HomeAnswersDermatologyjock itchI have itchiness, puffiness, and sweating in the area between my legs. Why does it occur?

Can tinea cruris cause itching, puffiness, and sweating in the area between the legs?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 28, 2022
Reviewed AtJanuary 17, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

The area between my legs was sweaty, wet, itchy, and puffy. The balls have a different texture and are sweating profusely, and the skin around them has marks that look like my brief underwear.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

As per the history and images provided, it appears as tinea cruris. Tinea cruris is a fungal infection most commonly found in folds and private areas with less exposure. They appear as a result of sweat and moisture stagnation. The private areas, groin, and buttock areas are the most vulnerable skin fold areas. Other areas that may be affected include the underarms, abdomen, and arm and leg folds. They can also form due to lowered immunity, transmission from an infected person, hygiene issues, climate changes, and hormonal changes. Itching, scaly lesions, oozing and foul-smelling secretion, pain, and redness are common symptoms. Itching is the most common symptom, which can cause discomfort throughout the day, particularly when sweating.

Apart from the symptoms, there are factors to prevent recurrences. Tinea infections are usually intermittent and reoccur due to multiple factors, so prevention can be accomplished by following these.

  • Keto (Ketoconazole) soap should be used twice daily for bathing. Lather the soap with water and apply it only to the affected areas. Keep for 3 minutes before washing off. Use this soap only on affected areas. On other areas of the skin, use regular soap.
  • Apply Terbinafine (Lamisil) cream twice daily. After bathing, thoroughly clean the areas, towel dry, air dry, and apply Terbinafine cream evenly. After applying the cream, thoroughly wash your hands. You can also apply dusting powder containing Terbinafine to the affected area in the afternoon and evening to relieve itching and absorb moisture. Application is recommended twice daily.
  • Take capsule Becosule Z (Vitamin B3, Vitamin B1, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Pantothenate, Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate, Vitamin B7, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin B2) once daily after breakfast for one month to maintain immunity.
  • Take the antifungal capsule Itraconazole (Sporanox) 200 mg daily at night after eating meal for four weeks.
  • Take a tablet of Cetirizine (Zyrtec) 10 mg one hour before sleep at night for one week. Ensure not to go out or drive after consuming this tablet, as it is a sedative. They help with excess itching.
  • Avoid stagnation of moisture and sweat. Wipe out in case of sweating and air the area well under a fan from time to time. They help with the current lesions and for preventing recurrences.
  • Wear loose clothing and underwear. Make sure to wash well and dry it under the sun daily.
  • Do not share your undergarments.

Tinea cruris will take time to fade due to the extent of the infection and the location in areas that are not exposed. It could take weeks or months for the severity to fade. As a result, it is critical to be consistent and patient with the medication. They may appear on and off due to low immunity, sharing belongings with infected individuals, moisture and sweat stagnation, wearing tight-fitting clothes, and keeping the area less aired. As a result, ensuring the above steps at home is ideal for complete recovery.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty
Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty

Venereology

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