Brown spots in the groin in women and men: how to get rid of them

The spots that appear in the groin area cause discomfort and inconvenience in both men and women. Brown spots in the groin cause pain and swelling. Sometimes hyperpigmentation does not cause any symptoms and a person discovers the spots by chance. Brown pigmentation is formed under the influence of various factors, including the influence of inflammatory processes in the body. Pigmentation cannot be ignored, and if detected, it is better to consult a dermatologist for advice.

The appearance of brown spots in the groin is usually a sure sign of a fungal skin disease.

general information

Changes in skin color in the groin occur under the influence of external and internal factors. The resulting spots vary in color and size. The strip of inguinal folds is an ideal place for the growth of bacteria, fungi and pathogenic organisms. Often, the epidermis changes color due to a fungus, the proliferation of which causes the destruction of melanin skin cells. More often, irritation appears in the summer. The affected area is increasing rapidly. If a spot appears in an intimate place, you should consult a doctor to determine the cause of pigmentation and begin therapy.

Diseases manifested by spots in the groin area

The appearance of a brown or red spot in the groin in men is a symptom of a pathological process in the body. The main diseases that are manifested by the formation of spots on human skin:

Addison's disease.
Erythrasma.
Versicolor and pink lichen.
Tumor neoplasms of internal organs.
Inguinal athlete's foot.

The causes of darkening of the skin in intimate places are varied. It is necessary to worry in cases where, in addition to spots, other alarming symptoms are observed - itching, burning, swelling, weeping, etc.

Addison's pathology

This disease is caused by hormonal imbalance in the human body. In particular, there is a disruption in the synthesis of cortisol, as the adrenal glands do not work properly. Over time, the functioning of all internal organs is disrupted. Clinic: darkening of the nipples, the appearance of red spots in the armpits, skin pigmentation in the groin. The disease is very rare, approximately one case in a hundred thousand. Girls are predominantly affected, although men are also not immune from the development of an abnormal process in the body.

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Tumors of internal organs

If a malignant tumor has appeared in the stomach, it often appears on the skin of men. Brown spots of different shapes and sizes appear. They do not itch, however, they are velvety and dense to the touch. To establish an accurate diagnosis, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor. In women, against the background of tumors in the stomach, spots between the legs rarely appear, the disease is more often accompanied by general malaise, painful sensations and other clinical manifestations.

Erythrasma

The disease develops due to the penetration of fungi and bacteria. Characterized by exacerbations and short-term remissions. Predisposing factors:

Obesity (some doctors agree that this disease is exclusive to obese patients);
Increased sweating;
Failure to comply with basic hygiene rules;
Professional activities related to work with high temperatures;
Work that requires constant exposure to rooms with high humidity (swimming pools, saunas, etc.).

For your information, the dominant symptom of the disease is brown and red spots in the groin area.

Sometimes the spots are localized on the inner thighs, in the armpits, under the mammary glands (in women), near the navel (as in the photo), in the area of the abdominal folds, near the scrotum (in men). At an early stage of development, red spots in the groin area are small in size - up to about 2 cm. As the disease progresses, they tend to increase several times. When the form is advanced, it is accompanied by large lesions of the skin.

Tinea versicolor

The causative agent is a yeast-like fungus that actively multiplies in the stratum corneum of the skin. As a rule, this species is classified as opportunistic microorganisms, since it is present on the skin of all people in small quantities. In the presence of favorable factors, an increase in pathogenic flora is observed. The etiology is due to a sharp deterioration in the functioning of the immune system and the presence of chronic pathologies.

Darkening of the skin in the groin is observed, the spots have different sizes, sometimes uneven coloring, the boundaries are clear or blurry. Some clinical pictures include itching and burning.

Athlete's foot

The pathology is classified as dermatological diseases, which are provoked by the active proliferation of fungi. The most common location is the femoral and groin area. First, small spots of a light brown hue appear, their size is no more than one centimeter. Over time, they transform into large spots with a clear red border, increase in size, and migrate throughout the body.

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Causes of brown spots in the groin

Fungi, infections, hormonal imbalance, and inflammation can provoke the growth of brown spots in the groin.

