About jock itch

What is jock itch?

Jock itch facts

  • Jock itch is a very common groin rash.
  • Roughly half of jock itch is due to fungus. The remainder is caused by moisture, irritation, and bacterial overgrowth.
  • Symptoms and signs of jock itch include
    • pink or red rash in groin folds,
    • itching,
    • pain,
    • odor.
  • Jock itch affects primarily males, although it may also be seen in females.
  • Jock itch is most common in older adults and athletes.
  • Jock itch is often seen in otherwise healthy people.
  • Jock itch is easily curable in most cases and frequently resolves on its own without treatment.
  • Jock itch is often treated with antifungal creams.
  • Resistant jock itch may require antifungal or antibiotic pills to clear.
  • Jock itch is prevented by good skin hygiene.

What is jock itch? What does jock itch look like?

Jock itch is a common, itchy rash of the groin. It can produce a very intense itch and is associated with a red or pink rash involving the groin folds and genitals. Jock itch is primarily a skin condition in men because of anatomic structures unique to males, the male genitalia.

The symptoms of jock itch may come and go, and many cases of jock itch resolve spontaneously without any treatment. Jock itch is primarily seen in the groin, although it may spread to the inner thighs, genitals (including penis, scrotum, labia, and vaginal opening), and anus.

While jock itch is frequently noted in otherwise healthy people, those with diabetes and/or obesity are more susceptible. Possible causes include irritation from tight or abrasive underwear, excess moisture, sweating, skin rubbing or friction, allergic problems, fungal infection, Candida (yeast) infection, and bacterial overgrowth.

Treatment of fungal-related jock itch may include one or a combination of antifungal creams and, rarely, antifungal pills. Treatment of jock itch that is not caused by fungus involves proper groin hygiene, keeping the area clean and dry, and washing frequently with gentle soap and water (especially after sweating or exercise).

Jock itch causes a symmetrical red or pink rash on the sides of the groin folds. There may be a dry, scaly rash or a collection of small, pinpoint red or pink bumps at each hair follicle.

What are the symptoms for jock itch?

Jock itch usually begins with a reddened area of skin that spreads out from the crease in the groin in a half-moon shape onto the upper thigh. The border of the Rash may consist of a line of small, raised blisters. The Rash often itches or burns, and the skin may be flaky or scaly.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you have a Rash on your skin that doesn't improve within two weeks or if you treat it with over-the-counter medications and it returns within a few weeks. You may need prescription medication.

What are the causes for jock itch?

Jock itch is caused by a type of fungus that can be spread from person to person or from shared use of contaminated towels or clothing. Jock itch is often caused by the same fungus that results in athlete's foot. It's common for the infection to spread from the feet to the groin, as the fungus can travel on your hands or on a towel.

What are the treatments for jock itch?

For a mild case of jock itch, your doctor may suggest first using an over-the-counter antifungal ointment, lotion, powder or spray. The rash may clear up quickly with these treatments, but continue applying the medication as directed for one to two weeks.

If you also have athlete's foot, treat it at the same time you are treating your jock itch. This will reduce the risk of recurrence. If jock itch is severe or doesn't respond to over-the-counter medicine, you may need prescription-strength creams or ointments — or even antifungal pills.

What are the risk factors for jock itch?

The organisms that cause jock itch thrive in damp, close environments. You're at greater risk of jock itch if you:

  • Are a man
  • Are a teen or young adult
  • Wear tight underwear
  • Are overweight
  • Sweat heavily
  • Have a weakened immune system
  • Have diabetes

Is there a cure/medications for jock itch?

Similar to ringworm, jock itch is a common fungal ailment that is brought on by a fungus. An itching, stinging, burning rash appears on the skin of your groin, inner thighs, and butt crack as a result of a jock itch (gluteal cleft). Another name for jock itch is tinea cruris. Ringworm is also known as tinea, and the Greek word cruris signifies groin.

  • Jock itch might persist for months if you don't address it. However, over-the-counter medications referred to as antifungals can typically resolve it in a few weeks. They come as sprays, powders, and lotions.
  • Jock itch can be efficiently treated using over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription antifungal creams, ointments, gels, sprays, or powders.
  • Clotrimazole, miconazole, tolnaftate, and terbinafine are ingredients in these products.
  • Some antifungal prescription drugs come in pill form. These pills include terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole.


Take the following preventive steps:

  • After cleaning it, dry it with a fresh towel.
  • On the remainder of your body, use a different towel.
  • Apply the medication as prescribed after reading the label.
  • Use it for the full advised duration; if you stop using it sooner, the illness might return.


Symptoms
A reddened area of skin in the crease in the groin; it often spreads to the upper thigh in a half-moon shape,ring-shaped rashes bordered with a line of small blisters that burn or feel itchy, and the skin may be flaky or scaly
Conditions
Fungal infection,Painful rashes
Drugs
Over-the-counter antifungal ointment, lotion, powder or spray,Terbinafine,Itraconazole,Fluconazole

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