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What Is Jock Itch Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention
By Barbara KeanMedically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MDReviewed: January 22, 2021Medically ReviewedJock itch is a type of fungal infection that affects the groin area, inner thighs, and buttocks.It's also known as tinea cruris or ringworm of the groin (tinea is the medical term for ringworm), according to MedlinePlus. Jock itch is highly treatable with over-the-counter (OTC) medication. Although jock itch gets its name because it's common in athletes, the condition is also experienced by people who sweat a lot or who are overweight.While jock itch is far much more common among men, due to the proximity of the scrotum to the thigh and the resulting friction and susceptibility to moisture, women can also be affected, notes the Merck Manual. Although it can be uncomfortable, jock itch usually isn't serious. Treatment may involve keeping the groin area clean and dry and applying topical antifungal medications to the affected skin. Signs and Symptoms of Jock Itch
Symptoms typically appear between 4 and 14 days after the skin comes in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Jock itch often begins with a reddened area of skin in the crease in the groin and it usually does not involve the scrotum or penis.It often spreads to the upper thigh in a half-moon shape. The rash may be ring-shaped and bordered with a line of small blisters. It may burn or feel itchy, and the skin may be flaky or scaly, notes the Mayo Clinic. Common Questions & Answers
How did I get jock itch?Jock itch is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. These fungi live on your skin and don't normally cause problems, but if they're exposed to moisture over an extended period of time, they multiply quickly and lead to infection.How do you check for jock itch?Look for reddened skin in the crease of the groin; the reddened area may spread to the upper thigh. The rash may be ring-shaped with small blisters. It may burn or itch, and your skin may be flaky or scaly.Does jock itch go away on its own?Jock itch usually doesn't go away on its own. While it's often less severe than similar infections, such as athlete's foot, it could last a long time. But it can be easily cured, and responds promptly to treatment.How can I get rid of jock itch quickly?It takes two to four weeks to get rid of jock itch with nonprescription creams or powders. If you don't respond to nonprescription treatments, your doctor may prescribe stronger topical medications.Is jock itch an STD or an STI?While it's spread by skin-to-skin contact, jock itch is not a sexually transmitted infection. It's a fungal infection that's caused by excess moisture gathering in the groin area. Causes and Risk Factors of Jock Itch
Jock itch is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. These fungi naturally live on your skin and normally don’t cause problems, according to Johns Hopkins. However, these fungi multiply quickly when exposed to moisture over an extended period of time (for example, when you remain in sweat-soaked clothes after exercising).This overgrowth of dermatophytes in the groin area causes the infection known as jock itch. The fungus that causes jock itch is highly contagious. You can get it through close personal contact with an infected person or through skin-to-skin contact. The fungus can also be spread through contact with the unwashed clothing of an infected person.Jock itch is often caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot. The infection often spreads from the feet to the groin because the fungus can travel on your hands or on a towel. You can also spread the infection by pulling up your underwear or pants if the waistband gets contaminated with the fungus from your feet.Certain risk factors may make you more susceptible to jock itch. These include: Being maleBeing a teen or young adultWearing tight underwearBeing overweightSweating heavilyHaving a weakened immune systemHaving diabetes People who are obese are at an increased risk for jock itch because of their moisture-trapping skinfolds. If you have diabetes, your risk of jock itch is increased in two ways: the excess sugar emitted in your sweat provides food for fungus, and your immune system is not as strong in general, making you more at risk for common skin infections.People with compromised immune systems, such as those who have HIV or AIDS, hepatitis, chronic illnesses, or cancer, are also more prone to jock itch. You may also be more prone to the infection if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs, such as prednisone. Those on biologic immune-system modifying drugs such as infliximab (Avsola, Inflectra, Remicade, Renflexis) or etanercept (Enbrel) are also at a higher risk. How Is Jock Itch Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider can usually diagnose jock itch based on how your skin looks. Rarely, doctors may take a small scraping of your skin to look at under a microscope. Tests are usually not necessary.If tests are needed, they may include: A simple office test called a KOH exam to check for fungusSkin cultureA skin biopsy, performed with a special stain called periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) to identify fungus and yeast Most Recent in Skin & Beauty
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Prognosis of Jock Itch
Jock itch usually doesn't go away on its own, but it can be easily treated and cured.Jock itch usually responds promptly to treatment. It is often less severe than other tinea infections, such as athlete's foot, but may last a long time. Duration of Jock Itch
