Jock itch (tinea cruris), aka jock itch, is a fungal infection that causes a red, itchy rash on warm, moist areas of the body. The rash usually affects the groin and inner thighs and may be annular. Jock itch gets its name because it is common in athletes. It is also common in people who sweat a lot or are overweight.
Although often bothersome and uncomfortable, jock itch is usually not serious. Treatment may include keeping the groin area clean and dry and applying topical antifungal medications to the affected skin.
1. What are the symptoms of inguinal fungus?
Athlete’s itch usually starts with a reddened area of skin in the groin crease. It usually spreads to the upper thigh in a half-moon shape. The rash may be annular and limited to a row of small blisters. It may burn or feel itchy, and the skin may be flaky or scaly.
2. When to see a doctor?
See your doctor if your rash is painful or if you have a fever. And see your doctor if the rash has not improved after one week of treatment, or if it has not completely cleared up after three weeks of treatment.
If your symptoms do not improve after two weeks of home treatments, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. You may have developed a secondary infection that requires immediate treatment.
If you have jock itch but it’s not responding to over-the-counter medications and home remedies, your doctor may prescribe something stronger. Possible medications include:
topical medications
econazole (Ecoza)
oxiconazole (Oxistat)
oral medications
itraconazole (Sporanox)
fluconazole (Diflucan)
Oral antifungal medications can cause unpleasant side effects such as stomach upset and headaches. If you experience any of these side effects, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
3. Causes of inguinal fungus
The organisms that cause jock itch thrive in moist, intimate environments. Jock itch is caused by a fungus that spreads from person to person or by sharing contaminated towels or clothing. It is usually caused by the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot. The infection usually spreads from the feet to the groin, as the fungus can circulate on the hands or towel.
Jock itch is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. These fungi naturally live on your skin and normally do not cause problems. However, prolonged exposure to moisture can cause fungi to multiply rapidly when you are in sweaty clothing after exercise.
When there is an overgrowth of dermatophytes in your groin area, it causes the infection known as jock itch. inguinal fungus images, inguinal fungus, inguinal fungus remedy
The fungus that causes jock itch is highly contagious. You can get the fungal infection through close personal contact with an infected person or contact with an infected person’s unwashed clothing.
The term “jock itch” may give the impression that only athletes develop the infection, but it can happen to anyone. Those who are overweight are more likely to experience jock itch, as the fungus can develop in skin folds that tend to sweat.
As a preventative measure, it is important to wash your groin and armpit areas daily with soap and water. Jock itch can also be triggered by prolonged exposure to moisture and friction from clothing.
Risk factors
You are at greater risk of jock itch if you:
is it male
Are you a teenager or young adult?
wear tight underwear
overweight
sweat a lot
having a weakened immune system
have diabetes
Preventing inguinal fungus
Reduce your risk of jock itch by taking the following steps:
Stay dry. Keep your groin area dry. Dry your genitals and inner thighs thoroughly with a clean towel after showering or exercising. Dry your feet last to prevent the spread of athlete’s foot in the groin area.
Wear clean clothes. Change your underwear at least once a day or more often if you sweat a lot. It helps to wear underwear made of cotton or other fabrics that breathe and keep the skin drier. Wash workout clothes after each use.
Find the right fit. Make sure your clothing, especially underwear, athletic supporters, and sports jerseys fit correctly. Avoid tight-fitting clothing that can rub and irritate your skin and put you at risk for jock itch. Try wearing boxer shorts instead of panties.
Do not share your personal belongings. Do not allow others to use your clothes, towels or other personal items. Do not borrow such items from others.
Treat or prevent athlete’s foot. Control any athlete’s foot infection to prevent it from spreading to the groin. If you spend time in damp public areas like the gym shower, wearing sandals will help prevent athlete’s foot.
Practicing good hygiene is the best defense against jock itch. Regular hand washing can greatly reduce your risk of acquiring this infection from someone else. It’s also important to keep your skin clean and dry, especially the area around your groin.
Wash the area regularly with soap and dry the area thoroughly after bathing. Apply Baby powder around your groin can also help to prevent excess moisture.
Avoid tight-fitting clothing as it can further increase your risk of groin fungus. Tight clothing can rub or irritate your skin, making you more sensitive. You can try wearing boxer shorts instead of boxer briefs.
It’s also helpful to wear loose-fitting clothes in hot or humid weather. Loose clothing can prevent sweating and the hot, humid environment where fungus thrives. Be sure to wash training clothes or athletic supporters after each use.
Athlete’s foot is another infection that can be caused by the same fungi that cause jock itch. If you have athlete’s foot, treat it quickly. You can prevent it from spreading to your groin area by making sure that you do not use the same towel you use on your feet for your groin.
How is inguinal fungus treated?
In most cases, jock itch can be effectively treated at home. You can try the following remedies to get rid of the infection:
Apply an over-the-counter antifungal cream, powder or spray to the affected area.
Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Dry the affected area thoroughly after bathing and exercising.
Change clothes and underwear daily.
Wear loose cotton clothing.
Treat other fungal infections such as ringworm.