Chafing of the Groin

See Also: Chafing - Chafing Advice - Excessive Sweating - Fungal Sweat Rash - Chafing of the Buttocks - Chafing of the Nipples - Chafing of the Thighs

About Chafing of the Groin

Chafing of the groin is a problem for many people, male and female. By definition, the groin is the area between the abdomen and the thigh; chafing of this area commonly includes chafing of the scrotum and chafing of the labia.

As with most cases of chafing, chafing of the groin is caused by skin rubbing against skin or clothing. Because the groin is almost always under clothes, sweating can be a particular factor.

If chafing of the groin area and between the legs is a problem for you, then we would like to offer some advice.

Treating & Preventing Chafing of the Groin

Wear clothing that allows air to circulate around the groin. Natural fabrics such as cotton are usually recommended over synthetic materials, but sometimes this isn't the case. If you are prone to excessive sweating around the groin area, cotton underwear could encourage chafing, as it tends to absorb sweat and stay damp. So, if chafing of the groin is a particular problem for you, it may be worth choosing underwear that is a blend of cotton and modern, moisture wicking materials.

Keep dry. Using baby powder or talc will help keep you fresh and dry, but be warned, these can clump with excessive sweating. Lanacane Mediated Body Powder has a triple action formula that will keep you dry, soothe itching and help prevent chafing. Vagisil Feminine Powder will help to absorb excess moisture to prevent chafing of the groin and also eliminate unpleasant odours. Zeasorb Absorbent Powder is another product that can be used to absorb excess moisture. A good antiperspirant is something that can be easily overlooked; a product such as Odaban Antiperspirant Spray or Neat 3B Action Cream can be easily applied to the groin area and provide hours of effective protection.

Lubricate. Keeping your skin lubricated will help reduction friction and irritation. Products such as petroleum jelly and baby oil are popular solutions, but they can make a mess of clothing. While not a lubricant, Lanacane Anti-Chafing Gel is a clear, non-greasy gel with an anti-friction formula that dries on contact to form a breathable, friction-reducing barrier on the skin.

Don't shave. This may sound an odd solution, but hair can act as a natural barrier between skin, wick moisture and help air to circulate. If you shave your body hair, then this could be a factor in the cause of your chafing. To those of us who may prefer a more 'streamlined' look in this area, allowing hair to grow may not be the ideal solution. However, if chafing here is a real problem, then this is something worth bearing in mind.

Other suggestions. Some people swear by nappy rash ointment when it comes to chafing. A nappy rash ointment will often combine an emollient with barrier protection. A product containing zinc oxide will also help to repair damaged skin.