With proper treatment, jock itch should clear up in three to four weeks. If you don’t treat it, jock itch can last for months. This infection often comes back more than once, especially if you also have fungal infections on your feet or toenails. Treatment and Medication Options for Jock Itch
Jock itch can usually be treated with nonprescription antifungal creams, lotions, or powders applied to the skin for two to four weeks.The nonprescription products available to treat ringworm include: Clotrimazole (Anti-Fungal Liquid, Fungicure)Miconazole (Aloe Vesta 2 in 1 Antifungal, Aloe Vesta Clear Antifungal, Azolen, Baza Antifungal, Critic-Aid Clear AF, Cruex Prescription Strength, DermaFungal, Desenex Jock Itch, Fungoid, Lagicam, Micaderm, Micatin, Mitrazol, Remedy Antifungal, Secura Antifungal)Terbinafine (Athlete’s Foot Cream)Ketoconazole (Nizoral A-D) If you are not responding to over-the-counter medications, your doctor may prescribe something stronger, including these topical medications:Econazole (Ecoza)Oxiconazole (Oxistat) You may also be prescribed one of these oral medications:Fluconazole (Diflucan)Itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox, Tolsura)Terbinafine (Lamisil) If you tend to get jock itch, you should continue to apply antifungal or drying powders after bathing to help prevent reoccurrence. Prevention of Jock Itch
Practicing good hygiene is the best defense against jock itch. Regular hand-washing can greatly reduce your risk of getting this infection from someone else. It’s also important to keep your skin clean and dry, especially the area around your groin. You should also avoid tight-fitting clothing that can further increase your risk of jock itch. Wearing loose-fitting clothing, especially in hot and humid weather, can prevent sweat from creating the warm, moist environment in which the fungus thrives.Related How to Prevent and Treat Toenail and Foot Fungus
Be sure to wash your workout clothes after each use and don’t share clothing, towels, or personal items with others. To avoid spreading athlete’s foot to your groin area, don’t use the same towel you use on your feet for your groin. Putting socks on before underwear can also help prevent you spreading nail and foot fungus (athlete’s feet) to the groin area. Complications of Jock Itch
Complications are uncommon, but you may experience one of the following: Rash that spreads past the groin and onto the thighs, genitals, and buttocksSecondary skin infections, such as cellulitis or abscess formation from scratching or rubbingTemporary skin discoloration Research and Statistics How Common Is Jock Itch
According to the Cleveland Clinic, some studies estimate that 20 to 25 percent of the world’s population is affected by a superficial fungal infection of the skin or nails at any given time. And most people develop at least one type of ringworm infection at some point in their lives. Conditions Related to Jock Itch
Diseases that may mimic jock itch include: Psoriasis A common skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, psoriasis results in thick scaly patches called plaques. These plaques, which tend to itch, burn, or sting, most commonly appear on the knees, elbows, lower back, or scalp, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) ACD is a common inflammatory disease of the skin that results in a rash. It is caused by direct contact with allergens such as nickel, poison ivy, rubber products, and paraphenylenedeamine (PPDA), an ingredient found in permanent hair dyes, notes the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD). Hidradenitis Suppurativa This little-known disease, often mistaken for another condition (such as boils, infected hair follicles, or a sexually transmitted disease) causes deep and painful lumps under the skin, usually in the armpits or groin. Dandruff (Seborrheic Dermatitis) Dandruff, a common condition considered to be a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, causes the skin on the scalp to flake. It can almost always be controlled with a medicated shampoo, notes the Mayo Clinic. Resources We Love
American Academy Of Dermatology (AAD) The AAD is a great resource for information about skin diseases and conditions. Although your primary care doctor can diagnose and treat jock itch, you can use this site to search for a dermatologist in your area if you prefer to see a specialist. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) This component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is a go-to source for up-to-date information, statistics, health-related travel advisories, and more. On the site, you can find detailed information about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for numerous forms of ringworm, including jock itch. Additional reporting by Joseph Bennington-Castro. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
Jock Itch. MedlinePlus. December 3, 2020.Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris) Merck Manual. FebruaryFungal Diseases: Symptoms of Ringworm. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). November 19, 2020.Jock Itch. Mayo Clinic. March 4, 2020.Jock Itch. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.Fungal Diseases: About Ringworm. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). November 19, 2020.Fungal Diseases: Treatment for Ringworm. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). November 13, 2020.Athlete’s Foot, Jock Itch, and Ringworm. Cleveland Clinic. September 24, 2020.Psoriasis: Overview. American Academy of Dermatology.Allergic Contact Dermatitis. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Overview. American Academy of Dermatology.Dandruff. Mayo Clinic. September 11, 2019.Show LessNEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Skin Newsletter
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