Jock itch, also known as tinea cruris, is a fungal infection that mainly affects the groin and pubic area. It causes red, itchy patches and, in some cases, blisters.
This type of dermatophytosis is more common in men and usually develops in people who wear warm or tight clothing, sweat excessively, or do not maintain proper hygiene.
When symptoms of jock itch appear, it is important to see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Treatment generally involves antifungal creams, self-care measures, and in some cases, oral antifungal medication.
Symptoms of jock itch
The main symptoms of jock itch include:
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Red patches in the groin
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Lesions that may look red, purple, gray, or white
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Raised, scaly lesions
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Itching in the affected area
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Burning or stinging sensation
In some cases, the lesions can also develop into blisters.
Is jock itch contagious?
Jock itch is considered contagious because the fungi that cause it can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or by sharing personal items, such as towels, clothing, or bedding. The infection can also spread indirectly through surfaces that remain contaminated with fungal spores.
Although jock itch mainly affects the groin area, the fungi can spread to other areas of the body, including the thighs, buttocks, and feet. In fact, it is common for the same fungi that cause jock itch to also cause athlete’s foot and ringworm, and the infections can be passed between these sites.
The risk of transmission is higher in environments with heat and humidity, such as locker rooms, gyms, and swimming pools, where fungal spores thrive. Good personal hygiene and avoiding shared items can help reduce the risk of spreading or contracting jock itch.
How to confirm the diagnosis
A dermatologist diagnoses jock itch by examining the skin lesions and reviewing the person’s medical history and habits. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may order tests to rule out other skin conditions with similar symptoms, such as inverse psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or yeast infections in the groin.
Tests that may be performed include a skin biopsy, a potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation, or a fungal culture, in which a sample of the lesion is sent to a laboratory to identify the fungus causing the infection.
Possible causes
Jock itch is most commonly caused by the fungi Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Less often, it can be caused by fungi from the genera Epidermophyton and Microsporum.
These fungi naturally live on the skin but can multiply under certain conditions. By feeding on keratin, a protein found in the skin, they trigger symptoms of infection.
Factors that can increase the risk of jock itch include:
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Hot and humid climate
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Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
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Wearing tight or warm clothing
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Poor hygiene
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Diabetes mellitus
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Obesity
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Poor circulation
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Use of topical steroids
Having a weakened immune system also increases the risk of jock itch, as it allows fungi to grow more easily.
How to treat jock itch
The treatments for jock itch that a doctor may recommend include:
1. Medications for jock itch
Oral antifungals such as terbinafine or itraconazole may be prescribed for one to four weeks. Oral antibiotics may be used if a secondary bacterial infection develops from scratching.
Oral antifungal treatment is usually recommended only for extensive, chronic, recurrent, or persistent cases, or for people with weakened immune systems.
2. Creams for jock itch
For mild to moderate cases, antifungal creams such as miconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine, econazole, ketoconazole, or itraconazole may be recommended.
The cream should be applied to the affected area twice a day for 15 to 30 days, depending on the severity and extent of the infection.
3. Self-care measures
Important self-care measures during treatment include:
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Keep the groin area clean, dry, and cool
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Dry the area thoroughly after bathing or exercising
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Wear loose-fitting underwear and pants to allow airflow
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Choose cotton clothing or synthetic fabrics that wick away moisture
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Avoid staying in wet or sweaty clothes for long periods
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Wash clothes, towels, and bed linens in hot water after use
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Do not share towels or clothing with others
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Apply talcum powder or antifungal powder to the groin after bathing to reduce moisture
It is also important to avoid scratching the area to prevent spreading the fungus to other parts of the body. These measures help treat the infection and reduce the risk of it coming back.