Fungi. Areas of the skin hidden from sunlight and with constant humidity are the best place for fungal activity. Melanins - skin cells that affect its color, are destroyed by fungi. Fungi of the genus Candida are the cause of brown skin in the groin area. Tight, synthetic clothing and insufficient hygiene provoke the growth of fungi. Active reproduction of pathogenic organisms provokes an increase in brown pigmentation in the perineum.
Violation of the integrity of the skin. The cause of irritation in the groin in women is shaving and hair removal. Wearing tight underwear also provokes a violation of the integrity of the skin in the groin, which contributes to the formation of chafing.
Inflammatory processes on the external genital organs. The resulting inflammation leads to disruption of melanin production, which causes brown skin in the groin. This type of spot is post-traumatic pigmentation.
Infectious diseases. The bacteria that cause the infection feed on healthy epidermal cells, the destruction of which leads to pigmentation.
Hormonal disbalance. Improper functioning of the ovaries or taking hormonal contraceptives provokes increased pigmentation. Often occurs during puberty in adolescents.
Chemical poisoning. The entry of chemicals into the body causes a disruption of melanogenesis, which leads to the appearance of brown pigmentation in the groin.
Chronic diseases of the liver, gall bladder and gastrointestinal tract.
Oncological diseases.
Addison's disease, which is associated with disruption of the adrenal glands that produce hormones.

Erythrasma

Erythrasma belongs to pseudomycosis and is characterized by a chronic course. The cause of the appearance is pathogenic bacteria. Pathology causes changes in the skin in areas of large folds. Erythrasma is a skin irritation of a bright red hue, although sometimes it turns yellow, brown and even gray-brown. The pathology is accompanied by constant itching and peeling. Diagnosis is carried out by visual examination using fluorescent light. The disease is contagious and is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or through the patient’s underwear. Erythrasma most often affects men and has a long treatment period. Differential diagnosis of mycosis, pityriasis versicolor, and epidermophytosis is required.

Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin in an intimate place. It affects the inguinal and intergluteal folds and the armpit area. In rare cases, it appears on the hands, feet and periungual space. The main route of transmission of the disease is through bodily contact with an infected person, through household items and clothing. They also become infected when visiting public places - baths, saunas, swimming pools and gyms. Accompanying the lesion are excess weight, hyperhidrosis and skin injuries.

The causative agent of the pathology is a fungus that causes the appearance of red or pink spots in the groin. The spot is characterized by clear boundaries, ranging in size from 1 to 10 centimeters and even more. The formation of pigmentation is accompanied by peeling, severe itching and pain in the groin when walking. At the border of the spot, a stripe of rash in the form of transparent bubbles with liquid is visible. Over time, the focal redness disappears and the brown pigmentation takes on the appearance of a ring. Such age spots between the legs are more common in adult men, less common in adolescents.

Tinea versicolor in men and women

Tinea versicolor is a common cause of skin changes in the groin. Ringworm is a fungal disease that in 85% of cases is the reason why brown dark spots appear in the groin in men and in the intimate area in women. The pathogen quickly damages the stratum corneum of the skin. Prolonged exposure to the sun in the heat provokes the disease. The incubation period sometimes reaches 3 months, after which active reproduction occurs. Ringworm versicolor appears as brown pigmented spots in the groin of men and women, the size of which reaches 12 cm. Small brown spots often merge into single areas or stripes. Usually it does not cause any symptoms other than pigmentation, so a person is not aware of the problem for a long time.

Redness precedes the growth of brown spots in the groin area.

Pigmentation in the intimate area

Why does pigmentation appear in the intimate area?

Pigmentation in the intimate area (groin) can be either a purely aesthetic problem or a disease that provokes the appearance of dark or light pigment. Any spots on the skin that have a different skin color from the rest of the body should alert the owner and be examined by a dermatologist. Pigmentation on the skin can be caused by inflammatory, infectious and hormonal diseases; fungal skin infections of the genus Candida. A person may also have a genetic predisposition to the appearance of pigmentation.

