Jock Itch

Jock itch is caused by the same fungus that causes ringworm (tinea cruris). Jock itch is much more common in men than in women and develops most frequently in warm weather. The infection begins in the skinfolds of the genital area and can spread to the buttocks, upper inner thighs, armpits and underneath the breasts. Usually the scrotum is not involved (unlike in yeast infection). Anyone can get jock itch. Jock itch named because it is usually athletes who get it, but it can affect anyone who tend to be overweight or sweat a lot.

How Do You Get Jock Itch

Jock itch can develop when tight garments trap moisture and heat. This creates an environment in which fungi multiply and flourish. Jock itch occurs when the groin area becomes warm and sweaty, allowing fungi to build up. Jock itch can also occur through a transfer of athlete’s foot, or from contact with clothing, bedding and towels of infected individuals.

Symptoms of Jock Itch

Jock itch is characterized by red, raised, scaly patches with pink borders that may blister and ooze. The patches often have sharply-defined edges. It appears on the inner side of the thighs. It spreads out in a ringlike circular pattern with a partially cleared center. The area may cause flaking, peeling, or cracked skin. Jock itch causes an itching, chafing, or burning that can be quite itchy and may be painful.

Jock itch is not very contagious. It can be passed from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact or by contact with contaminated items such as unwashed clothing. The fungus won't grow on dry, normal skin. You may continue to take gym and play sports.

Jock Itch Prevention

You can help prevent jock itch by keeping the area clean and dry. Take time to dry your genital area and inner thighs after showering, bathing, or swimming. Wear clean cotton underwear and be sure that your clothing or sports uniform fits you correctly and doesn't irritate the skin in the genital area. You may also consider wearing loose fitting pants to help keep the groin area dry and free of perspiration.

If you have ringworm or athletes foot avoid using towels that have been used to dry the feet or other infected areas. Do not scratch any area that is infected and touch other non infected areas. Do not share clothing and towels or washcloths. Use antifungal powders or sprays may be used once a day to prevent infection.

To help prevent jock itch, you can put special drying powders on the area a few times a day (these are both available over-the-counter).

Jock Itch Treatment

To treat jock itch, you can buy sprays or creams that are also available at a drugstore over-the-counter. In some cases, your health care provider may need to prescribe stronger medication to kill the fungus, either a cream, a spray or a pill.

Recurrent fungal infections are a common sign of stress or sometimes of suppressed immune function. If jock itch is a recurring problem consult your health care provider. Eating a lot of garlic or taking garlic capsules has been shown to inhibit the growth of many types of fungus.

With treatment, the symptoms will be better in 7 or 10 days. The rash should go away in 3 to 4 weeks. If the rash does not get better in a week, or is not completely gone in a month, call your health care provider.

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