Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a fungal infection that creates a rash that is red and itchy in warm, moist parts of the body. The rash usually appears in the groin and inner thighs and is formed like a ring.
Jock itch derives its name from its prevalence among athletes. It is also frequent in those who sweat excessively or are overweight.
Although it is typically painful and irritating, jock itch is rarely severe. Keeping the groin region clean and dry, as well as administering topical antifungal drugs to the afflicted skin, may be part of the treatment.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF JOCK ITCH?
Common jock itch symptoms in the afflicted region include:
- Redness
- Rash that worsens with exertion or exercise
- Skin color changes
- Constant itching
- Burning sensation
- Skin flaking, peeling, or cracking
- Rash that does not improve, worsens, or spreads despite the use of over-the-counter hydrocortisone (anti-itch) cream
Jock itch is most commonly found in the groin and inner thighs. It can extend to the belly and buttocks, although it seldom affects the scrotum.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF JOCK ITCH?
Jock itch is caused by a fungus called dermatophytes. These fungi are normally present on your skin and seldom cause concerns. However, if you continue to wear sweat-soaked garments after exercising, the fungus can proliferate swiftly due to the continuous exposure to moisture.
The illness known as jock itch is caused by an increase of dermatophytes in your groin area.
Jock itch is caused by a fungus that is very infectious. Close intimate touch with a person who has jock itch or contact with that person's unclean clothing may expose you to the fungal illness.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR JOCK ITCH?
If any of the following apply to you, you may be more susceptible to jock itch:
- You are male.
- You're a teen.
- You are overweight or obese, which increases the number of skin folds you have. The fungus responsible for jock itch grow in sweaty skin creases.
- You have a predisposition to sweat, which increases skin moisture and promotes the growth of dermatophytes.
- A underlying medical issue or the therapy for a condition causes your immune system to not work as it should. Immunocompromised individuals are more susceptible to fungal infections such as jock itch than those whose immune systems function normally.
- You dress in a lot of skinny outfits.
- You have diabetes, which increases your chances of getting fungal skin infections.
HOW IS JOCK ITCH DIAGNOSED?
By completing a physical exam and analyzing the problematic region of skin, your doctor will most likely be able to diagnose jock itch.
In rare situations, your doctor may collect skin cell scrapings from the affected region to assist identify the problem. This may also help rule out other skin conditions like psoriasis.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR JOCK ITCH?
If you use over-the-counter drugs or employ home treatments for jock itch and your symptoms do not improve, a doctor may prescribe something stronger. Topical and oral medicines are two alternatives.
Econazole (Ecoza) and oxiconazole (Oxistat) are topical treatments, whereas itraconazole (Sporanox) and fluconazole are oral drugs (Diflucan).
Side effects of oral antifungal medicines include upset stomach and headaches. If you have any of these adverse effects, consult with your doctor.
HOME REMEDIES FOR JOCK ITCH
In most circumstances, you may treat jock itch at home with a variety of products. To get rid of the illness, use the following remedies:
- To treat the afflicted region, use an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream, powder, or spray.
- With soap and warm water, thoroughly clean the afflicted area.
- After showering and exercising, properly dry the afflicted region.
- Every day, you should change your clothing and underwear.
- Dress comfortably in cotton.
- Other fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, should be treated.
HOW CAN JOCK ITCH BE PREVENTED?
Take the following actions to reduce your chances of getting jock itch:
Keep dry: Maintain a dry groin region. After washing or exercising, properly dry your genital area and inner thighs with a clean towel. To avoid spreading athlete's foot fungus to the groin area, dry your feet last.
Put on clean clothing: Change your underwear at least once a day, preferably more frequently if you sweat a lot. Wearing underwear made of cotton or another fabric that breathes and keeps the skin dry helps. After each session, wash your workout clothing.
Find the best fit: Check the fit of your garments, especially your underwear, athletic supports, and sports outfits. Avoid wearing clothing that rubs and chafes your skin and puts you at risk of jock itch. Wear boxer shorts instead of briefs.
Personal items should not be shared: Allow no one to use your clothing, towels, or other personal belongings. Borrowing such stuff from others is not permitted.
Athlete's foot should be treated or avoided: Control any athlete's foot infection to avoid spreading it to the groin. Wearing sandals in wet public spaces, such as a gym shower, will help avoid athlete's foot.
CONCLUSION
Jock itch is an infectious fungus that grows in skin creases such as the armpits and buttocks.
Dermatophytes, the fungi that cause it, already dwell on your skin. However, if you wear sweat-soaked garments for an extended period of time after physical effort, they might trigger a skin infection.
It is more frequent in men, teenagers, and overweight people, as well as individuals with less active immune systems or diabetes.
The illness is generally moderate, and you may treat it at home with over-the-counter medicines, regular washing, and basic hygiene.
If symptoms do not improve after two weeks of home treatments, see a doctor. For severe or persistent jock itch, a doctor may prescribe harsher drugs.