Bacteria and fungi are present on the surface of the skin of any person. Pathogenic agents prefer to be located in those areas where sweat glands are actively working - armpits, legs, palms, groin area. Ringworm is a skin lesion that spreads to one or more areas of the skin. It is usually infectious in nature and is transmitted through contact with an infected person or animal (but there are also non-contagious lichens). The disease manifests itself in the form of plaques and rashes. Ringworm in the groin area is quite common, which is associated with high humidity in this area.
Causes of lichen in the groin
This disease is caused by spores of pathogenic fungi, and their rapid reproduction occurs in a damp, warm environment. The accumulation of pathogenic microorganisms occurs mainly in the folds in the armpits and groin. In advanced conditions, characteristic symptoms occur between the fingers on the extremities.
Men are much more susceptible to this dermatological disease than women. Infection occurs in public places through personal hygiene items, as well as through direct contact with a sick person. Pathology occurs when there is intimacy with a partner infected with lichen.
First of all, infection occurs due to a weak immune system, obesity, serious illnesses, a stressful situation, as well as excessive work of the sebaceous glands. If you do not follow the rules of personal hygiene, wearing clothes made of low-quality materials can also contribute to the development of lichen.
Pathogenic fungi are characterized by microscopic size and a high degree of survival. Under comfortable conditions, it can live for several days. When infected, it adapts to the groin and rapidly begins to multiply, causing pain to the sick person. In the groin area, body temperature is always higher, so this part of the body is most often affected by fungi.
What and how to treat fungus?
Treatment of inguinal fungus in women is carried out using external agents. If the genitals are affected, the doctor will prescribe vaginal suppositories for thrush. In addition to drug therapy, it is necessary to adhere to a number of rules that will help quickly defeat pathogenic microflora.
- During treatment, you should avoid wearing tight lace underwear made from synthetic fabrics. The skin must breathe, so you should choose underwear made from natural cotton.
- The sexual partner should also be examined by a doctor. If a fungus is detected, the disease must be cured.
- It is important to carefully maintain personal hygiene to prevent the spread of pathogenic microflora to healthy skin.
For treatment, medications and folk remedies are used. Both methods complement each other perfectly. Traditional medicine can be practiced as an independent remedy, but only at the initial stage of fungal development. If pronounced symptoms appear, preference should be given to medicinal methods.
Symptoms of lichen in the groin
Fungal infections can be found on different parts of the body: head, arms, legs, mouth, abdomen, as well as nail plates, feet, and groin area. The main symptoms of the disease are:
- Flaky areas of the epidermis.
- Unpleasant sensations: itching and burning.
- A large accumulation of small rash with cloudy liquid.
The area of localization of fungal infections in the male half is located on the surface of the thighs and lower abdomen, folds of the buttocks, anus and scrotum. In women, lichen can be found in the armpits, under the breasts, between the fingers, and also on the pubic area; thanks to the photo, the disease can be identified at the initial stage.
The first signal of the presence of lichen is the appearance of pink spots. Their characteristic feature is the presence of an inflammatory process and a gradual increase in size. After a certain time, the inflammation in the central part of the rash goes away, while it remains at the edges. If the spots are constantly scratched, the wound may become infected and then suppurate.
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Diagnostic measures
If you find suspicious spots or rashes on the epidermis, you should visit a dermatologist. Lichen or fungus can only be determined by a specialist, based on the results of the diagnostic measures performed.
On the first visit, the dermatologist examines the skin in detail, assesses the size of the spots, their color and shape. An experienced specialist can make a preliminary diagnosis based on an external examination.
To confirm the diagnosis, the following studies are prescribed:
- biochemical blood test;
- urine analysis;
- skin scraping from the injured area;
- studies of microprecipitation reactions with antigen.
If clinical manifestations are present for 6 weeks or more, bacteriological culture of the discharge from the affected area is prescribed. The diagnosis can be confirmed using biopsy and histology.
Differential analysis of pityriasis rosea is carried out with toxicerma, psoriasis, complicated by syphilis. In such cases, other diagnostic measures are required (for example, scraping for the presence of fungus, RPR tests for the presence of syphilitic rashes, etc.).
Ringworm on penis
In men, signs of lichen occur in addition to the lower abdomen, on the scrotum and head of the penis, as well as on the inner thigh and folds of the buttocks, which indicates the need to contact the dermatology department for adequate treatment (for clarity, you can see the photo on the medical website). Patients experience severe itching and cannot get rid of it with a shower. The skin affected by the disease becomes severely inflamed, blisters and peeling appear.
When the genital organs are affected, patients complain of pain when urinating, as well as the appearance of round spots on the dermis, outlined by narrow inflamed areas. To avoid complications of a fungal infection, it is forbidden to scratch the groin area.
