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Itchy skin rashes are very common in the genital region, which generally includes the area below the belly button to the top of the legs: the buttocks the area around the anus, and the vulvar, penile, and scrotal areas.

Many of these conditions on the genitals are sexually transmitted and uncommon in children or in those who are not sexually active. Conditions that may be sexually transmitted (but can also be acquired by other means) include viral infections such as molluscum contagiosum, warts (caused by the human papillomavirus), and genital herpes; infestation by insects such as pubic lice and scabies; and fungal infections, such as that from jock itch (tinea cruris).

Non-contagious conditions that affect the genital region include psoriasis, intertrigo (breakdown and irritation of skin from moisture), allergic contact dermatitis, and irritant dermatitis, such as the condition diaper rash, which is common with infants.

Click any of the genital herpes pictures or itchy skin rashes on the genital region below to learn more information.

Genital Wart (Condyloma Acuminata) Genital warts (condyloma acuminata) are caused by more than 30 types (strains) of human papillomavirus (HPV). The infection involves the genital area of men or women and is spread by skin-to-skin contact during…

Allergic Contact Dermatitis Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction (the reaction to the allergen occurs 48–72 hours after exposure). The most common allergens causing allergic contact…

Irritant Contact Dermatitis Irritant contact dermatitis is an inflammatory rash caused by direct chemical injury to the skin. Unlike allergic contact dermatitis, which appears 48–72 hours after exposure to an allergen, the…

Genital Herpes Genital herpes, the herpes simplex infection of the genital area, is a common, recurrent skin condition associated with infection by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV infection usually appears as…

Intertrigo Intertrigo is irritation of touching skin surfaces in body fold regions (armpits, under the breasts, belly, buttocks, groin, and sometimes between fingers or toes). Intertrigo can be worsened by…

Molluscum Contagiosum Molluscum is a common painless and usually harmless viral infection of the skin. Although it is painless and usually goes away after several months, some cases can last a few years.

Pubic Lice (Pediculosis Pubis) Pubic lice (pediculosis pubis), also known as crab lice or crabs, is a louse (a type of wingless, bloodsucking insect) that can live and multiply (infest) on skin that grows pubic hair. Pubic lice most…

Psoriasis Psoriasis is a non-contagious, lifelong skin problem with thickened red, and often scaly, skin. It is very likely to run in families (hereditary) and seems to be caused by…

Scabies Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by a tiny parasite (mite) called Sarcoptes scabiei that can live and multiply (infest) on skin. They are passed between people by prolonged skin-to-skin…

Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris) Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a surface (superficial) fungal infection of the skin on either side of the body where the thigh joins the abdomen, known as the groin. It is often spread to the groin…