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.
Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a pretty common fungal infection of the groin and upper thighs. Jock itch is also sometimes called crack fungus, crotch itch, bag rot or crotch rot, dhobi itch (after Indian washermen).
It is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of your inner thighs, buttocks and genitals. Men and women encounter the disease worldwide, although it is seen more often in the humid tropics. The rash may affect only your groin, but it may spread to include your inner thighs, genitals, and areas around your anus, rectum, or Lesions caused by jock itch can extend from the crease between the inner thigh and pelvis, over the adjacent upper inner thigh, and into the anal area. Jock itch occurs almost exclusively in adult men.
Although often uncomfortable and bothersome, jock itch usually isn't serious, except possibly for people with weak immune systems. Keeping your groin area clean and dry and applying topical antifungal medications are usually sufficient to treat the problem.
Causes of Jock itch
The common causes and risk factor's of Jock itch include the following:
Jock itch is caused by fungi called dermatophytes. These microscopic organisms are normal inhabitants of your skin, and stay in check as long as your skin is clean and dry.
People taking broad-spectrum antibiotics, with weakened immune systems, or who have diabetes are more at risk to develop the rash.
The moisture, warmth, and presence of friction between skin folds make the groin area particularly open to fungal infection
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
Jock itch is usually less severe than other tinea infections, but can it last for weeks or months without treatment. Symptoms of jock itch include:
* a circular, red, raised rash with elevated edges * itching, chafing, or burning in the groin, thigh, or anal area * skin redness in the groin, thigh, or anal area * flaking, peeling, or cracking skin
How is jock itch diagnosed?
Jock itch is annoying, but it usually is not serious. If you have had jock itch in the past, you may recognize the symptoms. Your doctor can tell if you have jock itch after asking questions about your symptoms and past health and looking at your rash. Your doctor may scrape a little of the rash onto a glass slide so that he or she can look at it under a microscope.
Treatment of Jock itch
Here is list of the methods for treating Jock itch:
Jock itch is treated with one of two types of antifungal medications -- azoles or allylamines.
For a mild case of jock itch, your doctor may suggest first using an over-the-counter antifungal ointment, lotion, powder or spray.
Creams
Antifungal creams for jock itch include:
* Miconazole * Clotrimazole * Econazole
Jock Itch Prevention
To prevent jock itch from occurring or re-occurring, several measures may be taken.
# Avoid sharing clothing and towels or washcloths.
# Allow the groin to dry completely after showering before covering with clothes.
# Do not wear wet swimsuits for a long period of time.
# Do not store damp clothing in your locker or gym bag.
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