Skin rashes can be blistery, crusty, itchy, red and bumpy. Some rashes are caused by allergies or irritants like cosmetics, soaps, jewelry or weeds. Rashes may appear suddenly or develop over a few days. Certain conditions may cause a red, bumpy rash to appear on the inner thighs.
Types
Prickly heat or heat rash can develop when sweat becomes trapped. While prickly heat tends to occur when the weather is warm and humid, it can also develop when people overdress in cool weather.
Hot tub rash or folliculitis occurs when your skin comes into contact with certain bacteria that live in warm, wet areas. Hot tub folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles.
Symptoms
Prickly heat can cause inflammation, itching, a reddening of the skin and very small blisters. It tends to surface on areas where skin touches skin, such as under the arms or breasts or on the inner thighs.
Hot tub folliculitis may initially appear as a bumpy, itchy, red rash. Bumps may eventually become tender, dark red and pus-filled. Hot tub rash may be thicker under swimsuit areas, such as the upper inner legs, where the clothing has kept contaminated water in contact with the skin for a longer duration.
Treatment
Symptoms of prickly heat may improve by keeping the inner thigh area cool and dry. Powders, corticosteroid creams and antiperspirants may also help, notes the online Merck Manual.
Hot tub rash typically goes away on its own. If itching is bothersome, anti-itch medications may help. If symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic like ciprofloxacin.
Prevention
Prickly heat can usually be prevented by keeping the skin cool and dry. Paying close attention to the chlorine and acid levels in hut tub water may help guard against hot tub folliculitis. Hot tub rash may return if water isn't kept clean.
Considerations
See your doctor if an inner thigh rash is chronic or severe and fails to respond to treatment. Symptoms of prickly heat may be similar to other dermatologic conditions, cautions the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult a physician for diagnosis. A skin test may be performed to identify possible allergens or other causes.
