5 Tips & Treatment against Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) in Groin

How to avoid sweating between in the groin? Can deodorant be applied in genital area? What are other tips to prevent sweating in the crotch, or to mask the sweat? I sweat a lot in the groin area: why?

I’ll address these questions that, rest assured, many people ask themselves. You are not alone in experiencing excessive sweating in the groin! To provide answers, I rely on:

👩🏽‍⚕️ My experience in touch with people affected by hyperhidrosis since 2012.

📚 In-depth research in the international scientific literature (references available at the end of the blog post).

Discussing excessive moisture in groin area can be delicate in real life. On the internet, anonymity is easier, and you can more openly engage in discussions about excessive sweating in pubic region (also called vulva hyperhidrosis), helping you feel less alone or even finding new tips you may not have considered.

What is excessive sweating in the groin area?

Some parts of the body sweat more than others. For example, most people sweat from their underarms, even those who don’t have excessive sweating.

Any part of the body that has sweat glands can produce sweat. This includes the entire genital area (vagina, penis, vulva, labia), buttocks, groin (pubis region), and between the thighs/legs. This applies to both men and women.

The most commonly used medical terms found in scientific literature are “inguinal hyperhidrosis,” “Hexsel’s hyperhidrosis,” or “groin hyperhidrosis.”

Most of the time, people with excessive sweating in the groin area also sweat excessively from other parts of the body, most commonly the underarms or the entire body. However, sometimes the main complaint is specifically about sweating in the groin area.

To determine if you have hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, in this area, you can use the HDSS score, also known as the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale. It involves answering the question, “How would you rate the severity of your hyperhidrosis?” by choosing from four options.

Typically, if you have excessive sweating in the groin area, you often feel damp or soaked in that part of the body. You regularly leave marks and stains where you sit or on your clothing. You feel the need to change underwear or even clothing multiple times a day. Sometimes, the sweating is excessive even at night.

Excessive sweating in the groin area can occur anywhere in pubic region and genital area.

Are there many people who have groin hyperhidrosis?

It is difficult to provide a precise answer to this question for several reasons:

1. In questionnaires assessing the frequency of hyperhidrosis, the groin area is often not included in the list of body parts where excessive sweating is likely to occur.
2. People may feel even more embarrassed to discuss debilitating sweating in this area compared to other parts of the body.

For example, in 2013, I conducted an online survey on the location of hyperhidrosis. I did not specifically mention the groin area as a location, but 2.43% of the over 700 respondents mentioned sweating from at least one other body part (potentially including the groin area). Several people mentioned sweating from the buttocks, under the buttocks, between the legs, in the groin, crotch, or pelvic region.

Here are the figures for the most commonly affected locations of hyperhidrosis among patients in the United States (Lear 2007):

• 73% experience excessive sweating in the underarms.
• 46% in the hands.
• 41% in the feet.
• 23% in the face or scalp.
• 9% in the groin area.
• 10% in other regions.

Please note that these figures are likely underestimated. It is already quite uncomfortable to disclose excessive sweating, and it becomes even more challenging when it affects groin areas.

Additionally, in United-States alone, thousands of internet users search for information and solutions regarding sweating in groin area in both men and women each month (which likely brought you to this page).

Among the 1 to 5% of people worldwide who have hyperhidrosis, a certain portion of them also experience sweating in the groin area, approximately 9%.

Why do we sweat in the groin area?

There are three types of sweat glands in the body. These three types of glands are present in the entire groin and genital area. So, it is completely normal to sweat from this area.

For people who sweat more than average, it is also “normal” to sweat more than the average in this body part.

Several factors increase the risk of excessive sweating in this region of the body:

• The presence of numerous skin folds that are poorly ventilated.
• Wearing tight-fitting underwear and clothing that generates heat.
• The presence of moisture due to natural secretions in the genital area.

There are significant anatomical and physiological similarities between the armpit and the groin area, which explains why both are susceptible to excessive sweating.

