RASH IN THE GENITAL AREA

definition

There are many different causes of a genital rash. By definition, the term “intimate area” refers to the area of the external sexual organs of the person. In addition to inflammatory and infectious causes, injuries or tumor diseases are also possible triggers.

Therefore, a uniform definition of rash in the genital area is not just possible. Furthermore, rashes sometimes present with very different symptoms. Often, however, an excruciating itching dominates, which then leads to a doctor's visit. While some rashes are a result of a sexually transmitted disease, there are other rashes that are non-sexually transmitted.

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causes

Since there are many possible causes of a rash in the genital area, it is advisable to divide them into groups for the sake of clarity:

Sexually transmitted diseases: Sexually transmitted diseases are a large group of possible causes of a rash in the genital area. A common cause is Genital herpeswho become a Redness as well as an agonizing one itching of the genital area. Furthermore, behind skin rashes in the genital area, diseases like the Gonorrhea, syphilis, one Chlamydial infection or especially with women Fungal diseases stuck.
Parasitic causes: A very common cause of a genital rash (especially in men) is Scabies Typically there is a rash, which reddened, is raised above the skin level and causes very severe itching. Another very common cause of a genital rash is that Pubic lice infestation. This leads to itchy, bluish gray lesions. Pubic lice are mainly transmitted from person to person during sexual intercourse.
Injuries: Injuries to the genital area often lead to rashes in the genital area. Often they are easy scratch and Cutsthat at the Intimate shave arise, which cause redness and slight swelling in the genital area. But small pimples are also very typical. About these small lesions you can Bacteria enter the skin and also cause rashes. Usually such small wounds and the resulting rashes of the genital area heal very quickly. Other injuries, for example during sexual activities, can make it easier for pathogens or allergens to penetrate the skin and thus cause a rash.
Tumor diseases: Tumor diseases can also lead to rashes in the genital area. However, it should be emphasized that only in the rarest cases a tumor is the cause of a rash in the genital area. In women, this is an example of such a disease Vulvar cancer, Men can under one Penile carcinomas Have skin changes in the genital area.
allergy: Allergies often lead to rashes. The genital area is a sensitive area of the skin anyway, so allergic reactions can cause a rash here too. Medicines, creams, condoms, textiles, bandages or detergents can trigger an allergic rash.

It takes a special place Sexual history a, in which the doctor asks whether sexual intercourse, especially with a new partner, occurred in direct temporal connection with the skin change. In general, however, there is an in-depth first inspection (Observation) of the affected skin area by the family doctor or the treating dermatologist. At least that surrounding skin areas, the lower abdomen, the thighs, the anal region and the lower back should also be viewed. The surrounding lymph nodes are often felt as they are often enlarged in the context of infectious causes are.
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Many diagnoses, e.g. an itch mite infestation, can be derived from the Observation of the rash derive. Other diagnoses require one Skin swabwhich is assessed more precisely under the microscope. This is the case with some fungal infections, for example. The skin swab can also be used to detect the pathogen Cultivation in the laboratory be made. A skin sample can also be taken (biopsy), which is then examined more closely under the microscope. For some diagnoses, e.g. syphilis, there are special blood tests that are carried out.

Accompanying symptoms of a rash in the genital area

A common symptom accompanying a rash in the genital area is itching. This is typical, for example, for an itch mite infestation. Secondary pain and minor injuries are often secondary to manipulation of the rash, such as scratching. Other accompanying symptoms that can occur are fever and a general Exhaustion.

itching

The itching, in technical terms as Pruritus is a common symptom of rashes in the genital area, but also of rashes in general. Most often it sticks parasitic infestation with scratch mites (scabies) behind an itchy rash in the genital area. But also other causes like one Fungal infection, an infestation with Pubic lice or one allergic reactionon medication or ointment, for example, can cause an itchy rash.
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Enzyme peels can also help to ensure the purity of the skin and allow the pores to breathe. One example of this is the Dr. Severin enzyme peeling from the pharmacy.

With some sexually transmitted diseases, such as the gonorrhea, accompanying the rash of the genital area also occur Inflammation of the urinary tract on so Pain when urinating can. Also a discharge can accompanying occur.

Itching does not necessarily have to be a symptom, read more on the subject Rash without itching

therapy

Treating a genital rash depends on the underlying cause. In fact, it is by no means a uniform clinical picture that needs to be treated. Much more exist many different causesthat can cause a genital rash.

Some rashes in the genital area can be overcome with topical drugs to treat. These are active ingredients that e.g. applied directly to the skin in the form of ointments or drops become. This is the case with scabies, for example. The common active ingredient in this treatment is permethrin. Pubic lice are also treated this way. One is important consistent application of the active ingredient as well as a Co-treatment of the partner, because otherwise you will infect each other.
In the case of a herpes infection of the genital area (herpes gentitalis), treatment is carried out with the active ingredient acyclovir, which is also applied in the form of an ointment.