Pigmentation in the intimate area can be caused by various factors:

skin infections with fungi of the genus Candida, which appear in places with high humidity and bacteria. This condition occurs when wearing tight and synthetic underwear. As a result of the proliferation of the fungus, melanin is destroyed and the skin darkens. If left untreated, the fungus multiplies and can cause pigmentation throughout the body;
diseases such as: erythrasma, athlete's foot, lichen versicolor, Addison's pathology;
shaving in the bikini area violates the integrity of the tissue and leads to post-traumatic pigmentation. It is advisable to use less traumatic methods of hair removal (sugaring or photoepilation, for example);
hormonal disorders due to puberty, pregnancy, menopause or when taking COCs (combined oral contraceptives) - chloasma;
inflammatory diseases of the urinary system, liver or gallbladder;
dysfunction of the adrenal glands, which are responsible for the production of hormones in the body;
excess weight and very tight underwear cause accumulation of sweat in the folds, proliferation of harmful pathogens and disruption of tissue integrity, which in turn leads to pigmentation in the intimate area;
problems of the endocrine system often lead to darkening or, conversely, lightening of the skin on the limbs and the whole body;
pigmentation can be caused by poisonous pesticides and toxic drugs; excessive insolation.

How to get rid of dark spots in the intimate area?

Pigmentation in the intimate area can cause discomfort.

To get rid of them, first, you need to undergo an examination by a dermatologist and identify the cause of their appearance.
After receiving the results, the doctor can prescribe treatment or tell you how to remove dark spots or the appearance of white spots on the body.
Modern medicine and pharmacology offer many means and methods to remove such a problem as pigmentation in intimate places.

Central Clinic offers procedures for removing age spots in the intimate area:

photorejuvenation using the LumenisM22 device;
Retin A peeling from the Israeli company GiGi (procedure for reformation of the intimate area).

What are intimate zone reformations?

Reformation of the intimate area, incl. deep bikini is a peeling procedure with complete absence of risk for mucous areas with constant friction and stretchability:

armpit;
breast areola;
inguinal folds;
elbows;
inner thigh.

Peeling not only improves the skin in problem areas, but also actively cares for it. The composition combines organic acids that eliminate dead skin flakes, soften and brighten the skin; urea, responsible for moisturizing the skin; extracts of fireweed and aloe.

Benefits of Retin A peeling

absolute comfort of exposure;
six-month stability of the result.

Before the procedure, you must consult a specialist. Products that are created for whitening the face are not suitable for lightening the skin in the intimate area, and can cause dermatosis. Therefore, do not experiment and contact specialists.

And remember, contraindications for any methods of whitening spots on intimate parts of the body are:

pregnancy, lactation;
acute stages of inflammation, especially in this area;
genital herpes;
intolerance to specific components of medicinal products;
wounds, cracks, injuries in problem areas;
taking hormonal and contraceptive medications.

Symptoms

The primary manifestations of infection are redness in the intimate area, on the buttocks and thighs. Round spots appear in different shades of red, brown and yellow. Pimples and severe rashes form along the perimeter of the spot, accompanied by itching and swelling. Some time after its appearance, the focal redness disappears, but a stripe of rash remains along the contour, giving the pathology the appearance of a ring. The rash is accompanied by:

unpleasant odor;
formation of abscesses;
moist skin;
severe, prolonged itching;
hyperpigmentation of the epidermis;
discomfort when walking.

Common reasons for men and women

Spots in the groin in women and men have a varied etiology. As you know, the saturation of skin tone depends on the content of the melanin pigment, which is produced by cells - melanocytes. If the synthesis of this substance is disrupted, then a transformation of skin color is observed. The more it is produced, the darker the dermis becomes.

The appearance of pigmentation is due to the following reasons:

Pigment spots appear between the legs due to mechanical reasons. These include wearing uncomfortable underwear, especially if it is made of low-quality material and does not allow air to pass through. To correct the situation, you need to wear natural underwear that fits;
Overweight or obesity of any stage. In patients who are obese, increased sweating occurs in the folds of the skin, so spots may appear under the arms and in the groin;
Poor quality depilation. Improper removal of body hair using a razor or wax leads to irritation of the skin, it is injured, which is often accompanied by pigmentation, itching and burning;
Exposure to ultraviolet rays. Taking a sunbath in the nude without the use of specialized protective equipment is fraught with increased melanin production, which provokes dark spots in the groin;
Time of bearing a child. Often, representatives of the fair sex in an interesting position exhibit pigmentation of the labia minora, labia majora, and inner thighs. This circumstance is based on changes in hormonal levels and increased blood circulation in the body. Usually the spots disappear on their own after the baby is born;
Infectious diseases that lead to disruption of melanin production in the human body;
Varicose veins develop as a result of congestion in the pelvic organs, which leads to disruption of the outflow of venous blood in the external genital organs, which is accompanied by the appearance of spots and swelling;
Endocrine disorders in the body. There is a large list of pathological conditions that are associated with a disorder in the production of hormones by the adrenal glands and pituitary gland. In this case, there are spots in the groin area, in the armpits, on the knees, elbows and other places.