The initial stage is characterized by isolated pink areas affected by the fungus. In severe cases, the spots darken, pustules appear, and then the rashes merge into one large spot.
At the beginning of the disease, men notice a slight itching in the groin area and genitals, which intensifies over time. Then itching sensations appear in the anus and rashes appear on the affected areas. If you do not start treating the disease in time, pathogenic microorganisms invade the healthy surface of the epidermis.
Clinical picture
Symptoms of inguinal lichen are difficult to miss, so you should immediately contact a medical center for an appointment with a specialist if you notice the following symptoms of the disease:
- With obsessive itching near the groin area and genitals, which over time becomes permanent and provokes pain in the intimate areas. In men, itching can also appear on the thighs, while bypassing the genitals.
- After a short amount of time, in places where itching is localized, a rash may form, consisting of round spots of bright red or brown shades with a clearly defined border.
- At an advanced stage of development, in the absence of therapy, small blisters, pustules and erosions filled with clear liquid may appear on the surface of such pigmented formations.
- The affected areas of the skin are often accompanied by peeling and the subsequent formation of microcracks, through which other infections can enter the body, aggravating the patient’s health condition.
- In areas of the body bordering the foci of vesicular inflammation, you can notice redness and minor signs of swelling, which, with adequate treatment, self-destruct in the first days.
- Lichen rashes tend to grow peripherally and further merge pigment spots, which ultimately forms a patterned pattern of rings with a clear edge on the body.
In the absence of therapy, fungal skin lesions can progress to a chronic stage, which is fraught for the patient with regular relapses, which can be avoided with timely consultation with a professional doctor - in women, such dermatological problems are dealt with by a gynecologist; in men, it will be necessary to consult a urologist.
Ringworm on the labia
Not only men, but also women are susceptible to shingles; in the latter, painful spots appear on the labia and perineum, and a photo will help identify the disease, but patients cannot do without qualified medical care. Intolerable itching and burning occur in the genital area, which means the onset of an inflammatory process.
In advanced stages, the light affected areas will darken and blisters with suppuration will appear on them. In addition, in the fair sex, the disease will spread to other parts of the body, including the legs and anus. In the absence of proper treatment, lichen will lead to disruptions in the functioning of the entire body.
Mandatory therapy
At the slightest symptoms of the appearance of a disease between the legs, it is urgent to consult a urologist or dermatologist.
Treatment is carried out with drugs of general and local action. Usually these are creams and antifungal ointments.
Ringworm between the legs in men and women can also be treated with medications.
- Fungicidal medications that prevent the proliferation of mycosis.
- "Terbinafine" or its cheaper analogue "Termikon". These highly effective sprayers are easy to use.
- "Triderm".
- Antihistamines (eliminate itching and other unpleasant symptoms) Clotrimazole, Fluconazole.
- Antiviral drugs “Interferon”, “Lavomax”.
- Painkillers, analgesics, and sedatives will help reduce pain.
- Vitamin and mineral complexes.
- “Loratadine”, “Suprastin”, “Citrine” are antiallergic drugs that will reduce itching, swelling, and inflammation.
- “Intraconazole”, “Ketoconazole”, Lassara Paste, “Tsindol”, “Sinaflan”, Spray “Lamicon”, “Futsis”, “Nistan”.
How to apply ringworm ointment correctly:
- First you need to thoroughly clean the skin on which the drug will be applied;
- apply a thin layer of anti-fungal ointment;
- do not apply strictly along the contours of the affected groin skin, you can touch healthy skin;
- Use strictly according to the instructions and as prescribed by a doctor; self-medication can be dangerous and ineffective.
General treatment includes various types of medications (in tablets).
- Acyclovir, an antiherpetic drug, is the main method of treating the disease.
- "Erythromycin", a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
- Prednisolone, a hormonal drug.
- "Suprastin", an antihistamine.
- “Enterosgel sorbent”, which absorbs all negative substances.
- "Linex", bifidobacteria to restore normal intestinal microflora.
- Immunomodulators and immunostimulants to improve your own immunity.
"Futsis" can be prescribed for the treatment of lichen in the intimate area
Healing lotions
By applying compresses, you can reduce not only the symptoms, but also kill the source of inflammation itself. You can use the following drugs for this:
- chlorhexidine bigluconate;
- potassium permanganate solution (potassium permanganate);
- formaldehyde paste "Resorcinol";
- "Nitrofungin";
- "Ethacridine lactate";
- "Furacilin" (kills staphylococcus bacteria and others);
- treat burst blisters with iodine or brilliant green.
Traditional methods
Medicinal herbal decoctions will always help. You just need to use them wisely. To cure inguinal lichen of the scrotum, you can use herbal decoctions:
- calendula;
- chamomile (flowers);
- St. John's wort;
- series;
- celandine;
- birch leaves;
- Oak bark;
- sage.