These explanations should partially reassure you: you are not abnormal. It is logical to sweat from these body parts, even though it can be very challenging when excessive sweating occurs.

How to reduce sweating in the groin and mask odors?

Are there any solutions to reduce sweating in the groin area? Or to make it less bothersome? To prevent vulvar irritation due to sweating? The answer is yes 👍🏼.

First, let’s look at 5 tips to decrease or mask sweating and odor in the genital area.

Before discussing medical treatments in detail, if these tips are not sufficient.

Avoid crossing your legs

You may have noticed it yourself: sweating in the genital area is more significant when:

• Crossing your legs while sitting or lying down.
• Sitting in the same position for a long time.

Therefore, try to avoid these positions as much as possible, especially if you’re in a situation where you want to minimize sweating.

Wear loose, breathable clothing that wicks away moisture

The choice of clothing is also important. Opt for loose-fitting garments that don’t cling to the skin, allowing for better ventilation between the legs.

The color of the clothing matters too. Solid colors such as light gray make sweat more visible.

There are underwear options specifically designed for both men and women to be sweat-wicking or to absorb sweat more easily.

Use anti-perspirant

You can apply antiperspirant or talcum powder in the groin area to reduce sweating and keep the area dry. Make sure to choose products that are safe for use in sensitive areas.

Choose cotton or linen fabrics

Some fabrics are more comfortable when in contact with the skin of someone who sweats more easily than average. For clothing, this is particularly the case with:

✅ Cotton
✅ Linen
✅ Bamboo

These materials are more breathable than many others and can also partially absorb sweat. It is therefore better to prioritize clothing and underwear made from these fabrics.

On the other hand, it is better to avoid:

❌ Silk
❌ Velvet
❌ Sponge

Polyester clothing is a double-edged sword: it dries faster, but it can also more easily emit unpleasant odors.

Change clothes multiple times a day

Maintaining good hygiene is crucial to minimize discomfort and prevent odor. Clean the area regularly with mild soap and water, and pat it dry thoroughly.

Are all these tips not enough? At least not every day? Then, you may have to accept the fact that you may need to change multiple times a day. Sometimes, changing your underwear may be enough.

Some people with hyperhidrosis in the genital area make sure to always have multiple spare outfits when they are on the go. Or they may return home more frequently to change.

Of course, this is very inconvenient. That’s why we will now explore medical solutions for excessive sweating in the groin area.

Remember, these tips can help manage sweating in the groin area, but if they are not effective, there are medical treatments available.

Can I use deodorants and anti-perspirants in the groin?

Can you apply Etiaxil, Carpe or another antiperspirant containing aluminum chloride, alum stone, or another substance designed for excessive underarm sweating in the groin area?

Etiaxil is not specifically intended to be applied in the groin area. However, the application of antiperspirants containing salt is still suggested as a possible solution for groin hyperhidrosis, including the vulva area (Childress 2018).

The goal is to reduce sweating and eliminate unpleasant odors.

There are two options if you want to try this type of antiperspirant:

1. Use “regular” antiperspirants for hands or feet, such as Etiaxil, Driclor, or Odaban.
2. Try a antiperspirant specifically designed to be applied between the legs. Only the brand Carpe offers such a product.

The same application conditions should be followed as with underarms to maximize effectiveness:

• Apply to dry skin (you can use a hairdryer to dry the area) and avoid applying on mucous membranes.
• Avoid washing or engaging in activities that cause excessive sweating in the hours following application. It’s best to apply the product in the evening to allow sufficient time for it to penetrate into the sweat glands.

To date, there are no studies evaluating the effectiveness of these antiperspirants specifically for groin hyperhidrosis. Only a few studies involving a single individual have been conducted.

Minor and transient side effects may occur, such as redness, pain, or itching at the application site.

Some people apply antiperspirants containing aluminum salts or other substances to the groin area. One brand (Carpe) offers products specifically designed for this part of the body, catering to both men and women.

