Jock Itch

Jock Itch

• Jock itch is an infection that’s caused by a fungus.
• It’s a form of ringworm that likes to live in warm, moist places on your body.
• The infection causes a rash that often itches or burns.
• The affected areas can also be red, flaky, or scaly.
• It’s also called tinea cruris.
• People who sweat a lot, who are overweight, or who have a skin condition called eczema are more likely to get it.
• It’s a common problem for male athletes, which is how it got its name.
• But you don’t have to play a sport or be a guy to get it.
• Jock itch is most common in men and adolescent boys.

 Symptoms

Common symptoms of jock itch in the affected area include:

• redness
• persistent itching
• burning sensation
• flaking, peeling, or cracking skin
• rash that gets worse with exercise or activity
• changes in skin color
• rash that doesn’t improve or worsens, or spreads with over-the-counter hydrocortisone (anti-itch) cream
• Jock itch typically affects the groin and inner thighs.
• It may spread to the abdomen and buttocks, but the scrotum usually isn’t affected.

Causes

• Jock itch is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes.
• These fungi naturally live on your skin and normally don’t cause problems.
• However, when you remain in sweat-soaked clothes after exercising, the lengthy exposure to moisture can allow the fungi to multiply quickly.
• When you have an overgrowth of dermatophytes in your groin area, it causes the infection known as jock itch.
• The fungus that causes jock itch is highly contagious.
• You may get the fungal infection through close personal contact with an infected person or through contact with the unwashed clothing of an infected person.

Treatment

In most cases, jock itch can be treated at home effectively. You can try the following remedies to get rid of the infection:

• Apply an over-the-counter antifungal cream, powder, or spray to the affected area.
• Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and warm water.
• Dry the affected area thoroughly after bathing and exercise.
• Change clothes and undergarments every day.
• Wear loose cotton clothing.
• Treat any other fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot.

  Possible medications include:

  topical medications

• econazole (Ecoza)
• oxiconazole (Oxistat)
  

  oral medications

• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
• fluconazole (Diflucan)
  Oral antifungal medications may cause unpleasant side effects, such as upset stomach and headaches. If you experience any of these side effects, make sure to discuss them with your doctor.

Preventions

• Practicing good hygiene is the best defense against jock itch.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing as that can further increase your risk of jock itch.
• Wash the area regularly with soap and dry the area thoroughly after bathing. Applying baby powder around your groin can also be helpful for preventing excess moisture.
• Athlete’s foot is another infection that can be caused by the same fungi that causes jock itch. If you have athlete’s foot, treat it quickly.