Fungal infection - groin; Infection - fungal - groin; Itching in the groin; Ringworm - groin; Tinea cruris; Tinea of the groin
Jock itch, also called tinea cruris or ringworm of the groin, is an reddish, flaky, and itchy rash or infection of the groin or anus area that affects the skin of your genitals, inner thighs and buttocks. Jock itch causes an itchy, red, often ring-shaped rash in these warm, moist areas of your body.
It is most common in men, though it can occur in women, and is most likely to occur in humid weather, or among people who are very active. Jock itch is contagious, and a person suffering from the condition should not share towels or clothing with others. You should also abstain from sexual activity during any case of jock itch, since it can be passed to your partner.
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 usually are sufficient to treat jock itch.
Jock itch is a basic problem with inflammation of the skin in the groin. This inflammation may be caused by simple mechanical irritation, infections like bacteria and yeasts, or other noninfectious skin conditions. Causes of jock itch include the following:
moisture, warmth, and skin friction in the groin folds;
tight, occlusive clothing and undergarments that trap in sweat;
contact with fungus and yeasts; and
contact with bacteria.
Different skin infections may include:
Candida albicans (yeast)
Trichophyton (fungus)
Epidermophyton floccosum (fungus)
Overall, diet does not seem to affect jock itch.
Jock itch is most common in adult and middle-aged men. Anyone can get jock itch, which is thought to affect nearly all people at some point in their lives.
Certain groups of people may be more prone to jock itch. Patients with diabetes, obesity, and those with a compromised immune system like in HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, chronic illnesses, cancer, systemic chemotherapy, immunosuppressive drugs like prednisone, and those on biologic immune-system-modifying drugs like infliximab (Remicade) or etanercept (Enbrel) may be more prone to jock itch.
Other risk factors include:
heat,
moisture,
humidity,
obesity,
excess sweating,
exercise,
weakened immune system,
tight, occlusive fabrics and undergarments, and
athlete's foot infection or other "ringworm" on the body.
Jock itch usually begins with mild intermittent itching in the groin. The itching can get worse and become unbearable in some cases. The rash is usually on both sides of the groin and affects the folds.
The rash may become dry, rough, and bumpy, develop pus bumps, or begin to ooze. Sometimes, the uppermost skin clears as the rash spreads further down onto the thighs. The itching and rash can spread to the genitals including the labia, vagina, scrotum, penis, and anus.
Women may also develop vaginal white discharge and yeast infections. Men may develop infections on the head of the penis, especially if they are not circumcised.
Severe cases may be very uncomfortable and develop secondary complications such as breaks in the skin, open sores, ulcers, and rarely cellulitis.
Your health care provider can usually diagnose jock itch based on how your skin looks.
Tests are usually not necessary. If tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis, either a culture or a skin lesion biopsy (for example, a scraping of the skin) may be done. A KOH (potassium hydroxide) test may be done in the office for quick diagnosis.
For a mild case of jock itch, your doctor may suggest first using an over-the-counter antifungal ointment, lotion, powder or spray. If you also have athlete's foot, treat it at the same time you are treating your jock itch to reduce the risk of recurrence.
People with weak immune systems, such as those with diabetes or HIV/AIDS, may find it more difficult to get rid of this infection.
Jock itch usually responds to self-care within a couple of weeks:
Keep the skin clean and dry.
Don't wear clothing that rubs and irritates the area.
Apply topical over-the-counter antifungal or drying powders, such as those that contain miconazole, clotrimazole, or tolnaftate.
You may need treatment by a health care provider if your infection lasts longer than 2 weeks, is severe, or frequently returns. You healthcare provider may prescribe stronger antifungal medications. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat bacterial infections that occur in addition to the fungus (for example, from scratching the area).
Over-the-counter
medications
Jock itch is
treated with one of two types of antifungal medications, allylamines
and azoles. The rash may clear up quickly with these treatments, but
continue applying the medication twice a day for at least 10 days.
Allylamines. These drugs, such as terbinafine (Lamisil AT), require shorter treatment time than do azoles.
Azoles. These drugs, including miconazole and clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), are less expensive than are allylamines.
Prescription
medications
If jock itch is
severe or doesn't respond to over-the-counter medicine, you may need
a prescription-strength topical or oral medication.
Topical medications. These include econazole and oxiconazole (Oxistat).
Oral (systemic) medications. Your doctor may prescribe itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan) or terbinafine (Lamisil). Side effects from these medications include gastrointestinal upset, rash and abnormal liver function. Taking other medications, such as antacid therapies for ulcer disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may interfere with the absorption of these drugs. Oral medications for fungal infection may alter the effectiveness of warfarin, an anticoagulant drug that decreases the clotting ability of your blood.
Another oral medication, griseofulvin (Grifulvin V), is sometimes used to treat fungal skin infections. Although it's effective, it may take longer to clear up the infection. Potential side effects include headache, discomfort in the digestive tract, sensitivity to light, rashes or a drop in your white blood cell count. Griseofulvin may be used for people who are allergic to other antifungal medications, or for people who have other medical conditions that may be negatively affected by other medications, such as people with liver disease.
Jock itch usually responds promptly to treatment. It is often less severe than other tinea infections, but may last a long time.
Jock itch usually stays around the creases in the upper thigh and does not involve the scrotum or penis. Jock itch may spread to the anus, causing anal itching and discomfort.
Other causes of itching in the groin include:
Permanent change in the skin color of the area
Secondary bacterial skin infections
Side effects of medications
Call your doctor if jock itch does not respond to home care after 2 weeks, or you have other symptoms.
Keep the groin area clean and dry.
Don't wear clothing that rubs and irritates the area. Avoid tight-fitting and rough-textured clothing.
Wear loose-fitting underwear.
Don't wear thick clothing for long periods of time in warm, humid weather.
Wash athletic supporters frequently.
After bathing, apply antifungal or drying powders if you are susceptible to jock itch.