Is it normal to have a sweaty crotch

Here are some ways that can help:. There are more than a few causes of groin sweat. Everybody knows that sweat is the mechanism by which the body cools itself and maintains its core temperature. You probably also know that the underarms, crotch, hands, feet, and forehead are the places we sweat most and most often. The average person has about 2 million sweat glands.

Some people have as many as 4 million sweat glands. There are two kinds, eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine sweat glands are distributed just about everywhere on the body ear canals, lips, and genitals are the exceptions. The sweat they secrete is clear and mostly made up of water, salt, and electrolytes. Apocrine glands are found in abundance in and around your armpits, scalp, eyelids, and nipples.

This includes the groin region in both men and women. The sweat secreted by apocrine glands is different. This type of sweat contains much higher concentrations of fatty acids and proteins. Ladies: There are no sweat glands on the vagina, but there are very high numbers of apocrine sweat glands around the outside of the vagina on the labia majora.

As the bacteria break down lipids and proteins, smelly acids are left behind. This causes body odor and that terrible smell we know all too well. Hot, muggy weather and physical exertion will cause you to sweat, especially down there.

The sheer number of sweat glands in the groin can cause profuse sweating. If hot temperatures or physical exertion are not the cause of your excessive groin sweat, something else may be at work. That something else is called hyperhidrosis. There are two kinds of hyperhidrosis: generalized hyperhidrosis and primary focal hyperhidrosis. Generalized hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating over your entire body.

It is usually caused by an unrelated underlying condition, like diabetes, cancer, or other disease or disorder. The other type of hyperhidrosis—and the prime suspect for overactive sweat glands in the groin area—is called primary focal hyperhidrosis. It usually affects one specific area of the body, i. So, why does your crotch sweat so much? Here are several likely causes:. Any form of vigorous exercise will cause you to sweat in the crotch and other places. Because apocrine glands are found in and around the groin, pubic hair traps bacteria and moisture from sweat, creating a virtual greenhouse for bacterial growth.

The rapid surge in bacterial population causes itching, discomfort and groin sweat odor. If proper cleansing does not take place, the buildup of sweat and bacteria can lead to groin sweat rash, thigh chafing , and infection.

Always choose underwear made from natural, breathable fabrics that can absorb and wick away moisture and allow ventilation. Natural fabrics are also non-allergenic and less likely to cause a rash. You knew it was coming. The body is naturally insulated by fat. Excess fat in and around the hips, stomach, and thighs will cause excessive groin sweating. Wearing them may increase the temperature resulting in increased vaginal sweating.

If you must wear pads and panty liners, try changing them at frequent intervals. This probably goes without saying: Good hygiene is critical. Clean your groin area every day, either by bathing, taking a shower, or using a cleansing wipe. To win the battle of groin sweat, you have to start out right—and that means starting out clean. Uncontrolled and excessive groin sweat may be a sign of hyperhidrosis. Generalized hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating all over the entire body.

Primary focal hyperhidrosis is sweating in one particular part of the body. A qualified doctor can make that diagnosis. The changing hormone levels in women over the age of 45 often cause hot flashes, which can lead to heavy perspiration—even in the crotch region. Night sweats are also commonly associated with menopause. Diabetes can cause glucose levels to swing wildly, which in turn can cause excessive sweating in both men and women. Hyperthyroidism is caused by an overactive thyroid gland.

Other symptoms include weight loss, elevated heart rate, nervousness, and fatigue. One simple yet effective way to stop sweating and prevent that heat-related groin rash is to wear the right clothing.

While they can wick away moisture, they will retain groin sweat odors. Use caution when choosing clothes made from these fabrics. Some synthetic blends are breathable and are moisture wicking, too. Clothing made from natural fabrics, like cotton, linen, and wool, are breathing fabrics which allow air to reach the skin. These fabrics except cotton also will wick away perspiration, allowing it to evaporate.

Cotton, while super absorbent, holds on to moisture longer than other natural materials—and even other synthetic fibers. Silk is also a natural fiber but is not moisture wicking. Silk hangs on to odor, requires special care, and is fragile. Skinny jeans and tight leggings are all the rage. Pants that are tight in the crotch area are going to spike the thermometer down there. Friction creates heat. Then heat and friction are going to gang up on you, making you sweat. The sweat will make you feel uncomfortable, and when bacteria are added to the equation, the result can be offensive sweat odor along with the potential for a burning groin sweat rash.

Instead, to minimize heat and moisture, you should opt for loose-fitting pants. Looser pants will provide plenty of room for movement without creating friction. Less friction means less heat, and less heat means less crotch sweat. Loose joggers are great for casual days. Sweat-friendly fabrics are especially important when choosing what to wear underneath it all. Many manufacturers within the athletic apparel industry have developed special fabrics that do a great job of wicking away moisture so it can evaporate.

But being sweaty adjacent to the vagina? It happens to everyone. And there are sweat glands all over your vulva, which is the external area surrounding the vagina. Remember: Your vagina is internal—the surrounding area is actually called the vulva. And there are no sweat glands inside your vagina, Dr. Adigun points out. Adigun says. It's also worth noting that the sweat glands that exist on your vulva are different from most of your sweat glands.

The majority of your body is covered in eccrine glands, while the areas of your body that are super hairy, like your scalp, armpits and crotch, have apocrine glands, according to Mayo Clinic. Apocrine glands produce a thicker sweat than eccrine glands, and it can have an odor when it mixes with bacteria. That's why a sweaty palm won't stink the way a sweaty armpit or your sweaty underwear might. Of course, while some odor down there after sweating is normal, if what you're smelling is different or stronger than your natural scent, definitely get it checked out, as it could be a sign of an infection.

If your doctor gives you the all clear and you're still feeling stanky, these ob-gyn-approved feminine wipes can help you freshen up in a pinch.

Adigun notes. So instead of feeling awk when you spot a sweat stain on your yoga pants , consider taking it as a sign of a hardcore workout.

Of course, some people do sweat more than what doctors would consider normal, for various reasons. Certain health conditions, like diabetes , can cause an abnormal amount of sweating, for example.

But if you don't have an underlying condition that leads to sweat, and you're experiencing so much crotch sweat that it's interfering with your everyday life, you may have an excessive sweating condition called hyperhidrosis. While people who have hyperhidrosis most often sweat more than the average person from their head, armpits, hands, and feet, according to the American Academy of Dermatology , they can sometimes have extra-intense sweating in their genital zone.

In one case study , a healthy year-old girl went to her doctors because she frequently sweat through her shorts. Hot yoga. August in the city. Unfortunately, it does this by sweating…. Learn how they work and get the info to make your own. Multiple tests can analyze metabolism. Most need blood drawn, but some can be ordered online and done at home. Here are 2. This simple, at-home test can introduce you to your metabolic hormones.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Written by Jacquelyn Cafasso on September 27, Overview Causes in women Causes in men Treatment Seeking medical help Summary We include products we think are useful for our readers. Sweating in groin area and inner thighs for females. Crotch sweat for males. How to control excessive sweating in the groin area. When to see a doctor. Read this next. Jock Itch: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments.

Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M.