Itchy inner thigh, the more you scratch, the more it itches, and red bumps appear—what's the cause?

Itchiness in the inner thigh area, which worsens with scratching and is accompanied by red bumps, may be related to dry skin, local friction, eczema, folliculitis, or tinea cruris (jock itch). It is recommended that patients promptly visit a hospital for evaluation and receive appropriate treatment under medical guidance. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Dry Skin: Dry air or inadequate skin moisturization can lead to dryness of the inner thigh skin, resulting in itching. This condition typically presents with dry, flaky skin and may be accompanied by mild pain or discomfort. Keeping the skin well-moisturized is advised; using a gentle moisturizing lotion or cream can help.

2. Local Friction: Wearing tight-fitting or rough-textured clothing, especially after prolonged walking or physical activity, may cause skin irritation due to friction, leading to itching and red bumps. Symptoms may also include redness, swelling, pain, or minor skin abrasions. It is recommended to wear loose, comfortable clothing to minimize friction.

3. Eczema: Eczema can be triggered by allergies, environmental factors, or immune system abnormalities. It commonly affects exposed areas of skin and manifests as dryness, redness, itching, and small red papules or bumps. Patients should use medications such as compound dexamethasone cream, zinc oxide ointment, or calamine lotion as directed by a physician.

4. Folliculitis: Poor personal hygiene or weakened immunity may lead to bacterial infection of hair follicles, causing folliculitis. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain around the follicles, along with small bumps or pustules. Under medical supervision, patients may use topical treatments such as mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or compound polymyxin B ointment to alleviate symptoms.

5. Tinea Cruris (Jock Itch): Fungal infection can cause tinea cruris, commonly affecting the groin area. It often appears as ring-shaped or semi-ring-shaped red patches and papules, accompanied by significant itching. Prompt treatment with antifungal medications such as ketoconazole cream, econazole nitrate cream, or terbinafine hydrochloride cream, as prescribed by a doctor, is necessary.

In daily life, it's important to maintain good habits, practice proper personal hygiene, and engage in moderate exercise such as jogging or hiking to promote overall health.