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What is chafing (rash in the groin)?
Chafing, medically intertrigo or intertriginous eczema, is a skin irritation that develops in skin folds where two skin surfaces rub against each other. Heat, moisture, and friction damage the skin barrier, making the skin more susceptible to irritation and infection.
The term "smetplekken" (chafing) is the common vernacular; medically, we refer to it as intertrigo or intertriginous eczema. The condition itself is an inflammation of the skin, not an infection. Sometimes, a secondary infection with fungi (Candida) or bacteria develops on the damaged skin, but that is a consequence, not the cause.
An important reassuring point: chafing itself is not contagious. It arises from the conditions within skin folds, not through contact with another person. If a fungal infection is also present, the fungal spores are technically transferable via shared towels or clothing, but that is the exception, not the rule.
Chafing is a common complaint among people of all ages, from babies to the elderly. In most cases, it can be effectively treated at home with appropriate self-care measures.
Do you suffer from Groin rash?
Have your skin assessed by a licensed dermatologist via the Skindr app. Upload photos and get a diagnosis with personal advice within 48 hours. No waiting room, no referral required.
How does a rash in the groin develop?
A rash in the groin develops due to a combination of heat, moisture, and friction in skin folds. When skin surfaces lie against each other, there is little ventilation. Sweat can accumulate, and continuous friction irritates the superficial skin layer, weakening the skin barrier.
This weakened skin makes it easier for secondary infections to develop, such as fungi (e.g., Candida) or bacteria, which can then worsen the symptoms.
Risk factors: who is more at risk?
Obesity is a significant risk factor because it leads to more and deeper skin folds where heat and moisture can accumulate more easily. People with diabetes are at increased risk: elevated blood sugar levels promote the growth of yeasts like Candida, thereby increasing the risk of secondary infections.
In summer, heat can worsen symptoms due to increased sweating and reduced ventilation under clothing. Babies in the diaper area are susceptible due to prolonged contact with moisture, urine, and stool, which can irritate the skin and weaken the skin barrier. Athletes, in turn, experience a combination of sweat and friction from tight sportswear, which can also lead to irritation. Chafing is also more common in elderly individuals with reduced mobility due to less movement, more skin folds, and more fragile skin.
A less commonly mentioned cause is the spread of an existing athlete's foot infection (tinea pedis). This can be transferred, for example, via towels or clothing to the groin, where the fungus can cause symptoms again under favorable conditions. Good towel and hygiene measures are therefore important for prevention.
Symptoms and characteristics of groin rash
Intertrigo manifests as red, irritated skin in the groin area, under the breasts, or in other skin folds. The skin may feel warm and cause itching or a burning sensation. Sometimes small fissures or cracks develop in the skin, and the skin may appear moist or shiny. An unpleasant odor may occur, usually due to a combination of moisture, bacterial overgrowth, and irritation.
Typical characteristics of a groin rash include redness and swelling in the skin fold, a groin itching as a symptom and a burning sensation, pain upon touch or friction, small fissures or superficial wounds, and sometimes a slight odor due to moisture accumulation. If there's an accompanying fungal infection, small white patches or scaling may also be visible at the edges of the skin lesion.
On light skin tones, the redness is clearly visible as a defined red area in the skin fold. On dark or pigmented skin, the discoloration is less noticeable: the area may be slightly darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. However, the sensation (warmth, itching, pain) is equally present, even if the color change is subtle.
Intertrigo or Groin Fungus? Here's how to tell the difference
The distinction between intertrigo and groin fungus (tinea cruris) is important for correct treatment. Intertrigo presents with redness without a sharp or scaly border: the skin gradually transitions into healthy skin. Groin fungus typically has a scaly, sharply defined border that slowly expands outwards. If in doubt, it is advisable to have this assessed by a specialist. Through Skindr, a certified dermatologist will assess your skin within 48 hours.
Where does groin rash appear?
Intertrigo appears wherever skin folds retain heat and moisture. The groin is the most common location, but the condition can occur in multiple areas of the body.
Groin Rash
The groin area is the most common location, especially in overweight individuals, athletes who wear tight clothing, and in warm weather. Here, the skin on the inner thigh meets the lower abdomen, which allows for little air circulation.
