What Causes a Genital Rash and How is it Treated?

13 Conditions and How to Recognize Them

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Genital rashes have many different causes, ranging from jock itch and vaginal yeast infections to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Depending on the underlying cause, a genital rash can manifest with a single ulcer or sore, or widespread inflamed, scaly skin or itchy, red bumps.

This article describes some of the more common causes of genital rashes and their associated symptoms, as well as how they are diagnosed and treated.

A Note on Gender and Sex Terminology

Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related concepts, but they are not the same.

  • Sex refers to biology: chromosomal makeup, hormones, and anatomy. People are most often assigned male or female at birth based on their external anatomy; some people do not fit into that sex binary and are intersex.
  • Gender describes a person's internal sense of self as a woman, man, nonbinary person, or another gender, and the associated social and cultural ideas about roles, behaviors, expressions, and characteristics.

Research studies sometimes don't use the terminology in this way. For example, terms that describe gender (“woman,” “man”) may be used when terms for sex (“female,” “male”) are more appropriate. 

To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like "female," "male," "woman," and "man" as the sources use them.

What Are the Symptoms of a Genital Rash?

There are many potential causes of a rash on the groin in males or females, each of which can result in a host of different symptoms in addition to genital rash.

Symptoms of a rash in the groin may or may not include:

  • Redness
  • Itchiness
  • Burning sensation
  • Discharge (in females)
  • Sores that ooze pus
  • Inflammation
  • Scaly skin
  • Fever

Whether you know the underlying cause or not, contact your healthcare provider if you have:

  • A rash that covers more than 10% of your body
  • Joint pain
  • Sore throat
  • Fever above 100.4 F (38 C)
  • Red streaks or tenderness near the rash
  • A recent tick bite or insect bite

Call 911 immediately if you have a rash and swelling of the tongue or lips, vomiting, or trouble breathing. These are symptoms of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

What Are the Causes of a Genital Rash?

Genital rashes often result from contagious bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or viral infections. You can also develop a rash on the groin due to an acute (temporary) or chronic (recurring) skin condition.

Jock Itch

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Tinea Cruris, Jock Itch

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Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a fungal infection most commonly associated with the Trichophyton genus of fungi. It can spread from person to person through skin-to-skin contact or from a fungal infection on the feet, known as athlete’s foot.

Jock itch is characterized by an itchy, red rash on the groin, buttocks, and thighs.

Yeast Infection

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Yeast Infection

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This are caused by the overgrowth of a fungus that naturally resides on the skin called Candida albicans. This can cause vaginal yeast infections in females and penile yeast infections in males.

If the immune system is weakened, the fungus can grow out of control.

Symptoms that can accompany a genital rash from a yeast infection include:

  • Itching
  • Burning
  • Cheesy, foul-smelling discharge from the vagina or from under the foreskin

Genital Herpes

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Genital Herpes

Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2024.

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

Genital Herpes

Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2024.

Genital herpes, most commonly caused by herpes simplex 2 virus (HSV-2), is spread by skin-to-skin contact.

Herpes manifests with one or more blisters on or around the genitals or anus which break and leave painful, oozing sores.

Flu-like symptoms may also accompany the rash.

Genital Warts

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Genital Warts

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This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

Genital Warts On Vagina

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Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are spread by intimate skin-to-skin contact.

Genital warts usually appear as a small bump or group of bumps on the genitals or anus. They can be small or large, raised or flat, or shaped like a cauliflower.

Unlike some types of HPV, those that cause warts usually do not progress to cancer.

Molluscum Contagiosum

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A person's skin with molluscum contagium

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Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a viral skin infection that causes small, wart-like growths that may be painless or cause itchiness or soreness.

The virus is classified as a poxvirus (related to smallpox) and can be transmitted sexually or by contact with an infected towel or item of clothing.

In July of 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ycanth (cantharidin) as a treatment for MC in individuals aged 2 and above. Ycanth is a topical treatment and is the first FDA-approved therapy for MC. Your healthcare provider will apply Ycanth in-office every three weeks until the affected area is cleared. 

Pubic Lice

Pubic lice, sometimes known as crabs, are caused by a different species of lice (Pthirus pubis) than those that cause head lice. The lice are most commonly spread by sexual contact.

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Pubic lice on someone with pubic hair

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The main symptom is intense itching caused by a hypersensitive reaction to the parasite’s saliva. In addition to tiny, dark bumps on the skin, there may also be a gray-blueish skin discoloration.

Syphilis

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Syphilis

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This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

Syphilis

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Syphilis is a common STI caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum.

Syphilis has four stages, the first of which causes a painless, open ulcer (called a chancre) on the genitals, rectum, or in the mouth.

There will often be only one chancre, ranging in size from a tiny pea to as large as a quarter, although some people may have more than one lesion.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

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Hidradenitis Suppurativa

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Hidradenitis suppurativa is an inflammatory condition that most commonly affects the armpits, groin, or under the breasts.

The cause is unknown but believed to be the result of blocked sweat glands along with certain genetic and environmental factors.

The condition causes inflamed, swollen bumps that break open and ooze fluid or pus.

Intertrigo

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Intertrigo

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Intertrigo (intertriginous dermatitis) is known as diaper rash in babies. However, it can also affect adults due to poor hygiene and excessive moisture in the groin and other skin folds (such as the armpits and under the breasts).

