin eruption. Inner thigh rashes are quite common in patients diagnosed with psoriasis.
Apart from above mentioned health ailments, some autoimmune diseases are also known to cause rashes all across the body including inner thighs. Autoimmune disease is a condition wherein the body cells are attacked by their own body immune system that otherwise happens only in case of invasion of foreign bodies (such as microorganisms).
Associated Symptoms of Inner thigh Rashes
- Redness at the affected area
- Itching
- In severe cases, occurrence of blisters
- Breathlessness, if it is severe allergic reaction
- Irritation
- Inflammation
- Burning sensation
- Pain and discomfort while walking
Common Thigh Rash Problems
Cycling
The inner thigh rash problem may occur due to cycling. This is because inner thighs are the portions where the friction of skins happens during cycling. In fact, regular cyclists are very much aware and accustomed of this. It is also called as saddle sores.
Inner thigh rashes due to cycling first appear as a hot spot in one of the thighs. The burning at this site of thigh is the best indication for stopping it right there. If this stage is ignored, the second phase comes wherein the rash becomes intense and turns into a condition called folliculitis. Folliculitis is marked by a bump or blister at the hair follicles and might be filled with pus. This is more irritating and painful. If the sufferer keeps on riding and ignores it, the rash enters into the final stage of large bump that is hot, swollen and highly tender. This may turn into abscess and seek strict surgical attention.
Jogging
Those who regularly jog or run may have inner thigh rashes. They have chafed skin because of cloth (underwear, shorts or pants) rubbing with inner thigh skin. The condition is common during summer (more sweating) and monsoon (humid environment). This can be avoided by wearing loose clothes that breath and keeping that area hygienic.
Candida and other fungal infection: The area of inner thighs and groin are moist and thus more likely to accumulate the colonies of microorganisms especially fungus. Some special types of yeast or fungus grow on the human skin and give rise to rashes and many other skin lesions. The area can be kept dry by using herbal/antibiotic or antifungal powder. Especially during monsoon and summer one has to have this practice. Ringworm, candida, acne vulgaris are few conditions that could be associated with inner thigh rashes. The treatment depends upon the cause.
Nappy rashes
In infants or newborns, nappy rashes are common. Their inner thighs catch rashes due to nappies. If the diaper is filled with urine or excreta and not changed for long hours, it may cause irritation to the baby’s skin. In most of the cases, keeping the area hygienic and changing the nappies frequently solve the problem. In some cases, local antibiotic and anti fungal cream is applied as advised by pediatricians.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
These are rare but when occur bother the patient most. Genital herpes is one of such health ailments that can cause rashes on thighs. Herpes simplex virus (genital herpes) causes infection and brings other symptoms as well.
Pictures of Inner Thigh Rash
Picture 1: Inner thigh rash due to Jock itch
Image source : http://atlasdermatologico.com.br
Picture 2 : Pink color rashes in Jock Itch
Image source : http://atlasdermatologico.com.br
Remedies and Treatment of Inner Thigh Rashes
The treatment depends upon the cause, and that is why it varies from case to case. If the rashes are due to eczema, following patter of treatment is practiced.
Steroids
Inner thigh rashes due to eczema can be treated using corticosteroids. This group of drugs help to reduce the inflammation of the skin and thus helps in alleviating itching. The only problem with this treatment is its side effects. Steroids, when used for longer duration may cause some unwanted consequences.
Anti-allergic drugs
Anti-allergic drugs are prescribed as traditional practice in dermatology. Antihistamines help minimize skin flare-up and thus reduce the redness. Nevertheless, their effects do not last long.
Hydration
For any skin ailment, hydration of the skin should be maintained. Some healthcare providers prefer prescribing moisturizing creams to treat inner thigh rashes. Vitamin D and retinoid creams are also helpful maintaining the good health of the skin.
If inner thigh rashes are because of psoriasis, the line of treatment is different. Treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis case include following treatments.
Phototherapy
The light therapy is found useful treating this condition. The UV rays are used to slower down the production of dermal cells.
Retinoid
It is a class of drug associated with vitamin A. This component is used as an active ingredient in skin creams and gels to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis and thus help treat the inner thigh rashes. Nevertheless, retinoid can create severe side effects and hence is to be taken under strict medical supervision.
Immunosuppressant drugs
Drugs such as cyclosporine can help lessen the severity of psoriasis and thus fade the rashes and make them milder in color. Since this class of drugs are known to damage kidneys and affect blood pressure, strict medical supervision is required for this course of medication.
Homemade or Natural Remedies
- The property of ascorbic acid is to heal the wound faster. It contains potential antioxidants properties that help inner thigh rashes to fade off. Vitamin C pills may also help to reduce the inflammation at the affected site.
- Washing inner thighs with chamomile tea helps in reducing irritation and thus helps in treating rashes.
- Oatmeal bath can help curing inner thigh rashes. A cup of oatmeal (preferably uncooked) is put in hot bathwater and used.
- Apple cider vinegar is one of the trusted homemade remedies to treat allergic conditions such as inner thigh rashes. A tablespoonful of apple cider vinegar and honey is mixed and taken thrice a day.
- One of the most effective home remedies for inner thigh rashes is applying a mixture of vitamin E (as cream) and cod liver on the affected site.
- Application of olive oil soothes the skin and reduces the redness of the rashes.
- Body cleansing herbs such as Neem (Indian Margosa), licorice and holy basil helps in getting rid of toxins from the body. This might help reducing inner thigh rash symptoms.
References:
- livestrong.com
- ask.com community
- steadyhealth.com
- askville.amazon
- elsevier.com
Published by Dr. Raj MD under Skin.
Article was last reviewed on August 6th, 2018.