Skin irritation in the groin is common across all ages and genders because the area is “a warm, moist, and often confined environment,” making it prone to skin problems. One frequent issue is ingrown hairs, which happen when hair “curls back or grows sideways into the skin instead of rising up.” These often look like red, itchy bumps and can sometimes become infected, leading to painful, pus-filled spots.
Causes include shaving, waxing, or plucking hair too closely, wearing tight clothing that causes friction, and naturally curly or coarse hair.
Symptoms usually appear as “small, round bumps that may contain pus,” along with redness, swelling, itching, or general discomfort.
Treatment focuses on simple care: applying warm compresses to reduce swelling, gently exfoliating to remove dead skin, and avoiding shaving until the area heals.
For persistent or severe irritation, the American Academy of Dermatology advises consulting a dermatologist for proper treatment.