Jock Itch: Tinea Cruis Fungus Infection (2024)

FAQs

Jock Itch: Tinea Cruis Fungus Infection? ›

Jock itch is an infection of the groin area caused by a fungus. The medical term is tinea cruris or ringworm of the groin. Fungal infections are caused by microscopic organisms (fungi) that can live on the skin. They can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers.

After clinical diagnosis and microscopic confirmation, tinea cruris is best treated with a topical allylamine or an azole antifungal (strength of recommendation: A, based on multiple randomized controlled trials [RCTs]).

Is jock itch an STD or an STI? While it's spread by skin-to-skin contact, jock itch is not a sexually transmitted infection. It's a fungal infection that's caused by excess moisture gathering in the groin area.

Jock itch usually doesn't go away on its own, but it can be easily treated and cured. Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a form of ringworm, a skin infection caused by dermatophytes, which are a type of fungus that lives on the dead outer layer of skin. Despite the name, there is no worm involved in the condition.

Jock itch: Tinea cruris, or jock itch, causes a red, itchy rash in your groin, upper thighs or rectum. Some people get blisters. Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis): This causes scaly, red, itchy bald spots on your scalp. If left untreated, the bald spots can grow bigger and become permanent.

Tinea cruris is primarily caused by the fungus Trichophyton. This infection is much more common among men because moisture can get trapped between the scrotum and thigh. Tinea cruris develops most frequently in warm weather or when wearing wet and tight clothing.

Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, making it an extremely effective treatment for a fungal infection like jock's itch. Dilute the liquid with water – usually one part apple cider vinegar, three parts water – and apply topically to the affected area.

Rubbing alcohol may help cure mild jock itch. Rubbing alcohol can prevent or stop fungal growth on the surface of your skin. However, rubbing alcohol can make your skin dry and tight, and it can make irritation worse.

Inverse psoriasis is a skin condition that causes a red rash in the skin folds, often around the groin. Doctors may associate it with genital psoriasis. Jock itch causes a similar red rash around the crotch, so that people may confuse the two.

It may be useful to apply petroleum jelly or zinc oxide ointment (Desitin) liberally to the groin creases before physical exercise to minimize friction skin damage. Wash clothes, undergarments, and towels in hot soapy water. Use loose-fitting cotton underwear and clothing.

Does jock itch have a smell? ›

Jock itch can cause a musty, foul-smelling (especially in severe cases) odor. The smell can be yeast-like in nature, which you may have smelled before when something like a loaf of bread becomes moldy. Sometimes, the smell may also have a sour aspect.

“You can use a topical antifungal cream, like Gold Bond medicated powder, Tinactin or Lamisil ointment,” says Dr. Modi. “If those don't work, you can go to your doctor and get prescription-strength lotion of a similar anti-fungal powder or cream.”

Heat overloads the nerve network so effectively that the urge to scratch is abolished for hours. Relief usually comes within seconds.

Answer: Some commonly used antifungal creams for treating fungal infections in the private area include Clotrimazole, Miconazole, and Terbinafine. These creams are readily available over-the-counter at pharmacies and are effective in treating various types of fungal infections.

Acute tinea cruris may present as a moist and exudative rash. Chronic tinea cruris presents as a large well-demarcated scaly plaque with a raised border and central clearing. Scale is most prominent at the leading edge of the plaque. Dermatophytic folliculitis may present as papules and pustules along the border.

Medicated shampoos that contain ketoconazole or selenium sulfide are a good, strong treatment for jock itch symptoms. They're available by prescription from your doctor or over the counter.

If you have itchy, red skin in your crotch area, it might be genital psoriasis. Or it could be jock itch. The two conditions can look a lot alike.