• Causes
• In females
• In males
• Treatments
• Consulting a doctor
• FAQ
• Summary

Sweating between the legs may make a person’s groin or inner thighs feel uncomfortable. However, some methods, such as wearing loose clothing and taking regular showers, can help relieve this discomfort.

Although some sweating between the legs due to heat or exercise is natural, 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.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

Causes of sweating

Like the armpit region, the groin containsTrusted Source numerous sweat glands called apocrine glands. It is natural 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 individuals experience excessive sweating that is not due to hot weather or vigorous physical activity. The medical term for this is hyperhidrosis.

Excessive sweating between the legs can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• chafing
• a rash
• heat rash
• itching
• irritation or pain

Causes of sweating in females

Females have a high concentration of apocrine glandsTrusted Source around the vagina. Therefore, some degree of vaginal and inner thigh sweating is natural.

However, it might be difficult for some people to tell whether their sweat levels are excessive or not. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) notes that if there is a change in sweating that is not due to hot weather or physical activity, a person may have hyperhidrosis.

Some possible causesTrusted Source of excessive sweating between the legs in females include:

• hormonal changes or imbalances, which may be due to:
  • birth control
  • pregnancy
  • menopause
• 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
• certain medications, such as:
  • hormone treatments
  • antidepressants
  • migraine medications
  • diaphoretics, which disrupt the body’s ability to regulate temperature

Causes of sweating in males

According to a small 2021 study, males tend to sweat more than females. They may also experience excessive sweating between the legs.

The causes of hyperhidrosis in males are similar to those in females. They includeTrusted Source:

• hormone imbalances
• anxiety and stress
• obesity
• low blood sugar levels
• diabetes
• hyperthyroidism
• certain medications

Treatments

Certain home remedies and medications can help control excessive sweating between the legs.

The following options are generally suitable for anyone with hyperhidrosis to try.

Home remedies

The NHS notes that some of the following home remedies may help people manage excessive sweating between the legs:

• not wearing tight-fitting clothing
• wearing underwear and other clothing consisting of natural, breathable materials, such as cotton
• taking regular showers or baths
• trimming the pubic hair
• helping manage 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 speak with a doctor to discuss additional treatment options.

The doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments to help control excessive sweating:

• prescription-strength antiperspirants
• 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 therapy.

In females, excessive sweating between the legs can trigger vaginal yeast infections. If a yeast infection develops, a person needs to ask their pharmacist to recommend an antifungal product.

If the infection persists, a doctor may prescribe a stronger antifungal medication.

When to speak with a doctor

Females who experience excessive sweating between the legs need to consult 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 need to speak with 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

Frequently asked questions

Why do people sweat between their legs, and it smells?

People may sweat between their legs because they have been exercising or the weather is hot. However, the NHS notes that if this is not the case, they may have hyperhidrosis.

Sweat may cause an odor when it mixes with fungi or bacteria on the skin.

Can someone use antiperspirant on their groin?

A person can use antiperspirants on their groin. However, the skin in this area is sensitive, so they need to use them sparingly.

Why may someone leave a wet spot when they sit down?

A person may leave a wet spot when they sit down because they have been sweating. For example, they may notice a wet spot after sitting down at a gym machine.

Vaginal discharge may also leave a wet spot when someone sits down.

Summary

The groin contains many sweat glands. Excessive sweating between the legs is usually a typical bodily response to heat or physical exertion.

However, a person needs to consult a doctor if they sweat excessively, especially if other symptoms are present. People also need to speak with 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.

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