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Chafing in the groin area is a common problem experienced by both, men and women. Since the groin covers the area between the abdomen and the thigh, chafing genitals could include scrotum, labia or vaginal chaffing.

What are the Causes for Chafed Genitals?

Any exercise or activity in which skin is rubbed repeatedly against skin or a rough surface is called chafing. Genital chafing usually occurs when the skin in the groin area is rubbed against skin or clothing over and over. Some of the most common causes of chafed genitals include:

• Intercourse: Several women experience vaginal chaffing because of prolonged or rough sexual intercourse. The constant rubbing of the outer side of the vaginal area during masturbation could also lead to chafing.
• Clothing: Many men and women suffer from chafing in the genital area mainly because of excessively tight clothing and underwear.
• Obesity: People who have an excessive amount of fat accumulated in the groin area are quite likely to experience chafing when they move about, exercise or go about their daily activities.
• Shaving: The repeated motion of a razor blade against the skin could cause the skin in the groin area to crack and get inflamed.
• Perspiring: Because the groin area is usually covered by a few layers of clothes, sweating could also lead to chafing in the area.
• Riding: Those who spend a number of hours riding a cycle or a bike each day may experience genital chafing. This may also occur in those individuals who go horse riding regularly.
• Toiletries: The use of certain products like a loofah or a perfumed soap could cause the skin in your groin area to become dry and itchy, which in turn could lead to chafing.

Chafing is not very serious and this problem can be avoided by following a few preventative steps.

What are the Symptoms of Chafed Genitals?

Though genital chafing is not a serious problem, it can lead to a lot of pain and discomfort. The chafing is characterized by a painful, stinging or burning sensation. Some of the symptoms that may accompany genital chafing include:

• Development of cracks that bleed
• Dryness and excessive itching
• Pain and irritation
• Peeling skin
• Redness

It is best for you to check with a doctor as soon as you experience any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above.

What is the Treatment for Chafed Genitals?

Once the skin in the genital area is chafed, you have to treat it like an open wound. Left untreated genital chafing can lead to a serious inflammation. In most instances, the chafed skin heals within 3 to 5 days. Make sure that you give your skin the chance to heal properly. You need to:

• Apply an over the counter ointment as recommended by the doctor
• Avoid the clothing or activity that caused the chafing in the first place
• Wash the area and clean it regularly with a mild antiseptic
• Ensure that you keep the area clean and dry at all times

In addition to medical treatment suggested by your doctor, you can follow a few simple steps to prevent chafing genitals. In order to prevent chafing, you need to –

Wear loose or well-fitting clothing which allows the air to circulate around your groin area. Try to choose clothes and underwear made from a blend of fabrics that dries the moisture from the area.
Apply a small amount of talc or baby powder to the area, to keep it dry. However, applying too much powder could result in excessive sweating. Alternately, there are certain brands of medicated powder available in pharmacies that are especially effective in preventing chafing.

• Reduce friction and irritation in the area by keeping the skin well-lubricated. While products like petroleum jelly and baby oil are gentle on the skin, they can stain your clothing. You could therefore opt for a non-greasy gel with an antifriction formula, available at most pharmacies.
• Use an adequate amount of lubrication in the groin area before engaging in any kind of sexual activity. You may use a water based lubricant or smear your partners vaginal fluid to keep the area well lubricated
• Avoid using a razor in the area. Allowing your hair to grow in the area may further help prevent chafing, since it picks off the moisture and allows the air to circulate.

There are many people who use over-the-counter nappy rash ointments to prevent and treat chafing. Choose an ointment that contains zinc oxide to repair damaged skin.

While the natural remedies to treat and prevent chafing mentioned above are quite safe if used correctly, it is best to consult a doctor before trying any of them. In case the problem is ongoing or recurrent, seek medical advice.

References

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21492397