Are there medical treatments for groin hyperhidrosis?

There are two types of treatments available for hyperhidrosis:

1. Local treatments, which are applied to the specific area where excessive sweating is most problematic.
2. Systemic treatments, which target sweating throughout the entire body.

Both types of treatments can be theoretically used for groin hyperhidrosis. You can discuss them with a specialist in hyperhidrosis or with your general practitioner or dermatologist.

Topical treatments

Local treatments for excessive sweating in the groin area are often recommended as the first line of treatment. They are easy to use, cost-effective, and have few side effects. If they are not sufficient and you want to try another treatment, what options are available?

In the international medical literature, only one other local treatment option is suggested for the groin area: botulinum toxin injections (Botox). Other local treatments for hyperhidrosis such as Miradry, iontophoresis, thoracic or lumbar sympathectomy are not recommended for groin hyperhidrosis.

A study investigated the use of Botox injections in the groin area (Glaser 2014) as well as other “atypical” areas of the body. It also reported the results of patients who received injections around the anal area.

The study concluded that:

The injection of botulinum toxin type A is an effective and safe therapeutic option for areas affected by hyperhidrosis on the body. Patients should be counseled regarding their treatment expectations.

Glaser 2014

⚠️ Important: The effects of the injections typically last only a few months (3 to 6 months). After that, hyperhidrosis returns as before. Moreover, Botox injections are often not covered by health insurance or private health plans in France.

Additionally, some side effects may occur, such as edema or a slightly painful hematoma at the injection site for those who received injections in this area. Although other theoretical adverse effects exist, they have not been observed in this specific body region. These potential adverse effects include muscle weakness in the treated area, which could potentially lead to urinary or fecal incontinence.

Botulinum toxin injections are sometimes performed in the groin or anal area to reduce sweating. However, their effect typically lasts only 3 to 6 months, and there may be potential side effects.

Systemic treatments for excessive sweating in the groin area

Oral medications can be taken for groin hyperhidrosis (similar to hyperhidrosis in any other part of the body).

These medications are the same regardless of the affected body part, whether it’s hands, feet, armpits, groin, scalp, face, or generalized hyperhidrosis affecting multiple areas of the body.

The main medications used are:

• Oxybutynin
• Glycopyrrolate (Robinul/Avert)

Oxybutynin has been specifically tested for groin hyperhidrosis in a study involving five individuals (Teivelis 2014). After six weeks of treatment, 85% of the participants reported improvement. However, there can be side effects.

These medications are generally taken with a prescription and under medical supervision.

***

Do you have any comments or questions? Your comments are welcome 🙂 !

You may also like:

• My blog on hyperhidrosis
• Excessive Sweating on the Butt

 📚 SOURCES

Lear W, Kessler E, Solish N, et al. An epidemiological study of hyperhidrosis. Dermatol Surg 2007;33(s1):S69–75

Hexsel et al., Inguinal, or Hexsel’s Hyperhidrosis. Clinics in dermatologye 2004

Teivelis MP, Wolosker N, Krutman M, Kauffman P, Campos JR, Puech-Leão P. Treatment of uncommon sites of focal primary hyperhidrosis: experience with pharmacological therapy using oxybutynin. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2014 Sep;69(9):608-14. doi: 10.6061/clinics/2014(09)06. PMID: 25318092; PMCID: PMC4192402.

Glaser DA, Galperin TA. Botulinum toxin for hyperhidrosis of areas other than the axillae and palms/soles. Dermatol Clin. 2014 Oct;32(4):517-25. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2014.06.001. Epub 2014 Jul 28. PMID: 25152345.

Childress KJ, Brown O, Bercaw-Pratt J. Inguinal Hyperhidrosis: Case Report of an Uncommon Cause of Vaginitis. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2018 Aug;31(4):420-421. doi: 10.1016/j.jpag.2018.01.008. Epub 2018 Feb 6. PMID: 29421341.

Childress et al. Hyperhidrosis of the Vulva. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. 2016