Inguinal fungus affects the perineum, anus, scrotum and inner thighs in men. Treatment for athlete's foot is usually done at home using over-the-counter medications. There are predisposing factors for the disease. If immunity is reduced, there are chronic diseases and vitamin deficiency, a fungus can most likely form in the groin in men. How to treat such a disease is determined depending on the clinical picture.
Symptoms of pathology
The most important symptom of this pathology is itching in the area of the genital organs and peri-inguinal area. Over time, this symptom becomes more painful and then becomes permanent. In the male half, itching occurs on the thighs, in the groin, while it bypasses the penis.
Over time, a red or brown rash forms. The border of the infected area can be determined by the presence of looped figures. Next, small blisters may appear on the rash, containing liquid inside. The skin begins to peel off, forming small cracks. Areas that border the affected skin become red and may also peel.
Rules for applying ointments
To eliminate fungus in the groin area, you must use medications prescribed by your doctor. The entire course of therapy must be completed to the end, otherwise there is a possibility of exacerbation of the pathological process.
Throughout the treatment, you should wear loose underwear so that it does not come into contact with the affected area. Ointments for fungus in the groin, which have an antifungal effect, allow you to get a quick and guaranteed therapeutic effect.
When carrying out ointment therapy, you should adhere to the following recommendations:
- Apply the product not only to the affected skin, but also to healthy areas concentrated nearby.
- The affected area should be washed thoroughly before treatment.
- Change underwear and bed linen daily.
Causes of fungus in the groin
The main cause of the disease is a fungal infection. Sometimes infection occurs through the transmission of fungal bacteria from a sick person to a healthy person after close tactile communication, sexual contact, or after using the same bed linen or towels by both a sick and healthy person. Unfortunately, the fungus can be transmitted in baths, saunas, and swimming pools.
Fungal infection is the main cause of the disease
Another significant reason for the development of fungus can be a weakened immune system. Normally, the fungus is located on the mucous membranes in a certain amount and does not multiply. If the immune system weakens, then microorganisms begin to actively develop, including spreading to the skin.
Fungi develop intensively in humid and warm conditions, so microorganisms often appear in the folds of the skin, especially in the groin area and between the buttocks. The risk of developing a fungal disease increases with increased sweating, diseases of the endocrine system, wearing uncomfortable synthetic underwear and poor personal hygiene.
Ketoconazole
This ointment is active against various types of fungus and has shown excellent results in the treatment of inguinal athlete's foot. When applied, you can very quickly relieve unpleasant symptoms. Apply ointment for fungus in the groin before going to bed. The duration of the therapeutic course will be 2-6 weeks. Everything is determined taking into account the severity and course of the pathological process.
The active components of Ketoconazole are not absorbed into the bloodstream, so there are no contraindications to the use of the drug. The only contraindication remains individual intolerance to individual components of the ointment. This can lead to the development of itching, irritation, and local allergic symptoms. You can find instructions for use and contraindications in this article.
Prevention Tips
To avoid contracting a fungal infection, you should always use separate hygiene items - a towel, a comb. When visiting a public bath, you should wear rubber slippers, as fungus is almost always present in this environment. It is imperative to maintain personal hygiene and wear underwear that fits properly and is not tight. It is better if it is made from linen and other fabrics that do not irritate the epidermis.
After taking a shower, you need to take good care of your skin. If a man is engaged in sedentary work, he needs to get up from time to time and warm up. Linens should be washed with suitable detergents. Aggressive chemical compounds and fabric softeners are not suitable as they can irritate damaged skin.
The room in which the infected person was located must be treated with disinfectants. They kill fungi and bacteria. If mycoses appear on other areas of the body, they should be treated in a timely manner. If your doctor has prescribed an ointment, you should wash your hands thoroughly after applying it. You should not ignore going to the doctor, since syphilis and herpes are sometimes masked under the symptoms of athlete's foot. Only a specialist can accurately determine the type of infection.
Kanespor
This ointment for fungus between the legs has
influence on ergosterol synthesis. And this is achieved due to bifonazole, which is part of the drug. Treat the skin before going to bed, and the skin around the damaged area should be lubricated with anti-inflammatory ointments. This will prevent irritation from developing. Side effects include dry skin, age spots and itching.
Common symptoms
Athlete's foot in intimate places manifests itself differently in representatives of the stronger sex, it all depends on the zone of its localization. It is customary to highlight the main symptoms:
- severe burning and itching;
- redness of the skin;
- presence of diaper rash;
- small rashes in the form of blistering pimples;
- severe irritation;
- pain upon contact with clothing.
Most often, mycosis occurs in the folds of the skin. This is the area in the perineum, on the scrotum, the area between the thighs and pubis. The infected part of the body quickly turns red, and in some cases becomes covered with a white coating. If such skin is constantly scratched, erosions and cracks form, which can bleed. Characteristic is severe peeling, leading to painful discomfort and itching.
When drops of sweat enter such areas, a man feels severe pain, which also manifests itself during walking due to friction with clothing items. As a result, severe diaper rash appears, covered with weeping ulcers.
Other signs of infection are observed if the fungus gets on the genitals or genitals from a sick woman. This condition is characterized by the following violations:
- the head of the penis initially turns red and swollen, covered with a light coating;
- the appearance of unbearable itching;
- light discharge with uncharacteristic clots.
Quite often, thrush, which progresses in the male body, develops asymptomatically. Exacerbation occurs only due to a sharp decrease in immunity. In this state, fungal pathogens remain on the genitals for a long period.
Genital candidiasis is very contagious; if there are signs indicating its development, complex therapy is prescribed to two partners simultaneously. When the use of medications and external medications is not mutual, the carrier of the infection will constantly infect the cured person.
Lamisil
This drug has gained wide popularity in the treatment of foot and nail fungus. But this remedy is no less effective for treating skin in the groin area. The main component of the drug is terbinafine. Due to it, sterol synthesis in fungal mycelium (spores) is inhibited. When Lamisil is applied, relief occurs quickly. But this does not mean that you need to stop treatment immediately. Apply the ointment to the affected area once a day. The duration of treatment is determined taking into account the severity of the pathological process. Lamisil should not be used for severe liver disease. Read more about the drug here.
How to fix the problem: what to do
White plaque in the inguinal folds of men and on the mucous membrane should not be ignored. Consultation with a doctor is necessary if there is:
- The body temperature increased and the person’s general well-being worsened.
- Signs of intoxication of the body appeared: appetite decreased, apathy appeared.
- The lymph nodes increased in size and became painful on palpation.
- The man is bothered by severe itching, burning sensation when urinating, and pain in the prostate organs.
The manifestations described above indicate the presence of an infectious process in the body; it must be treated under the supervision of a doctor, using antibacterial and antiseptic agents.
If, apart from plaque and itching, nothing bothers a man, then the following measures can be taken:
- Carry out regular hygiene procedures, at least 2 times a day, use antibacterial wipes after visiting the toilet;
- purchase from a pharmacy a specialized product intended for hygiene of intimate organs, do not use others;
- apply a softening cream to the skin that reduces irritation and use it after hygiene procedures, daily;
- start taking vitamins, normalize nutrition, which will help strengthen the immune system, restore the microflora of the intestinal mucosa and stomach;
- stop drinking alcohol and smoking, giving preference to a healthy lifestyle;
- during sexual intercourse, use barrier contraceptives;
- give preference to underwear made from natural fabrics that allow air to pass through and do not interfere with the circulation of air masses;
- avoid contact with aggressive reagents and strong friction to prevent an increase in unpleasant symptoms;
- you can use agents that stop the growth and reproduction of the fungus, most often preference is given to Nystatin ointment, but you can also use Pimafucin cream;
- the partner will also have to undergo treatment, even if nothing bothers her. A woman, like a man, can take Fluconazole or Flucostat.
You should also treat the genitals with an antiseptic daily; for this purpose, use a solution of Chlorhexidine or Miramistin. You can use baths with soda, Furacilin or potassium permanganate.
Triderm
This medication effectively relieves inflammation, fungal infections and has an antibacterial effect.
The main active ingredients include:
- clotrimazole;
- gentamicin;
- betamethasone dipropionate.
The consistency of the ointment is homogeneous, it is white in color, without foreign inclusions. The drug is used in the treatment of various dermatological pathologies, which include inguinal dermatophytosis. But you cannot use Triderm for:
- hyperactivity to various components;
- open wounds;
- dermal tuberculosis;
- patients under 2 years of age.
During pregnancy, use the ointment with caution. During lactation such treatment is unacceptable. Side effects include:
- burning, itching;
- violation of dermal pigmentation;
- redness;
- peeling;
- swelling of the skin;
- hives
The drug should be applied to the affected area in the morning and evening. With regular use, a lasting therapeutic effect is guaranteed. Positive dynamics can be seen after 3-4 weeks.
Causes of the disease
Dermatomycosis inguinal occurs due to the entry of the fungus Epidermophyton into the human body (hence the name “athlete’s foot”). Other pathologies associated with fungal infections are more correctly called dermatomycosis. The infection poses the greatest danger to men, which is explained by the characteristics of their lifestyle. Create favorable conditions for the spread of fungus (warm and humid environment):
- severe physical activity accompanied by active sweating;
- visiting saunas/baths;
- regular exercise.
