What Is Jock Itch?
Hispanolistic / Getty Images
Medically reviewed by William Truswell, MD
Jock itch, or tinea cruris, is a common fungal infection that affects the groin area. It is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments. Jock itch causes a red, itchy, scaly rash on the groin folds that can spread to the inner thighs and buttocks.
Treatment, including over-the-counter antifungal medicines and self-care measures, can treat most infections. More severe or persistent cases may need prescription antifungal medications.
Anyone can get jock itch, but it is most common in people with external genitalia and athletes because sweating and wearing tight-fitting athletic gear creates an ideal environment for the fungi that cause jock itch.
Jock Itch Symptoms
Jock itch can cause a rash in the groin folds (creases or skin folds where the upper thigh meets the pelvic area). The rash can spread to the inner thighs, buttocks, and anus.
Symptoms of jock itch may include:
Intense itchiness or burning sensations
A red, raised, scaly rash with well-defined borders
Discomfort in the groin area can make activities such as walking or exercising uncomfortable
Pus-filled blisters around the edge of the rash, which may break open and ooze fluid
Discolored skin (lighter or darker than your normal skin tone)
What Causes Jock Itch?
Jock itch is caused by fungi called dermatophytes. Trichophyton rubrum is the fungus that most commonly causes jock itch. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and can infect the skin that is often exposed to these conditions (e.g., excessive sweating, wearing tight clothing).
Jock itch is highly contagious and can spread through fungal spores from skin-to-skin contact with someone with jock itch or by sharing contaminated towels or clothing. The warm and moist environment of the groin area provides an ideal environment for the fungi to grow and multiply.
Related: 7 Causes of Vaginal Itching
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing jock itch, including:
Having diabetes or a weakened immune system
Having obesity
Wearing tight-fitting clothing, especially non-breathable fabrics that can trap moisture and heat
Sharing contaminated items like towels, clothing, or athletic equipment
Personal history of fungal infections (e.g., ringworm on the scalp or foot)
Participating in contact sports (e.g., wrestling, martial arts)
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers can usually diagnose jock itch by visually inspecting the affected area to look for classic signs of the rash (e.g., raised edges, redness). Your healthcare provider will also ask about your symptoms (e.g., is the rash itchy or burning?).
Sometimes healthcare providers may do a skin scraping to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other possible causes of the rash. A skin scraping involves gently scraping the affected skin to collect cells and send them to the lab. In the lab, the cells are examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of fungi.
Treatments for Jock Itch
Treatments for jock itch can help relieve symptoms and clear the fungal infection.
Medications
Antifungal medications are used to treat jock itch. Most infections can be treated with topical antifungal creams, sprays, or powders applied directly to the affected area. Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal treatments are available at most drug stores and include:
Micaderm, Mitrazol (miconazole)
Lotrimin (clotrimazol)
Lamisil (terbinafine)
Most antifungals are applied twice a day for 10 to 14 days, but it is best to follow the instructions on the product label and use it as directed to treat jock itch effectively.
Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not go away with OTC treatments or if they worsen. They may prescribe a stronger antifungal drug used topically or taken orally (by mouth).
Lifestyle Modifications
In addition to using antifungal medicines, you can do things at home to help minimize your discomfort and prevent the infection from spreading. Most importantly, it is best to keep the affected area dry and clean. Bathe or shower using mild soap and warm water, and thoroughly dry the area after bathing or exercising to prevent moisture buildup.
Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing (e.g., cotton) can help avoid friction in the area and allow your skin to air out and stay dry
In addition to keeping your body clean and dry, wash sports gear frequently (e.g., jock straps, athletic cups). It can help to wash your clothing in hot water until the jock itch clears.
Prevention
Practicing good hygiene and taking simple precautions can help lower the risk of jock itch. These preventive measures may help lower the risk of jock itch:
Keep your groin area clean and dry
Thoroughly dry your groin area after bathing, swimming, or exercising
Avoid sharing towels, undergarments, athletic equipment, or clothing with others
Wear loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics, such as cotton, which allow air circulation and reduce moisture buildup
Promptly change out of wet or sweaty clothing
Complications
Jock itch and other fungal infections must be treated; they will not go away on their own. While jock itch is generally a temporary fungal infection, certain complications can occur if left untreated. These can include:
Secondary bacterial infection: Scratching the rash can break or crack the skin, leaving it vulnerable to bacterial infections.
Fungal nail infection: If the fungal infection spreads from the groin area to the nails, the fingernails and toenails can become thickened, discolored, and painful. Fungal nail infections can be challenging to treat and may require long-term antifungal therapy.
Recurrent or chronic jock itch: It is possible to develop a recurrent fungal infection, which can be uncomfortable and frustrating and require more aggressive treatment approaches.
A Quick Review
Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a contagious fungal infection affecting the groin area. It causes a raised, red, scaly, and itchy rash. Jock itch occurs when dermatophytes, fungi that thrive in warm and moist environments, grow and multiply. It spreads through direct contact or sharing contaminated items (e.g., towels, clothing).
Treatment involves over-the-counter antifungal creams or sprays, maintaining good hygiene, and wearing breathable clothing. Severe or persistent cases may require prescription medications. If left untreated, jock itch can lead to complications such as secondary bacterial infections, fungal nail infections, or recurrent/chronic jock itch. Most jock itch infections clear within 2 to 3 weeks with treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can jock itch be an STI?
No, jock itch is not an STI (sexually transmitted infection). It is a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes and is typically spread through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing contaminated items with an infected person.
Is jock itch just a yeast infection?
Jock itch is not just a yeast infection. While both conditions can cause itching and discomfort in the genital area, jock itch is caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi. An overgrowth of Candida yeast causes yeast infections.
Does jock itch have a smell?
Jock itch itself does not typically have a distinct odor. However, an unpleasant odor may develop if the affected area becomes infected with bacteria due to persistent scratching or poor hygiene.
What happens if jock itch goes untreated?
If jock itch goes untreated, it can lead to secondary bacterial infections and nail fungal infections, increasing the risk of chronic or recurrent jock itch. Seeking appropriate treatment can help prevent complications and promote healing.
For more Health news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Health.