Intertrigo under the breasts
Under the breasts is another frequent location, in women with larger breasts or during warm weather. Sweat accumulating in the skin fold under the breast is the primary cause.
Intertrigo in the armpit and abdominal fold
The armpits and abdominal folds are susceptible in overweight individuals, athletes, and the elderly. In babies, intertrigo typically appears in the diaper area: the so-called diaper dermatitis. The location helps the dermatologist with the assessment and choice of treatment.
Do you suffer from Groin rash?
Have your skin assessed by a licensed dermatologist via the Skindr app. Upload photos and get a diagnosis with personal advice within 48 hours. No waiting room, no referral required.
Treatment of groin rash
The treatment of intertrigo primarily focuses on keeping the affected skin folds dry. Most cases of groin rash respond well to self-care, but medical guidance is advisable for an additional infection or recurring symptoms.
Self-care: how to keep your skin dry
The first step is to thoroughly dry yourself after showering, including within the folds. Cotton underwear and loose clothing allow the skin to breathe better than synthetic fabrics. A hairdryer on a low setting can help dry hard-to-reach folds: this is a simple yet effective measure. For babies, frequent diaper changes reduce the duration of contact with moisture.
Creams and treatments
Topical zinc oxide cream protects the skin and reduces friction: this is the basis of treatment for intertrigo. For an additional fungal infection, an antifungal cream is necessary, which is a different treatment than for regular intertrigo. In cases of severe inflammation, a corticosteroid cream can help, but this should only be used on the recommendation of a doctor or dermatologist. If you suspect contact eczema as the cause of a rash, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist to determine the exact cause.
When to see a dermatologist for groin rash?
Consult a dermatologist if the rash does not improve after one to two weeks of self-care, if you have diabetes (higher risk of infection), if symptoms recur regularly, or if you are unsure whether it's intertrigo or a fungal infection. Through Skindr, you will receive advice from a certified dermatologist within 48 hours. No referral from a general practitioner is needed.
Intertrigo can recur if the underlying cause (overweight, heat, diabetes) is not addressed. Addressing the cause is the most effective long-term prevention.
What doesn't work for groin rash?
Continuing to wear synthetic, tight clothing is a common mistake with intertrigo: polyester retains moisture and worsens irritation in the skin fold. Switch to cotton or functional clothing that wicks away moisture.
Talcum powder seems like a logical choice, but it can be counterproductive in the long run. It might make the skin feel temporarily drier, but it can actually cause irritation in cases of intertrigo.
A simple skin cream without a specific active ingredient (such as a regular body lotion) is ineffective against a fungal infection. For fungus, an antifungal cream is needed, not just a moisturizing cream.
Ignoring intertrigo is risky for people with diabetes: untreated intertrigo can evolve into a deeper infection that is more difficult to treat.
Stopping a course of treatment as soon as symptoms disappear is a classic mistake with fungal infections: relapse is almost certain. Complete the full course. If in doubt about fungal infection versus intertrigo , a dermatologist consultation is advisable.
Frequently asked questions about groin rash
Is chafing contagious?
Chafing itself is not contagious: it is caused by heat, moisture, and friction. If there is a fungal infection present, the fungal spores can be transmitted via towels or clothing. Good towel hygiene is therefore important.
What is the difference between chafing and jock itch?
Chafing (intertrigo) causes redness without sharp borders. Jock itch (tinea cruris) has a scaly, spreading edge. Through Skindr, a certified dermatologist assesses the difference within 48 hours.
Does chafing go away on its own?
Mild chafing can improve with better hygiene and dry clothing. Without addressing the underlying cause (heat, moisture, overweight), it is almost certain to return.
When should I see a dermatologist for a groin rash?
Consult a dermatologist if the rash does not improve after 1 to 2 weeks, if you have diabetes, or if the patches frequently recur. Through Skindr, you receive advice without a referral within 48 hours.
Can Skindr help with chafing?
Yes. A certified Skindr dermatologist assesses your skin complaints and provides targeted treatment advice within 48 hours. No waiting room, no GP referral needed.
Is chafing in babies the same as diaper rash?
Diaper rash is a form of intertrigo in the diaper area of babies. The cause (moisture, friction) is the same. Frequent and thorough diaper changes and diaper-free time help.
