Menstuff® has compiled the following information on Jock Itch.
Jock itch is a common fungal skin infection that may affect the skin of your genitals, inner thighs and buttocks. The infection is characterized by an itchy, red, often ring-shaped rash in these warm, moist areas of your body.
Also called tinea cruris, jock itch is closely related to other skin conditions with similar names. Tinea refers to a type of fungus, and cruris is the Latin word for "leg." Other common tinea skin infections include:
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis). This form affects the moist areas between your toes and sometimes the foot, ankle or lower leg.
Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis). This form causes a red, scaly ring or circle of rash on the top layer of your skin, commonly on your thighs, arms or hands. This type of rash also can occur on your face (tinea faciale).
Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis). This form is most common in children and involves red, itchy patches on the scalp, often leaving bald patches.
Jock itch gets its name from being most common in male athletes, but anyone can get the infection. It also can occur in people who are overweight or sweat a lot.
Although uncomfortable and bothersome, jock itch usually isn't serious, except possibly for people with weak immune systems. Treatment usually consists of keeping your groin area clean and dry and applying topical antifungal medications.
The signs and symptoms of jock itch may include:
Fungal infections, such as jock itch, are caused by microorganisms that become parasites on your body. These mold-like fungi (dermatophytes) live on cells in the outer layer of your skin. Jock itch occurs when the skin cells in your groin area become too warm and moist, allowing a fungal infection to begin.
Jock itch is only mildly contagious. It can spread by sharing towels or clothing with someone who has the infection, or through direct contact or sexual intercourse.
The organisms that cause jock itch thrive in damp, close environments. Warm, humid settings that promote heavy sweating — thus washing away fungus-killing oils and making skin more prone to infection — also favor its spread. Jock itch often affects men who wear tight underwear or athletic supporters that aren't washed after each use. People who are obese or sweat a lot also are at higher risk of jock itch. Some people may be genetically prone to this type of infection.
Those at increased risk of jock itch include people with weakened immune systems, such as people with diabetes or HIV/AIDS. If you have atopic dermatitis — a chronic, inherited skin disease characterized by itchy, inflamed skin — you may be more susceptible to jock itch. The barrier in your skin that normally protects you from viral, bacterial and fungal infections often is weakened or compromised.
See your doctor if you have a rash on your skin that doesn't improve within two weeks. You may need prescription medication. If excessive redness, swelling, drainage or fever occurs, see your doctor.
Your doctor can determine if you have jock itch or another skin disorder, such as dermatitis or psoriasis. He or she will likely ask you about possible exposure to or contact with someone with jock itch.
Your doctor may take skin scrapings or samples from the infected area and view them under a microscope. If a sample shows fungi, treatment may include an antifungal medication. If the test is negative, but your doctor still suspects that you have jock itch, a sample may be sent to the laboratory to determine whether it will grow fungi under the right conditions. This test is known as a culture. Your doctor may also order a culture if your condition doesn't respond to
A fungal infection rarely spreads below the surface of the skin to cause serious illness. However, people with weak immune systems, such as those with diabetes or HIV/AIDS, may find it difficult to get rid of the infection.
For a mild case of jock itch, your doctor may advise you to apply an over-the-counter antifungal ointment, lotion, powder or spray. Most infections respond well to these topical agents, which include:
If jock itch is severe or doesn't respond to over-the-counter medicine, you may need a prescription-strength topical or oral medication. These include:
Topical
Oral
Side effects from oral medications include gastrointestinal upset, rash and abnormal liver functioning. 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.
Since the introduction of newer medicines, doctors rarely prescribe griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Grisactin), another oral medication, to treat fungal skin infections. It's effective, but can take longer to clear up the infection. Its most common side effect is headache, and it occasionally causes discomfort in the digestive tract, sensitivity to light, rashes or a drop in your white blood cell count. The most common use of griseofulvin is for people who are allergic to other antifungal medications, or for people who have other medical conditions that may be negatively affected, such as liver disease.
Reduce your risk of jock itch by taking these steps:
Be aware. Know the risks of getting jock itch from too much moisture in your groin area or from contact with infected people.
Bathe daily. Shower or bathe daily and after exercising, participating in sports or sweating excessively. This helps keep the number of bacteria on your skin in check. Wash your hands often to avoid the spread of infection.
Stay dry. Keep your groin area as dry as possible. Dry your genital area and inner thighs thoroughly with a clean towel after showering or swimming. Try rubbing powder around your groin area to prevent excess moisture.
Keep clean. Change your underwear at least once a day or more often if you sweat a lot. Launder athletic supporters frequently.
Be cool. Don't wear thick clothing for long periods of time in warm, humid weather.
Find the correct fit. Make sure your clothes fit correctly, especially underwear, athletic supporters and sports uniforms. Clothing that's too tight can rub and chafe your skin, making you more susceptible to jock itch.
Don't share personal items. Don't let others use your clothing, towels or other personal items. Refrain from borrowing these items from others as well.
Source: Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=0956F75F-3368-42AA-A0AA438D4694B2A7&dsection=1
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