Bacterial infections can with Antibiotics be treated. Another very common cause, especially in women, is fungal infections of the genital region. These are treated with vaginal suppositories or vaginal creams that contain active ingredients that fight the fungus. Usually it is clotrimazole or nystatin.
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Allergic rashes first need one Allergy diagnostics. Therapy then usually consists in avoiding the allergen, such as a certain ointment. However, it can also be for a limited period of time ointments containing cortisone be used to the complaints to alleviate.
But many herbal ingredients also have a calming, itching-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect.

You can read more information on this topic here: Home remedies for a rash

Rash in the genital area in men

Itching and pain are symptoms of most rashes.
- Itch mite infestation: A very common cause of genital rash in men is Itch mite infestation, also called scabies. A particularly frequently affected area of skin is the penile shaft. The parasitic infestation is characterized by an agonizing one itching. The scabies is treated with the active ingredient permethrin.
- Pubic lice infestation: Another common cause is that Pubic lice infestation. These lice are transmitted during sexual intercourse. They too are treated with permethrin. Are typical itchy, blue-gray skin manifestations.
- Gonorrhea: Sexually transmitted diseases are also a common cause of a rash in the genital area in men. The most common sexually transmitted disease worldwide is the gonorrhea It mainly affects young men and manifests itself through a Inflammation of the urethra, Painful urination, Redness, itching and one typical purulent discharge, which is also known as Bonjour drops. The gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics.
- Soft chancre: Another sexually transmitted disease that leads to characteristic symptoms, especially in men, is the Soft chancre, also called ulcus molle. This condition is caused by and manifests itself by a bacterium (Haemophilus ducreyi) very painful small skin defect on the penis. This looks like a small ulcer. Here, too, antibiotics are used.
- Latex allergy: A Latex allergy can also lead to allergic rashes in the genital area of men through the use of latex-containing condoms. However, this allergy is very rare. It can too slight rashes With itching and Redness up to severe allergic reactions with shortness of breath come.
Rash in the genital area in women

There are several causes of genital rash that are common in women. It depends on various factors. Women sometimes show a lot sensitive vaginal flora so that fungal infections and bacterial infections are much more common in them than in men.
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- Fungal attack: Then skin rashes in the genital area are typical itching, Redness and one part foul-smelling vaginal discharge express. Come in therapy Vaginal suppositories and Creams with active ingredients that fight the fungus.
- Parasitic infestation: Skin rashes caused by parasitic infestation with itch mites or pubic lice (see causes section above) are also common.
- Sexually transmitted diseases: Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, however, are much more asymptomatic than in men.
- Inflammation of the female genital tract: There is some specific inflammation of the female genital tract that can lead to rashes in the genital area. This includes the Genital herpes, bacterial infections or mechanical irritation, for example through friction in very obese women or through tight-fitting clothing.Older women, for example after menopause, can use so-called Vulvar dystrophies which are also associated with typical skin changes. This includes very thin, parchment-like skin in the genital area, which tears, itches and burns easily.
Rash in the genital area in children

Also Toddlers may have a rash in the genital area. A common cause, especially in toddlers, is that Diaper rash. Are typical Redness, Scaling such as weeping surfaces in the area of the diaper and on adjacent skin areas. A frequent diaper changes such as Zinc ointment can alleviate the symptoms. At a secondary fungal infection of the skin area, active ingredients are used that fight the fungus (Antifungal drugs).
Another cause of a genital rash in children is Allergies. Possible allergens are, for example textiles, Detergent ingredients, Medication, Creams or perfumed personal care products.

At Babies are typical allergens components of the personal care products used and Creamsthat the mothers use. In particular, if a rash occurs after using a new product, the product should be experimentally omitted.

Rash after shaving

The skin in the genital area is very sensitive. Mechanical irritation, such as those that occur with an intimate shave, can occur small cracks in the skin and bleeding arise. These small skin lesions make up the Entry gate for allergens and pathogens, so that inflammation can arise with Redness, Swelling and slight pain accompanied.
One is typical after shaving pimply, red rashcaused by irritation with the razor blade. It is recommended to minimize the irritation as much as possible in the direction of hair growth to shave. Soothing neutral skin ointments such as Bepanthen® or else Baby powder can of irritated skin relief procure. Other possible causes of a genital rash after an intimate shave are allergic reactions to components of the used Shaving cream.
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In order to minimize the irritation as much as possible, it is advisable to shave in the direction of hair growth. Soothing neutral skin ointments such as Bepanthen® or baby powder can provide relief for irritated skin. Antibacterial aftershave balms can also help disinfect and soothe the skin. This is especially true after hair removal. One example of this is the Dr. Severin Body After-Shave Balm from the pharmacy.

Antibacterial aftershave balms can also help disinfect and soothe the skin. This is especially true after hair removal. One example of this is the Dr. Severin Body After-Shave Balm from the pharmacy.