Symptoms

• Pink-red, scaly rash on inner thighs near groin. Often, starts in the groin crease. Then, spreads slowly down the inner thighs.
• In males, the rash does not involve the penis or scrotum.
• Rash is often the same on both inner thighs.
• Rash is itchy, but not painful. It may become sore from scratching.

Cause

• Jock itch is caused by a fungus. This is often the same fungus that causes athlete's foot.
• It can come from a towel used to dry the feet and then the groin.
• The fungus can only grow in warm, damp skin. Sweating a lot and wearing damp underwear raises the risk of getting it.
• Called 'jock itch' because it occurs mostly in males who play sports.

How to Prevent Jock Itch from Coming Back

• Keep the groin area clean and dry. Reason: the fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin.
• Change into dry underwear after playing sports.
• Also, avoid wearing underwear that is too tight.
• If you have athlete's foot, use a separate towel for the feet.

When to Call for Jock Itch

Care Advice

What You Should Know about Jock Itch:

• Jock itch is a fungal infection, also known as Tinea Cruris.
• It grows on warm, damp areas of the skin that are often covered by clothing. It is common in athletes, the elderly and teens. It's more common in men than women.
• It is harmless, but causes irritation, soreness and sometimes a bad smell.
• It's caused by a fungus that is on the skin and overgrows at times.
• The fungus is the same one that causes athlete's foot. It can be spread from one part of the body to another.
• In women, it can occur in the groin and also under the breasts and in the armpits.
• Here is some care advice that should help.

Antifungal Cream:

• Use an antifungal cream 2 times per day.
• Some brand names are Lamisil, Micatin or Lotrimin cream. No prescription is needed.
• Put it on the rash and 1 inch beyond its borders. Make sure you put it on in all the skin creases.
• Keep using the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is gone.

Keep Area Dry:

• Jock itch will heal faster if the groin area is kept dry.
• Wash the rash area once a day with plain water. Dry it with care. Do not use soap on the rash.
• Wear loosely fitting cotton underwear. Wash gym shorts, jog bras and jockstraps after each use.

Try Not to Scratch:

• Scratching will cause more damage to the skin and can lead to other infection.
• Make every effort not to scratch.
• Cut the fingernails short.

What to Expect:

• Rash stops spreading after treated for 2-3 days.
• With proper treatment, rash goes away in 2-3 weeks.

Return to Work and Other Activities:

• Jock itch is not easily spread to others. The fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin.
• You do not need to miss any work. You can still be active or play sports.

Check for Athlete's Foot:

• If you also have an itchy rash on your toes or feet, see Athlete's Foot care guide.
• Until the rash is gone, use a separate towel to dry the feet.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Rash is not better after 1 week of treatment
• Rash is not gone after 4 weeks of treatment
• You think you need to be seen
• Your symptoms get worse

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.




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