Its appearance depends on the rash’s trigger.

The affected area may be discolored, inflamed, and have pus-filled blisters.

Common triggers include sweat, changing temperature, stress, humidity, irritating clothing, and fragrances.

thigh redness rash

Jomkwan / Getty Images

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitiscauses a red, itchy rash with bumps and blisters that may ooze.

It is an allergic skin reaction that happens in response to an irritant or allergen.

There are more than 15,000 irritants that can cause an allergic reaction.

These rashes are generally harmless and go away on their own within hours or days.

Razor Burn

People who shave their legs may experiencerazor burnon the inner thigh.

The rash is typically red and itchy and has small bumps.

It is the result of sharp fragments of shaved hairs piercing the skin around the hair follicle.

These raised areas (calledplaques) look scaly and may itch, burn, and sting.

(The rash appears pinkish on lighter skin and grey, purple, or brown on darker skin.)

In the weeks that follow, smaller patches may appear.

The cause ofpityriasis roseais unknown, but studies suggest it may be triggered by a virus.

Genetics, the environment, and hormones play a role in the development of this condition.

Self-Care

Many inner-thigh rashes heal on their own.

Treatment

How you treat an inner-thigh rash depends on its cause.

In some cases, keeping the area clean and dry and avoiding skin-to-skin friction can help relieve symptoms.

Many rashes, such as those from chafing, go away without any treatment.

Rashes triggered by viral, fungal, or bacterial infections may require medications.

These include:

Prevention

Understanding the cause of an inner-thigh rash can help you prevent it.

A rash’s cause typically determines whether it requires medical treatment.

For example, a rash that forms after exercise or skin friction will likely go away on its own.

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