Other Skin Conditions: Moles, Birthmarks, Dryness, Etc. / Question
Published: July 19, 2004
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have these really dark brown patches of dirt in between my thighs and no matter how much I rub them with soap it never gets any lighter. My thighs are big so they rub together a lot. What can I do to get rid of it?
Signed: Dirty Thighs
Dear Dirty Thighs,
The darkened area that you are describing is most likely not dirt, but an area of increased pigment in your skin. Your body produces a chemical called melanin (also called "pigment") that helps to prevent the body from being damaged by the harmful rays of the sun. In certain instances, people can have an overproduction of pigment in certain areas of their body; areas where skin folds, such as the thighs, knees, armpits, and elbows, are common places that this overproduction occurs. There are several things that cause this overproduction. It can be inherited, your body's natural pigment, or can be associated with an underlying change in your body's endocrine system which regulates your body's hormones. It can also be caused by a chronic irritation from your thighs rubbing together.
TeenHealthFX recommends that you visit your doctor to review your skin coloration. He or she can review your concerns with you and may help to ease your worries. If you would like to see a doctor at the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at Morristown Memorial Hospital, please call 973.971.6475 for an appointment.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
At least 50% of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives.
