by Rick Alan
Jock itch is a fungal infection of the skin on the groin and inner area of the thighs. The medical name for jock itch is tinea cruris.
Common fungus organisms that grow best in warm, moist areas cause jock itch. Fungus can be transmitted from one person to another by:
Hot, humid conditions can increase your risk of jock itch. Other factors that may increase the chances of jock itch:
Both men and women can be affected, but the condition is more common in men.
Jock itch causes a chafed, itchy, and sometimes painful rash around the groin and upper, inner thigh. The area near the anus may also be affected. The rash is:
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Jock itch can usually be diagnosed based on the appearance and location of the rash.
Over-the-counter antifungal creams can usually treat jock itch. Creams or lotions work better on jock itch than sprays. In severe or persistent cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger creams or oral medication. Use your prescription for the entire time that your doctor recommends. This will help prevent the rash from returning. If your rash does not go away within a month of treatment, call your doctor.
Antifungal creams can effectively treat jock itch. Some medications may work faster, but are often more expensive. Creams are usually used for 2-4 weeks.
Note: Do not use antifungal creams recommended for athlete's foot. These may be too harsh for the groin.
If the rash does not improve with the cream, an oral medication may be needed.
Call the doctor if the rash begins to ooze. The rash may also be infected with bacteria. If this occurs, you may be given an antibiotic.
These steps can also help to treat jock itch:
To help reduce the chances of jock itch:
Jock itch may result from an athlete’s foot or a toenail infection. To prevent it from spreading to the groin area:
American Academy of Dermatology
https://www.aad.org
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
https://www.familydoctor.org
Canadian Dermatology Association
https://www.dermatology.ca
Dermatologists
http://www.dermatologists.ca
Jock itch. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/jock-itch. Accessed January 29, 2021.
Tinea cruris. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114330/Tinea-cruris . Accessed January 29, 2021.
Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board David L. Horn, MD, FACP