Why ‘swamp crotch’ could cause you a host of problems during summer – and your clothing choices might be making it worse
SWEATING is crucial to maintaining a safe and healthy body temperature.
But it can lead to embarrassing moments – think underarm patches and, in the worst case scenario, swamp crotch.
Swamp crotch is every bit as gross as it sounds – excessive sweating in the groin area that can lead to all sorts of nasties.
Have you ever left a sweaty print on your seat during a gym session? If so, you’ve experienced swamp crotch.
And because your secret garden is already a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, adding sweat into the mix can wreak havoc.
“Crotch sweat happens for the same reason it happens in our armpits,” urogynecologist Dr. Karyn Eilber told Yahoo.
“We have glands in those areas and so when it gets hot, we sweat.”
Swamp crotch can lead to fungal or yeast infections, as well as skin conditions like irritation, chafing and itchiness.
When you get the least bit sweaty – especially in summer – the chances of this are exacerbated.
If you’re a victim of swamp crotch, fear not – there’s three things you can try at home to fix the issue.
Pants that Pull
Moisture-wicking pants are garments designed to pull sweat away from the body to the outer surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate more quickly.
This will help keep your secret garden dry, comfortable and cool, especially during physical activities or a heatwave.
By keeping sweat away from the skin, moisture-wicking pants prevent the discomfort of wet, sticky clothing.
They also reduce the risk of chafing and irritation that can result from prolonged moisture exposure.
“Wear loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics to maximise air circulation and allow the skin to breathe,” added holistic physician Dr. Sony Sherpa.
“This includes light, airy fabrics like cotton and linen.
“Avoid wearing nylon, polyester and other synthetic materials, which will trap heat and moisture and exacerbate the problem.”
Master of Change
When the UK enters heatwave territory, sweat will happen… regardless of your preventive measures.
But a good rule to live by to avoid crotch swamp is changing your outfit as soon as it gets sweaty.
The longer you leave on sweaty clothes, the longer you’re creating a perfect environment for nasties to flourish.
One of the most common issues from leaving damp clothes on too long is yeast infections, as yeast thrives in warm and moist areas – like your groin on a hot summer’s day.
“It’s also a good idea not to stay in sweaty workout clothes for prolonged periods, especially those that are tight fabrics that tend not to breathe well,” Dr Karyn recommended.
Deodorant Down There
There are antiperspirants designed specifically for the nether regions which you can pick up in most chemists.
Crotch antiperspirant works by using active ingredients to reduce or eliminate sweating in the groin area – just like the ones for your underarms.
The primary active ingredients in most antiperspirants are aluminium-based compounds, such as aluminium chloride, aluminium chlorohydrate, or aluminium zirconium.
Once applied, the aluminium compounds dissolve in sweat and form a gel-like substance.
This substance creates a temporary plug within the sweat ducts.
If you’re not keen on plugging your private sweat glands, a good option is the DeoDoc Intimate Deospray for £20 from Cult Beauty.
Formulated with naturally moisture-absorbing cornstarch, the gentle, pH-balanced, formula is suitable for daily use and vulva-friendly.