Sweating between the legs may make a person’s groin or inner thighs feel uncomfortable. However, there are some things a person can try to relieve it, such as wearing loose clothing and taking regular showers.
Although some sweating between the legs is normal, excessive sweating in this area can sometimes indicate an underlying health condition.
This article outlines the different causes of excessive sweating between the legs in both females and males. It also lists some home remedies and other treatments to help manage sweating in this area.
Like the armpit region, the groin contains numerous sweat glands called apocrine glands. It is normal for people to experience some degree of sweating between their legs, especially during hot weather or exercise. Sweating is the body’s way of cooling itself down.
However, some people experience excessive sweating that is not a result of hot weather or vigorous physical activity. The medical term for this is hyperhidrosis.
Excessive sweating between the legs can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including:
Females have a high concentration of
However, it might be difficult for some females to tell whether their sweat levels are excessive or not. As a general rule, if there is a change in sweating that is not due to hot weather or physical activity, a female should schedule an appointment with their doctor.
Below are some reasons that females may experience excessive sweating between the legs:
- hormonal changes or imbalances, which may be due to:
- anxiety and stress
- obesity
- low blood sugar levels
- diabetes, which can cause night sweats
- an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, which usually involves additional symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, accelerated weight loss, or fatigue
- a family history of hyperhidrosis
- certain medications, such as:
- hormone treatments
- antidepressants
- migraine medications
- diaphoretics, which disrupt the body’s ability to regulate temperature
Males tend to sweat
The causes of hyperhidrosis in males are similar to those in females. They include:
- hormone imbalances
- anxiety and stress
- obesity
- low blood sugar levels
- diabetes
- hyperthyroidism
- a family history of hyperhidrosis
- certain medications
Certain home remedies and medications can help control excessive sweating between the legs.
The following options are suitable for both males and females to try.
Home remedies
The following home remedies may help people manage excessive sweating between the legs:
- not wearing tight fitting clothing
- wearing underwear and other clothing made from natural, breathable materials, such as cotton
- taking regular showers or baths
- trimming the pubic hair
- applying cornstarch to the skin between the thighs to reduce moisture and limit odors
- managing stress with activities such as yoga or meditation
- avoiding spicy food, alcohol, and caffeine, as these can trigger a sweat response
Medications
If home treatments do not help control excessive sweating between the legs, a person can visit their doctor to discuss additional treatment options.
The doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments to help control excessive sweating:
- prescription-strength antiperspirant
- anticholinergic drugs
- Botox injections
- antifungal cream or powder to prevent fungal skin infections
In rare cases, a doctor may suggest surgery to block sweating-causing nerves or to remove the apocrine glands.
Additional treatments for females
Sometimes, the cause of a female’s excessive sweating is hormonal. In such cases, a doctor may recommend some form of hormonal treatment, such as hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy.
In females, excessive sweating between the legs can trigger vaginal yeast infections. If a yeast infection develops, a female should ask their pharmacist to recommend an antifungal product.
If the infection persists, a doctor may prescribe a stronger antifungal medication.
Females who experience excessive sweating between the legs should see a doctor if they experience any of the following:
- increased sweating
- excessive sweating elsewhere on the body
- a pungent odor
- pain, irritation, or swelling in and around the vulva
- unusual vaginal discharge
- recurrent yeast infections
- recurrent cases of bacterial vaginosis
- embarrassment due to excessive sweating
Males who experience excessive sweating between the legs should see a doctor if they experience any of the following:
- increased sweating
- excessive sweating elsewhere on the body
- a change in body odor
- a rash that accompanies the perspiration
- itchy testicles
- burning during urination
- embarrassment due to excessive sweating
The groin contains a large number of sweat glands. Usually, excessive sweating between the legs is a normal bodily response to heat or physical exertion.
However, a person should see a doctor if they sweat excessively, especially if other symptoms are present. People should also see a doctor if excessive sweating causes embarrassment or any form of social anxiety.
A doctor will work to determine the cause of excessive sweating and provide appropriate treatments. They may also prescribe medications to prevent complications, such as yeast infections.