It is worth knowing: almost all women during menopause experience darkening in the intimate area - this is due to changes in hormonal levels in the body.

Taking certain medications can lead to darkening of the skin between the legs. These include antibiotics, sulfonamides and other medications that contain chemicals.

How to get rid of stains?

To select an adequate treatment for brown spots in the groin, you need to find out their root cause with your doctor.
Before you learn how to get rid of brown pigmentation on the skin in the groin, the cause of the occurrence is determined. Without eliminating the cause, irritations will continue to appear. If the appearance of pigmentation is associated with injury, then brown skin can remain for life; the normal shade of the affected skin area can be restored with the help of laser correction. When the cause is systemic or oncological diseases, then first you need to cure them. By eliminating the root cause of the pathology, self-removal of the stain is possible. If the appearance of pigmentation is associated with the introduction of a fungus, then treatment is prescribed using systemic and local antifungal agents:

"Nitrofugin";
"Mikoseptin";
"Clotrimazole";
"Dermozolon";
"Nizoral";
tablets "Terbinafil" and "Orunit";
Triderm ointment.

Therapy continues from 1 month or longer, depending on the course of the disease and the condition of the skin. Treating the epidermis with a 2% alcohol iodine solution or an antiseptic solution prevents the disease from returning. The treatment complex includes taking immunostimulating drugs. It is not recommended to treat the fungus on your own; the course of treatment is prescribed by a doctor after diagnosis and determination of the root cause. If after treatment the skin at the site of the lesion does not return to its previous shade, cosmetic methods of skin lightening using laser and peeling are used.

Is it possible to lighten it if it has darkened?

Darkened skin in the groin can be lightened. And today quite a lot of techniques are already known that can cope with this task. In particular, the following will help whiten your skin:

Cosmetology procedures. Do not be surprised, the desire to look 100% even in the intimate area is very common, and cosmetologists are happy to meet the wishes of clients.
Special whitening products that can be bought at a pharmacy or beauty store.
Folk remedies.

It is worth remembering that the skin in the genital area is quite vulnerable to various types of influences. Therefore, you need to bleach it very carefully, and when using any medications or folk remedies, conduct preliminary allergy tests.

How to get rid of dark spots from a cosmetologist?

To lighten the skin in the perineal area, phototherapy is most often used, in which the skin is exposed to light pulses of a certain length. lanin (coloring pigment) is destroyed, and the surrounding tissues completely retain their integrity. However, soon after the procedure, the treated areas become even darker, which is explained by the coagulation of proteins. After a few days, the top layer of skin peels off, and underneath it a renewed area of natural color appears. Phototherapy is considered very expensive, but can give really excellent results.

To achieve a lasting effect:

From 3 to 10 procedures may be required.
It is necessary to perform phototherapy sessions at intervals of 3-4 weeks.
It is very important to find a qualified specialist who can calculate not only the duration of treatment, but also the optimal wavelength, the depth of its penetration and other subtleties of the procedure.

The positive effect of phototherapy becomes noticeable 2 weeks after the first procedure. It is worth considering that most often light treatment is painless and comfortable, but sometimes the manipulation brings discomfort, causes burning and swelling, which, however, quickly passes.

How to whiten with professional means?

When whitening the skin in the perineum, you cannot use acids or other quite aggressive substances that help fight pigment spots on the body and face. It is important to remember that it is better not to use any local remedies:

If you suspect the presence of diseases.
If there are injuries to the skin.
While carrying a child.
If you are prone to allergic reactions.

In other situations, specially developed creams and ointments will help whiten the skin in the groin. A dermatologist will help you choose the most suitable product.

On sale you can find different types of whitening products for the intimate area. In particular, it is often recommended to use soap for this purpose. The following will help you cope with this problem:

Whitening soap Christina Rose de mer. According to the manufacturer, this product copes with many aesthetic problems of the skin and perfectly whitens the skin, helping to eliminate superficial corneocytes. Soap evens out the skin structure, normalizes blood circulation and has an antibacterial effect.
Enzyme brightening soap Natural Active Enzyme Chrystal Afy. This product contains active enzymes that can block melanin synthesis and eliminate dead skin cells. According to the manufacturer, the soap helps to completely restore the production of collagen protein. This product is recommended for use not only in the bikini area, but also on other parts of the body.

