Yeast infection, UTI and Jock itch: Common infections of intimate areas and prevention tips

A prickly itch in your naughty bits, especially in public places, makes for an extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing situation. The constant urge to scratch your private parts is an indication of you not taking your intimate hygiene seriously and that you might just be suffering from skin infections in your private areas.
Such infections in intimate areas are exacerbated during hot and humid summers. With the mercury hitting 40 degrees Celcius, ensuring optimal intimate hygiene is paramount. Although regular baths and the use of talcum powders might be a summer routine for most of us to keep infections at bay, taking care of private parts requires much more than just that.

We contacted experts to get you a complete guide on how to keep those nasty red rashes and wet disgusting infections from coming at you.

Dr Rohan Palshetkar, head of Unit Bloom IVF, professor, department of OBGY, DY Patil School of Medicine tells Mid-day.com that infections of the intimate areas are common in summer. "Sweating in the genital area can create a warm, moist environment that promotes the growth of bacteria and yeast, leading to infections. Further, dehydration can cause vaginal dryness, making it easier for bacteria to enter the vagina and cause infections," says Palshetkar.

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Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar, consultant dermatologist, Dr Trasi clinic and La Piel skin clinic adds, "Lack of personal hygiene and improper clothing also make the patients more prone to these infections."

Further, Dr Trishna Gupte, clinical cosmetologist and trichologist, founder, The Cosmo-Square clinic, ISCA also highlights, "Excessive sun exposure on intimate skin can lead to sunburn, skin cancer, and premature ageing. The fragile skin in intimate locations of the body is frequently more sensitive to harm than other sections of the body. Hence ensuring proper hygiene is extremely crucial."

Which infections of intimate areas are common in summer?
Palshetkar: Heat, sweat, and dehydration can make your intimate areas prone to several issues such as:

Yeast infections: They are a common side effect of summer on the vagina. The hot and humid weather can create an ideal environment for yeast to thrive, leading to vaginal itching, burning, and discharge. It presents with a white curdy discharge from the vagina or penis and is treated with anti-fungal medications.

Bacterial vaginosis: It is a condition caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include vaginal discharge, itching, and a foul odour. It presents with a foul-smelling, greenish discharge. It is commonly seen in women and treated
with oral antibiotics.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs are more common in the summer due to dehydration and sweating, which can irritate the urinary tract and lead to an infection. Patients usually complain of a burning sensation while passing urine. The treatment provided is
hydration and antibiotics.

Taenia: Constant moisture due to sweat can give rise to wetness that causes superficial skin infections like taenia. Some also have extremely dry skin that can become dryer in summer due to dehydration or a lack of hormones, particularly for those in the peri-menopausal age group. Patients usually complain of dry itchy skin with patches.

Intertrigo: It is a condition of the skin in the stomach fold, groin and under the breasts. It causes rash which is sore and itchy. It happens when areas of moist skin rub together. Bacteria and yeast can grow in this environment, leading to an infection. Intertrigo looks like a red, raw rash on the skin. It may feel sore or itchy, and it can sometimes ooze. It can develop in any fold of the skin. The most commonly affected areas of the body include the neck, under the breasts, the abdomen,
the groin, the back, the upper leg, behind the knees, between the buttocks, in the webs of the fingers, and in the webs of the toes. Intertrigo may develop in one or more of these places

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Gupte: Other infections common in men include:

Jock itch: Symptoms include redness, itching, and a rash in the groin area. Treatment involves antifungal creams with a recovery time of one to two weeks.

Balantis: Symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain on the head of the penis. Treatment involves antifungal or antibiotic creams with a recovery time of one to two weeks.

Prostatitis: Symptoms include pain in the pelvic area and difficulty urinating. Treatment includes antibiotics with a recovery time of two to six weeks.

What kind of risk does exposure to direct sun hold for intimate areas?
Gupte: Excessive sun exposure on intimate skin can lead to sunburn, skin cancer, and premature ageing. The fragile skin in these locations is frequently more sensitive to harsh sunlight than other parts of the body. Seek shelter during peak solar hours - which are usually between 10 am and 4. Wear protective gear, such as lightweight and breathable fabrics that cover the skin.

How should women maintain intimate hygiene in summer?
Nerurkar: Women can do the following to ensure proper hygiene in intimate
areas:

1. Take cold or lukewarm water baths regularly.
2. Use intimate cleansers for washing intimate areas. These cleansers are pH skin-friendly and anti-septic.
3. Always use anti-fungal or cooling dusting powders to help absorb the skin's sweat and keep that area dry.
4. Change underwear regularly, especially if you sweat excessively.
5. Drink lots of water and consume cooler foods to keep the body's temperature cool.
6. Don't share clothes and towels with other family members.
7. Since swimming is a preferred hobby in summer, ensure you take a shower after you take a swim.

Gupte: Additionally, practise excellent wiping practices by wiping from
front to back after using the restroom to prevent the spread of bacteria. Avoid
douching or using harsh soaps and scents in the vaginal area as these can alter
the natural pH balance and cause infections.

How should men maintain intimate hygiene in summer?
Nerurkar: Men too should follow more or less the same tips but some additional hygiene care involves:

1. Use loose boxers or shorts at home to allow easy breathing of groin skin.
2. Shave the hair from intimate areas for better hygiene.

What kind of undergarments must men and women wear during the hot season?
Palshetkar: Unless you are looking to dazzle, stick to breathable fabrics as they're less likely to irritate and cause yeast and bacterial infection. Cotton
prevents sweating to a great extent and thus is the right fabric to opt for.

Gupte: Tight underwear should be avoided since it might increase heat and moisture in the groin area. Instead, boxer briefs made of moisture-wicking fabric are advised. Lightweight materials such as cotton are recommended because they allow for improved airflow and sweat absorption, keeping the body cool and dry Finally, choosing undergarments that prioritise breathability, moisture management and comfort will help men keep cool and comfortable during
the summer.

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Which skincare products must be used to prevent infections in the intimate areas?
Gupte: Women can use intimate washes with gentle ingredients like aloe vera to maintain pH balance. Men can opt for talc-free powders to keep the
groin area dry and prevent chafing.

Palshetkar: In case of itching and rash please visit a dermatologist, gynaecologist, or urologist.

Suggest some easy home remedies for such infections
Gupte: For summer-related skin issues, aloe vera gel can soothe irritated skin, and wearing breathable fabrics can help maintain dryness in intimate
areas.

Nerurkar: Drink lots of water and eat fresh fruits and salads to keep the body and skin cool.

What common mistakes should be avoided in case of an infection in a private part?
Nerurkar: Avoid wearing synthetic clothes and innerwear. It leads to a moist environment in the intimate area. Do not wear tight clothing. Strictly keep the groin region dry. Wipe the intimate areas with cloth or tissues and keep the area dry.

Gupte: One common error is failing to use sunscreen, which results in sunburn and skin damage. Another mistake is over-washing your face, which can remove natural oils and alter the skin's moisture balance. Also, both genders should avoid using heavy, oil-based moisturisers in the summer, since they can clog pores and worsen sweat-related outbreaks.

Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance.