Jock Itch
Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a fungal infection of the skin in the groin area. It is sometimes called ringworm even though it is not caused by worms. It is caused by a fungus, which is a type of germ that thrives in dark, damp places. Jock itch causes a rash and itching in the groin and upper thigh area. It usually goes away in 2–3 weeks with treatment.
CAUSES
The fungus that causes jock itch may be spread by:
• Touching a fungus infection elsewhere on your body, such as athlete's foot, and then touching your groin area.
• Sharing towels or clothing with an infected person.
RISK FACTORS
Jock itch is most common in men and adolescent boys. Some things that may increase the risk of getting jock itch include:
• Being in hot, …show more content…
• Being overweight.
• Having diabetes.
SYMPTOMS
• A red, pink, or brown rash in the groin area. The rash may spread to the thighs, anus, and buttocks.
• Dry and scaly skin on or around the rash.
• Itching.
DIAGNOSIS
Most often, a health care provider can make the diagnosis by looking at the rash. Sometimes a scraping of the infected skin will be taken. This sample may be tested by looking at it under a microscope or by trying to grow the fungus from the sample (culture).
TREATMENT
Jock itch may be treated with:
• Antifungal medicine to kill the fungus. This may be in various forms:
○ Skin cream or ointment.
○ Medicine taken by mouth.
• Skin cream or ointment to reduce the itching.
• Compresses or medicated powders to dry the infected skin.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider. Apply skin creams or ointments exactly as directed.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing.
○ Men should wear cotton boxer shorts.
○ Women should wear cotton underwear.
• Change your underwear daily to keep your groin dry.
• Avoid hot baths.
• Dry the groin area well after bathing.
○ Use a separate towel to dry the groin area. This will help prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of the
Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a fungal infection of the skin in the groin area. It is sometimes called ringworm even though it is not caused by worms. It is caused by a fungus, which is a type of germ that thrives in dark, damp places. Jock itch causes a rash and itching in the groin and upper thigh area. It usually goes away in 2–3 weeks with treatment.
CAUSES
The fungus that causes jock itch may be spread by:
• Touching a fungus infection elsewhere on your body, such as athlete's foot, and then touching your groin area.
• Sharing towels or clothing with an infected person.
RISK FACTORS
Jock itch is most common in men and adolescent boys. Some things that may increase the risk of getting jock itch include:
• Being in hot, …show more content…
• Being overweight.
• Having diabetes.
SYMPTOMS
• A red, pink, or brown rash in the groin area. The rash may spread to the thighs, anus, and buttocks.
• Dry and scaly skin on or around the rash.
• Itching.
DIAGNOSIS
Most often, a health care provider can make the diagnosis by looking at the rash. Sometimes a scraping of the infected skin will be taken. This sample may be tested by looking at it under a microscope or by trying to grow the fungus from the sample (culture).
TREATMENT
Jock itch may be treated with:
• Antifungal medicine to kill the fungus. This may be in various forms:
○ Skin cream or ointment.
○ Medicine taken by mouth.
• Skin cream or ointment to reduce the itching.
• Compresses or medicated powders to dry the infected skin.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider. Apply skin creams or ointments exactly as directed.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing.
○ Men should wear cotton boxer shorts.
○ Women should wear cotton underwear.
• Change your underwear daily to keep your groin dry.
• Avoid hot baths.
• Dry the groin area well after bathing.
○ Use a separate towel to dry the groin area. This will help prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of the