They perfectly relieve inflammation, soothe itching, dry, and help restore the skin.
Hands should be washed with tar soap before procedures. To treat inguinal lichen, it is recommended to use special recipes.
- Mix lard with tar, lubricate the reddened area and wait.
- In a small container, grind the tar with egg white, add castor oil in a ratio of 1:1:1. Place the mixture in a cloth, wrap the compress and apply to the affected area. Keep overnight (can be fixed).
- Take birch leaves or buds and brew a decoction (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water). Wash, wipe or apply a compress to the sore spot 2-3 times a day.
- Lubricate redness and peeling with sea buckthorn oil. It perfectly heals and restores the skin.
Treatment of lichen in the groin
Treatment for men and women is practically no different. Let's look at treatment methods depending on gender.
Treatment of lichen in the groin in men
To establish the correct diagnosis, it is necessary to promptly consult your doctor, who will easily determine whether the patient has a specific dermatological disease. An experienced doctor can identify skin pathology based on external symptoms and unbearable itching. However, he will definitely take the material for laboratory research. Based on the results of the analysis, he will determine the course of treatment.
Treatment is carried out using external medications - ointments, gels and sprays, such as Clotrimazole, Zalain and other drugs. The ointment should be applied carefully in a small amount. The procedure is repeated several times a day.
In aggravated cases, stronger medical products are prescribed - Triderm or Miconazole. As a result of the positive dynamics of drugs, restoration and regeneration of the skin occurs. In addition, in addition to local treatment, it is necessary to take allergy medications.
Treatment of lichen in the groin in women
In addition to the local use of ointments and creams, the therapy complex includes all kinds of lotions using antiseptics (for example, Chlorhexidine). The medicine is first diluted in boiled water - the dosage is determined by a dermatologist, which is applied to the inflamed areas of the epidermis. At the same time, it is worth taking antihistamine drugs to eliminate itching sensations.
Treatment of lichen in the groin with folk remedies
Treatment with traditional medicine should be carried out under the strict supervision of the attending physician, but in combination with drug treatment, as well as with the help of ointments and creams. Eucalyptus oil has proven itself well, which will help quickly get rid of skin ailments. It has anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory qualities. A lotion with oil is applied before bedtime after hygiene procedures.
On the Internet you can find a huge number of recipes from natural plants, sold in many pharmacies, which can be prepared at home. For women, it is recommended to apply decoctions of string and oak bark as lotions. In addition, you can make a decoction of chamomile, St. John's wort, calendula, and sage. Such baths should be carried out in a sitting position.
Men can make a decoction for procedures from a collection of herbs such as chamomile, lingonberry leaves, violet and yarrow. To prepare a decoction, you need to mix the indicated plants in equal proportions and brew with boiling water for several hours. This decoction is used until the symptoms of the dermatological disease completely disappear.
Treatment of lichen in the groin with medications
Treatment of lichen involves complex treatment in the form of topical medications, antihistamines, and oral medications. Among the effective ointments, it is worth highlighting Terbinafine, Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole and other external agents.
The doctor can prescribe sprays for women as a therapeutic product - Termicon and Terbinafine, which are very convenient to use. In addition, if the epidermis is affected by severe pathogenic microorganisms, the attending physician will prescribe Fluconazole and Intraconazole. Sometimes a specialist prescribes special shampoos for lichen, for example Nizoral.
Men are prescribed outpatient treatment using external remedies, as well as allergy medications. In addition, the doctor may prescribe oral medications in tablet form. One of the best drugs is Fluconazole.
Diagnostics
Tests and diagnostics will reveal the presence of a fungal pathogen
Having figured out what fungus looks like in the groin in women, you should consult a doctor at the first suspicion of fungal flora on the skin. Despite the specific symptoms, it is necessary to undergo an examination and tests to accurately determine the pathogen. To do this, a skin scraping is taken and examined under a microscope.
Differential diagnosis is required to exclude other dermatological diseases. This is due to the fact that groin fungus visually resembles dermatitis and some types of eczema.
Prevention of lichen in the groin
To prevent infection with a dermatological disease in the groin area of the body, it is necessary to perform a number of preventive measures:
- Strengthen the immune system year-round, as well as promptly treat other diseases.
- Try to eat a varied and balanced diet.
- Include physical exercise in your daily routine, eliminate or minimize the consumption of alcoholic beverages and quit smoking.
- Do not overeat or abuse diets.
- Observe precautions in public places, use only individual personal hygiene products, and do not wear other people’s clothes and shoes.
- When choosing clothes, give preference only to natural fabrics.
- Avoid hypothermia in the cold season and overheating in hot weather.