Soap can be used once a day for a month. The positive effect becomes noticeable quite quickly.

Bikini area brightening cream

To eliminate pigmentation in the intimate area, you can use:

Lakshma maxxi cream. This product is manufactured in the USA and can be used to combat age spots on different parts of the body, including the groin area. Its main components are kojic acid and arbutin. It is believed that the composition of the cream is safe, and the drug does not harm the skin, and also rarely provokes allergies.
Joydrops cream. This Turkish remedy was originally developed specifically to combat dark skin in the bikini area. The manufacturer assures that the use of this drug allows you to achieve a lasting effect that will last for a long time.
Cream Achromin. This is a product of Bulgarian origin, which is popular among women, as it is relatively inexpensive and allows you to achieve noticeable results. However, many gynecologists warn against too active use of Achromin in the intimate area, since it contains hydroquinone, which can have a toxic effect.
Cream Isme. This is a Thai product that contains arbutin with kojic acid, as well as a number of additional components, including green tea extract and aloe plant. The manufacturer claims that its use helps reduce melanin synthesis and lighten the skin.
Mela Defense White Capsule cream. This product is produced in Korea, and its use, according to the manufacturer, allows you to start the process of skin whitening in the deep layers of the epidermis. The cream has a multi-component composition, containing various plant extracts, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, etc.
Cream from Eveline “Extra Soft Whitening”. This product can be a wonderful alternative to expensive drugs. It can gently whiten the skin and prevent the appearance of new dark spots in the perineum. But to achieve the desired effect and maintain it, it is important to use the cream regularly.
Cream t. m. NanoMed “Finale Whitening Cream”. This is an excellent product that can restore normal skin color within 30 days of regular use. The manufacturer claims that the cream is able to activate cell restoration, renew the epidermis and ensure its lightening. But after achieving the desired result, you need to use it for another couple of weeks to consolidate the effect.

Before applying any product to the delicate skin of the perineum, perform a simple allergy test - lubricate the inside of the elbow with it and wait a day. If there is no negative reaction, proceed to lightening the intimate area.

How to remove pigment spots using folk remedies?

There are quite a few traditional medicines that have an excellent whitening effect. To lighten the skin in the perineum you can use:

Ordinary cucumber. Take a vegetable, grate it and combine it with any rich cream. Wrap the resulting pulp in gauze, then apply it like a compress to the darkened areas. The duration of the procedure is a quarter of an hour, it must be repeated every two days.
Hydrogen peroxide. Combine 1 tbsp. l. such liquid with 0.5 tbsp. l. ammonia. Apply to problem areas and leave for only 3-5 minutes. Be careful, if your skin is highly sensitive, it is better not to use this product.
Parsley. Squeeze the juice from the greens, add lemon juice and sour cream to it (all ingredients should be used in equal volumes). Apply the resulting mixture to darkened skin and wait 20 minutes. Repeat daily for 4 days, then take a break for a week. Repeat if necessary.
Lemon juice. Such a simple and affordable product has remarkable whitening properties. But it is worth considering that delicate skin may not respond too well to such an intervention, so lemon juice must be used with care.
Coffee. Combine coffee with lemon juice, apply to problem areas and massage a little. Leave for 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Traditional medicine can give a good whitening effect. But they are not able to cope with the problem of darkening of the skin forever.

Prevention

Personal hygiene and a healthy lifestyle will help prevent the growth of brown spots in the groin.

wear underwear made from natural materials and change it on time;
refuse clothes that are too tight;
monitor intimate hygiene;
be careful when visiting public places;
do not use other people’s shaving products, bed linen or underwear;
after visiting the pool, sauna or bathhouse, treat the intimate area and armpits with an antiseptic solution (“Chlorhexidine” or “Miramistin”).

To prevent skin problems from occurring, avoid excessive sweating and trauma to the skin of the intimate area. For many, brown spots in the perineum cause emotional problems and a feeling of embarrassment, which is why a person puts off visiting a doctor. The longer the disease progresses, the longer it takes to treat pigmentation. Therefore, if suspicious changes in skin color appear in the groin, it is better to immediately consult a dermatologist.