Jock Itch

Have you noticed a red, scaly, and very itchy rash in your groin area? It may be caused by a fungal infection.

What Causes Jock Itch?

Tinea cruris, also known as jock itch, is a fungal infection usually found on the skin in the genital area, inner thighs, and/or buttocks of the body. Things that can cause the infection or contribute to it spreading on your body include:

• Sweating
• Wearing tight clothing
• Re-wearing unwashed clothing
• Being overweight (causes an increase in skin folds, which create damp, warm environments where the fungus likes to live)
• Close contact with other infected individuals
• Exposure to damp floor surfaces such as in showers, and
• Having a fungal infection on your feet.

How Can I Treat Jock Itch?

Use an antifungal product that you can buy over the counter such as butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra®) clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF® Clotrimazole), miconazole (Lotrimin AF® Miconazole), terbinafine (Lamisil®), or tolnaftate (Tinactin®). Be sure to read the package instructions before use. Evaluation of these products has found no significant differences in their ability to treat the infection. However, butenafine and terbinafine may be more effective at providing a long-term resolution of the infection. If you have questions about selecting a product, ask your pharmacist for assistance.

Other actions you should consider in treating your infection and to keep it from returning include:

• Wearing loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabric
• Keeping your body clean and showering right after exercise. Be sure to dry your skin completely before getting dressed
• Avoid walking barefoot and always wear protective footwear in public facilities
• Not sharing clothing or towels with others.

If you also have Athlete's foot, be sure to treat that condition as well, as it can spread to the groin area.

Related questions

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Summary

Jock itch can be managed with a combination of topical medications and other actions to reduce the spread or reinfection with the fungus. If your skin infection symptoms do not get better after a week of treatment you should see your healthcare professional.