Intertrigo cause causes a swollen, glistening rash along with scaling around the edges. Burning, stinging, or itching is also common.

Inverse Psoriasis

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Genital Psoriasis, Inverse Psoriasis, Flexural Psoriasis

Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2024.

Inverse psoriasis is a form of the autoimmune disease psoriasis that specifically targets skin folds. The condition is most commonly seen around the genitals and armpits, under the breasts or belly folds, and between the buttocks.

Psoriasis typically appears as raised areas of inflamed skin covered with silvery-white, scaly skin. 

Lichen Planus

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Lichen Planus

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Lichen Planus

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Lichen planus is an inflammatory, immune-related disorder that affects the skin, nails, hair, and mucous membranes.

The rash consists of raised, flat, purplish bumps that may be itchy or irritating. Genital lichen planus may affect the head of the penis and scrotum in males, and the vulva or vagina in females.

The exact cause of lichen planus is unknown.

Lichen Sclerosus

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Lichen Sclerosus

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This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

Lichen Sclerosus

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Lichen sclerosus is another immune-related disorder that can affect any body part but often appears on the penis and vulva. Like lichen planus, it is not contagious, and the exact cause is unknown.

The condition can cause shiny, white spots on the vulva and white patches on the foreskin and head of the penis. In addition to itching, there may be bruising, cracking, tearing, and peeling.

Scabies

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Scabies

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Scabies is caused by a microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. Scabies is spread by prolonged skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies or through infested clothing, bedding, or towels.

Scabies often is recognized by lines of small, pimple-like bumps between the finger and toes, in the crook of the wrist or elbow, or on the back, buttocks, or genitals. The itch is made worse by warmth.

How Is a Genital Rash Diagnosed?

Many genital rashes are characterized by such distinct lesions and other symptoms that it’s obvious what they are. That said, if you develop any sort of skin changes on or near your genitals, see your healthcare provider—even if you think you know the cause.

A doctor will confirm the diagnosis by doing a physical exam, considering any other symptoms you’re experiencing, and reviewing your medical history.

If it’s unclear what's causing a rash, they can perform a lab test to pin down the correct diagnosis. This may be a viral culture, blood test, or, in the case of a suspected yeast infection, a KOH test to detect the presence of Candida.

How Is a Genital Rash Treated?

Treatment for genital rashes depends on the cause. For instance, yeast infections usually can be cured with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal treatments.

Because genital rashes often cause itching, OTC creams such as hydrocortisone can be helpful. A physician might also prescribe a cream that soothes itching while treating the underlying cause.

Syphilis: Because it’s a bacterial infection, early-stage syphilis is treated with antibiotics.

Genital warts: Genital warts are treated with a topical prescription medication such as Aldara (imiquimod), which is an immune response modifier. Warts can also be removed using a procedure like cryotherapy, which involves freezing the skin growths with liquid nitrogen.

Lice: Lice can be eradicated with medicated shampoos or body washes.

Scabies: Scabies is remedied with medicated creams. Genital herpes cannot be cured but can be effectively controlled with medication.

Regular physical exams and, when appropriate, Pap smears, are highly recommended for anyone who has had a genital skin rash due to a sexually transmitted infection.

How Is a Genital Rash Prevented?

Genital rashes that are caused by chronic diseases, such as lichen planus, lichen sclerosus, inverse psoriasis, or hidradenitis suppurativa, may not be preventable. As researchers learn more about the causes of these conditions, a means to prevent them may become clear.

Some genital rashes caused by infections, such as jock itch, genital herpes, or pubic lice may be preventable. You can protect yourself from infections in the genital area with these dos and dont's:

Do
  • Use a condom during sexual intercourse

  • Wear breathable underwear (e.g. cotton)

  • Change underwear every day

  • Keep your genital area dry; remove wet swimsuits

  • Wash your genital area with soap and water daily

Don't
  • Use hot tubs or untreated pools

  • Eat excessive sugar, which promotes the growth of yeast

  • Use scented feminine products (e.g. soaps) on your genitals

  • Share bedding or clothing with anyone who has an infection in their genital area

If you are dealing with a recurring infection in your groin area, such as a recurring yeast infection, contact your healthcare provider. Your provider may prescribe a medication like fluconazole (Diflucan) that can stop yeast infections from recurring.

Summary

A rash in the groin can be caused by a chronic condition, such as lichen planus or inverted psoriasis. More commonly, genital rashes are caused by fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.

Genital rashes may be itchy, red, and highly uncomfortable. Depending on the cause, your healthcare provider may prescribe an oral or topical medication to drive the rash away and ease symptoms like itching and inflammation.

If your rash covers more than 10% of your body or is accompanied by a fever, contact your healthcare provider right away for an evaluation.

16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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  13. Cassol-Spanemberg J, Blanco-Carrión A, Rodríguez-de Rivera-Campillo ME, Estrugo-Devesa A, Jané-Salas E, López-López J. Cutaneous, genital and oral lichen planus: a descriptive study of 274 patients. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2019;24(1):e1-e7. doi:10.4317/medoral.22656

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By Heather L. Brannon, MD
Heather L. Brannon, MD, is a family practice physician in Mauldin, South Carolina. She has been in practice for over 20 years.