Jock Itch
(Tinea Cruris)
by Rick Alan
Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention
Definition
Jock itch is a fungal infection of the skin on the groin, upper inner thighs, or buttocks. It most commonly occurs in hot, humid conditions. Doctors often refer to jock itch as tinea cruris.
Causes
Jock itch is caused by common fungus organisms that grow best in warm, moist areas. Jock itch can affect women, but most commonly affects men, especially men who perspire heavily.
The fungus that causes jock itch most often results from:
- Wearing wet, damp, or unlaundered clothing (such as underwear or an athletic supporter)
- Sharing towels that are infected with jock itch fungus
- Infrequent showering, especially after exercising or perspiring heavily from work
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors for jock itch include:
- Hot, humid conditions
- Heavy perspiration
- Obesity
- Tight clothing
- Rewearing clothing, especially underwear or athletic supporters, before laundering
- Changing underwear infrequently
- Infrequent showering
- Sharing towels or clothing with other people
- Using public showers or locker rooms
- Immune system disorders
Symptoms
Jock itch causes a chafed, itchy, sometimes painful rash in the groin, upper inner thigh, or buttock. The rash is:
- Usually red, tan, or brown
- Usually defined clearly at the edges
- Often slightly scaly
Diagnosis
Jock itch can usually be diagnosed based on the appearance and location of the rash. However, other skin problems may look similar to jock itch. If you are not certain of the diagnosis, contact your doctor.
Typical Location of Rash
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. In some cases, your doctor may order a lab test of the infected skin area. Testing usually consists of a skin scraping that can be viewed under a microscope or cultured.
Treatment
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 reoccurrence of the rash. If your rash does not resolve within a month of treatment, contact your doctor.
Creams
Antifungal creams for jock itch include:
- Miconazole
- Clotrimazole
- Econazole
- Oxiconazole (Oxistat)
- Ketoconazole
- Terbinafine (Lamisil)
- Tolnaftate
- Ciclopirox (Penlac)
- Haloprogin (Halotex)
- Naftifine (Naftin)
- Undecylenic acid
While all of these medications can effectively treat jock itch, terbinafine may lead to a more rapid cure than some of the others. It is also considerably more expensive than most of the medications in the above list. Tolnaftate and undecylenic acid may be less effective than some of the other medications listed, but as generics, they are generally among the least expensive treatments available. Creams are usually applied twice daily for 2-4 weeks. Follow the instructions given on the package or by your pharmacist or physician.
Do not use antifungal creams recommended specifically for athlete's foot. They may be too harsh for the groin. In some cases, over-the-counter antifungal creams may not work or effectively treat the rash. In these cases, your doctor can prescribe a stronger antifungal cream.
Oral Medications
If your jock itch rash begins to ooze, call your doctor. This may be an indication that the rash may be secondarily infected with bacteria. If your doctor confirms that it is, you may be given an antibiotic.
Prevention
Take these steps to help prevent jock itch and recurrences of jock itch:
- Shower regularly.
- Always shower soon after exercising or perspiring heavily.
- After showering, dry the groin area thoroughly.
- Apply absorbent powder after showering to help keep the groin area dry.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear cotton underwear and breathable clothing.
- Avoid wearing clothing that chafes your groin.
- Always launder clothing, such as underwear and athletic supporters.
- Do not share towels or clothing with others.
- Do not wear wet swimsuits for a long period of time.
- Do not store damp clothing in your locker or gym bag.
American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org/
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org/
Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca/english/
Dermatologists.ca
http://www.dermatologists.ca/index.html/
REFERENCES:
American Institute of Preventive Medicine website. Available at: http://www.healthylife.com/ . Accessed July 1, 2009
Berkow R. The Merck Manual of Medical Information . New York, NY: Pocket; 2000.
Mayo Clinic and Foundation for Medical Education and Research website. Available at: http://www.mayo.edu/ .
Tinea corporis, Tinea cruris, and Tinea pedis. Doctor Fungus.org website. Available at: http://www.doctorf... . Accessed August 14, 2009.
Last reviewed October 2009 by John C. Keel, MD
Last Updated: 10/12/2009