Jock Itch

Is this your symptom?

  • Rash of the groin and inner, upper thighs caused by a fungus
  • Much more common in males than females
  • Rash is itchy and not painful

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 most 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. Often, this is 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 chance 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 to 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

When to Call for Jock Itch

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

  • You feel very sick
  • You think you need to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

  • You have a weak immune system. Examples are: diabetes, sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids.
  • You are worried you might have an STI
  • You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

  • Rash is mainly on the penis or scrotum
  • Pus is draining from the rash
  • Rash keeps spreading after 1 week on treatment
  • Rash is not gone after 2 weeks on treatment
  • Rash is painful to touch
  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

  • Normal jock itch rash: slow spreading, itchy, pink-red rash on the groin or inner thigh(s)

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

  • You feel very sick
  • You think you need to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

  • You have a weak immune system. Examples are: diabetes, sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids.
  • You are worried you might have an STI
  • You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

  • Rash is mainly on the penis or scrotum
  • Pus is draining from the rash
  • Rash keeps spreading after 1 week on treatment
  • Rash is not gone after 2 weeks on treatment
  • Rash is painful to touch
  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

  • Normal jock itch rash: slow spreading, itchy, pink-red rash on the groin or inner thigh(s)

Care Advice for Jock Itch

  1. What You Should Know about Jock Itch:
    • Jock itch is a fungal infection, also known as Tinea Cruris.
    • It occurs 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. It may be associated with a fungal vaginal discharge. If this occurs, see Vaginal Symptoms care guide.
    • Here is some care advice that should help.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. What to Expect:
    • Rash stops spreading after treated for 2-3 days.
    • With proper treatment, rash goes away in 2-3 weeks.
  6. Return to Work, School and Other Activities:
    • Adults with jock itch do not need to miss any work. You can still be active or play sports.
    • Jock itch is not easily spread to others. The fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin.
  7. 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.
  8. Call Your Doctor if:
    • Rash is not better after 1 week on treatment
    • Rash is not gone after 4 weeks on treatment
    • You think you need to be seen
    • Your symptoms get worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the 'Call 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.

Copyright 2023 Schmitt Decision Logic LLC.

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