Under suitable conditions, the fungus remains viable for a long time. If personal hygiene is not observed properly, or someone else’s clothes or shoes, rugs or mats are used in the gym, bacteria easily penetrate steamed human skin. In addition, you can become infected with epidermophytosis even in a hospital through bedding or shared beds, or in hotels, using provided towels, slippers, and other things.
Female inguinal fungus is a relatively rare phenomenon, which, as a rule, is accompanied by a mixed infection. For example, dermatomycosis develops simultaneously with candidiasis (the causative agent is yeast). In addition, among women, inguinal mycosis in almost 100% of cases causes inflammation of the skin, which is absolutely unusual for men.
Sulfuric ointment
The ointment is presented in a uniform consistency, due to which it is quickly absorbed into the skin. The main component of the drug is precipitated sulfur. After applying the composition, it interacts with various components of organic origin. Has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
When applying the medicinal composition, the following effect is achieved:
- quickly eliminates fungal infections at any stage;
- relieves itching and burning;
- eliminates peeling;
- restores the skin.
The medicinal composition must be applied once a day. The course of treatment will be 2-3 weeks. We wrote about how to properly use sulfur ointment for fungus in this article.
Traditional medicine tips
Among the many “grandmother’s” remedies based only on natural ingredients, there are a large number of drugs that effectively cope with groin fungus. They can be used in parallel with tablets and creams, so the expected result will appear much faster:
- Dissolve salt and 1 tbsp soda in 250 ml of warm water. l., add 15 drops of iodine. This composition should be used to wipe the fungus-infected skin using a soft cotton pad. Manipulations are carried out carefully, the genitals should not be affected.
- Lemon juice is effective against mycosis, neutralizing pathogenic organisms and reducing sweat production. It is diluted with warm water at a rate of 1:1 and applied to the affected areas 2 - 3 times a day. It is unacceptable to use lemon juice if there are ulcers or wounds or bursting blisters on the epidermis. Otherwise, burns may occur.
- A time-tested method is a regular decoction based on calamus root, which has a powerful antifungal effect. The dried part of the plant is crushed. In the amount of 2 tbsp. l. it is filled with 500 ml of water and boiled over low heat for 20 minutes. The cooled liquid must be filtered and treated with it on the affected areas of the skin. Usually compresses are applied and kept for no more than 5 minutes.
A well-known and accessible remedy is manganese, a weak solution of which can also be used to wipe off diaper rash in the groin area. Baths for the genitals are also useful. For 1 liter of water you need to take 1 tsp. soda The genitals are placed in the prepared warm mixture and kept in it for 10-15 minutes.
Zalain
This ointment has an active antifungal effect. It can be used in the treatment of various fungal infections of the skin. The drug has a powerful antifungal effect, allows you to eliminate the source of the disease and prevent damage to healthy tissues. If you use the product regularly, you can relieve the unpleasant symptoms characteristic of fungus in the groin, eliminate itching, and also give a feeling of comfort. The ointment helps to speed up recovery and regenerate damaged tissue. Read reviews about Zalain here.
Is groin fungus contagious?
Unfortunately, the fungus is a contagious disease and sexual intercourse is not even necessary for its transmission from the groin area. Fungal spores can spread through clothing, shoes, household items and underwear. The risk of disease increases in people with weakened immune systems, especially if they communicate with a person sick with the fungus.
If you notice any signs of a fungal infection, such as redness, itching, or flaking in the groin, be sure to visit your doctor.
Fungus is a very unpleasant disease that causes discomfort and does not go away on its own. It is important to know that this can and should be dealt with. The main thing is to follow preventive measures, and at the first signs of the disease, immediately consult a doctor for timely and effective treatment.
Exoderil
This ointment is actively used in the treatment of fungus on the feet, nails and skin between the legs in the groin. It is an antifungal agent, intended for external use. Used in the treatment of fungal infections caused by dermatophyte fungi. The active component of Exoderil is naftifine.
Apply the cream in a small amount to the affected area. Apply the product using massaging movements and wait for it to be absorbed. It is necessary to apply the product before going to bed. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor taking into account the severity of the pathological process.
How to avoid getting sick
To prevent fungus in the groin area, you need to maintain hygiene and treat chronic diseases in a timely manner. To reduce the risk of infection, you should:
- eat a balanced diet;
- wear underwear made of breathable materials;
- exclude casual sexual contacts;
- lubricate scratches and ulcers on the skin with antiseptics;
- undergo vitamin therapy twice a year;
- Dry the groin area thoroughly after bathing;
- use antifungal powders;
- wash underwear at 90°C;
- promptly treat fungus on other parts of the body;
- use only personal hygiene products.
At the initial stage, perineal fungus is easily treatable. Therefore, at the first symptoms of mycosis, you should contact a dermatologist.
