Jock Itch (tinea cruris)
Definition: Jock itch is the colloquial
term for tinea cruris, which is a fungal infection of the groin.
Jock itch is characterized by a rash that itches on the groin which can
spread to areas where it is warm and moist due to perspiration - like
the inner thighs, genitals, perineum and anus.
Causes:
The body plays host to a variety of fungi and bacteria
of which some are useful. When certain conditions or aggravating
factors are present, these fungi can grow out of control and cause
infections. Those conditions which can trigger an outbreak of
jock itch can include:
- Athlete's foot (another form of the tinea infection).
- Suppressed immune system.
- Friction from clothes (rubbing on the skin).
- Prolonged wetness or moistness in the groin.
- Transference by a towel or dirty laundry. (1,2)
There are 4 different fungi associated with jock
itch which include:(3)
- Trichophyton rubrum (most common cause)
- Candida albicans
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes
- Epidermophyton floccosum
The fungus is spread through contact with fungi spores which
may survive on clothing, towels, dead skin cells and other items
for a long time.
Dr. Heather Brannon notes: "The warm, moist environment
is the perfect place for the fungus to grow. Anything that enhances
that environment puts the person at risk of getting jock itch.
Therefore, wearing sweaty, wet clothing in the summer time or
wearing several layers of clothing in the wintertime causes an
increased incidence of jock itch. Men are affected more often
than women." (2)
Symptoms:
- Itching and irritation in the groin.
- Raised patches of red, scaly skin with sharp borders.
The rash or infected area may enlarge over time without adequate
treatment."The rash of jock itch starts in the groin
fold usually on both sides. If the rash advances, it usually advances
down the inner thigh. The advancing edge is redder and more raised
than areas that have been infected longer. The advancing edge
is usually scaly and very easily distinguished or well demarcated.
The skin within the border turns a reddish-brown and loses much
of its scale." (2)
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Treatment: Jock itch usually responds well
to self-treatment at home. See your doctor if your condition worsens or
is still present after 2 weeks of self-treatment. Over-the-counter antifungal
creams are quite effective in treating most cases of jock itch. Common
names for these antifungal creams include:
- Tinactin (main ingredient, tolnaftate)
- Lotrimin (main ingredient, clotrimazole)
- Micatin (main ingredient, miconazole)
Follow the directions on the label when using these creams. If the rash
persists, or in severe cases, your doctor may treat the rash and symptoms
with a topical steroid and prescription strength antifungal creams. Along
with antifungal creams, and topical steroids, the patient should keep
the area clean and dry and wear loose fitting clothing that "breathes"
such as cotton.
Prevention: Jock itch can be easily prevented by taking
the following precautions:
- Keep your groin area dry.
- Wear loose fitting clothes made of natural fibers.
- Avoid wearing rough-textured clothing or clothing that rubs your skin.
- If your job or sports activity leaves you hot and sweaty, take a shower
as soon as you can, apply talc or other powder to the groin area, and
change into a clean pair of clothes.
- Do not dry yourself with unclean towels or towels used by other people.
- Following sports practice or game, wash your clothes immediately.
Do not store them for long periods of time your gym back or locker.
This environment can cause the fungus to remain on the clothing items
and grow. (1, 2, 3, 4)
Sources:
(1) MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Tinea Cruris, April 2005
(2) dermatology.about.com, Jock Itch, Heather Brannon, MD, March
2006
(3) Wikipedia.org, Jock Itch, October 2006
(4) University of Michigan Health System, McKeenson Provider Technologies,
Jock Itch, September 2005
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