Anogenital region

The anogenital area is susceptible to contact dermatitis due to intrinsic and extrinsic properties. Similar to the eyelid region, the anogenital region is intrinsically prone to irritation and sensitization. Parallels are seen in the fact that both regions have thin epidermal barriers and show a tendency for irritant/allergen retention. The anogenital region differs from other regions in that there is also a high degree of friction, heat, and moisture. These elements contribute to the frequency of several dermatoses in this region (tinea cruris, intertrigo, erythrasma, lichen simplex chronicus). Contact dermatitis in the anogenital region is often secondary to patient-or physician-directed treatment of these conditions, which have lowered the irritant and sensitization threshold.