Mycoseptin
This medication is inexpensive and at the same time very effective in treating fungus in the groin. The drug has virtually no side effects. The active substance is mycoseptin. It is he who has an antiseptic, fungicidal and fungistatic effect. The zinc that the ointment contains has a drying effect. The composition can be used not only to treat fungus in the groin, but also for prevention.
The drug should be applied to clean and dry dermis. Do this several times a day for 2 weeks. If you use the remedy for prevention, then after eliminating the problem, extend the treatment for a month. You can read the instructions for using Mikoseptin and reviews about it in this article.
Features of perineal fungus in HIV
The activity of fungi strongly depends on the state of the immune system.
Therefore, fungal diseases are detected in HIV-infected people in 60-80% of cases.
Moreover, not only at the AIDS stage.
Often, fungal infection of the perineum is observed in the latent phase of the disease.
The majority of cases are due to candidiasis – up to 80%.
Moreover, in the terminal phase, disseminated candidal infection develops in 90% of cases.
It is not always diagnosed intravitally, but is determined at autopsy.
If candidiasis appears in the latent phase of HIV, this is a reason to once again go to the doctor and get tested.
Because often the appearance of a fungus in the perineum indicates that the immune system has begun to sag.
Features of candidiasis due to HIV:
- the genitals and perineum are often affected;
- extensive foci of inflammation form;
- pronounced subjective sensations and pain are observed;
- lesions are prone to the formation of erosions and ulcers.
Fungal folliculitis may form.
Candidiasis not only develops against the background of reduced immunity, but also itself causes immunosuppression.
Therefore, it aggravates the condition of HIV patients.
Other fungal pathologies associated with this disease:
- Pityriasis versicolor – there is a tendency towards skin infiltration and lichenification.
- Inguinal dermatophytosis - signs may be atypical (reminiscent of folliculitis, exudative erythema).
Treatment is carried out with the same drugs.
But if local remedies are sufficient without HIV infection, then against the background of immunodeficiency, systemic therapy is also prescribed.
Salicylic ointment
This ointment is actively used to treat various diseases of the nail plate and skin. It has a cauterizing effect. The drug does not lead to the development of allergies and has few contraindications. Salicylic acid-based ointment has proven highly effective in the treatment of fungal diseases, which include inguinal fungus. If the disease is at an early stage, then this ointment will quickly stop the fungal infection. The drug can also be used for prophylaxis after primary therapy. This prevents the infection from coming back.
When including salicylic ointment in the treatment regimen, you must be prepared for the fact that the treatment will be lengthy. As a rule, it takes 2 -10 months. At the same time, all procedures must be carried out constantly and in compliance with hygiene rules. To quickly get rid of fungus in the groin area, you need to use concentrated salicylic ointment. Apply it only under a compress once a day. First, clean the affected skin, then apply the product to a cloth and apply it to the affected area. Secure the compress with polyethylene. Read more…
Why is mycosis of the groin area dangerous?
Ignoring inguinal mycosis is dangerous due to infection of healthy areas of the body, penetration of infection into the anus and urethra.
Fungus on the scrotum, penis and anogenital area leads to:
- balanoposthitis - inflammation of the head of the penis and foreskin;
- urethritis and cystitis - damage to the urethra and bladder;
- phimosis – scarring and narrowing of the foreskin;
- prostatitis - inflammation of the prostate.
When bacterial infections are added, it is dangerous for abscesses, chronic inflammation of the prostate, erectile dysfunction and infertility. If left untreated, Candida fungi multiply quickly and penetrate the colon mucosa. This is fraught with fungal proctitis and other complications.
Terbinafine
This is an antifungal drug that effectively copes with various types of fungus. The ointment should be applied to the affected area once a day. To obtain the maximum therapeutic effect, before applying the ointment, treat the affected area with soap and water, and then blot with a towel. You will find more complete information about this drug in this article.
Treating groin fungus is a long process that requires a careful approach. The treatment regimen may contain various means, because it is important to get rid of not just the symptoms, but also to stop the cause of the pathological process. If you choose the right ointment for fungus, then when combined with tablets and folk remedies, you can speed up recovery and prevent the development of relapse.
Is groin fungus transmitted to women?
The contagiousness, that is, infectiousness, of the fungus directly depends on the pathogen. In 97% of cases, mycosis in the groin is caused by fungi, which are transmitted through contact or household contact. The risk of infection increases with:
- use of general hygiene products;
- immunodeficiency states;
- frequent change of sexual partners.
Sexual contact with an infected man is dangerous for a woman if her immunity is critically reduced. The entrance gates for fungus are microdamages on the skin. But if the immune system works without failures, infection does not occur.
The use of barrier contraceptives reduces the likelihood of fungal infection.
