Condition Basics

What is jock itch?

Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a form of ringworm. Ringworm is not a worm at all. It's a fungal infection of the outer layers of skin, hair, or nails. Fungi (plural of fungus) are present everywhere in our environment.

Jock itch appears as a rash that may be peeling. On lighter skin, it may look reddish. On darker skin, the rash may look tan, gray, or darker than the skin around it. The rash may have bumps on the edges that look like blisters. The skin often is itchy, and the rash can spread quickly. You can have both jock itch and athlete's foot (tinea pedis) at the same time.

What causes it?

Jock itch is caused by a fungus. Fungi grow best in warm, moist areas of the body such as the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. Using public showers and locker rooms increases your chances of getting jock itch. Fungi grow best in the steamy rooms among damp towels, sweaty workout clothes, and wet floors.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of jock itch include:

• Itching and pain.
• A rash on the groin, skin folds, inner thighs, or buttocks.
  • The edge of the rash is usually distinct and may be scaly or have bumps that look like blisters. The center of the rash may have a reddish color on lighter skin. On darker skin, the rash may look tan, gray, or darker than the skin around it.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health. They'll also look at your rash. Your doctor may scrape some of the rash to look at it under a microscope.

How is jock itch treated?

Most ringworm infections of the skin, such as jock itch, can be treated at home with antifungal creams you can buy without a prescription. But have your doctor look at any infection that does not go away, is severe, or comes back. To treat jock itch, follow these steps:

• Wash the rash with soap and water. Pat the skin dry. Spread an antifungal cream over the rash. Apply the cream beyond the edge of the rash.
• Use an antifungal cream. You can buy this product without a prescription. Follow the directions on the package, and don't stop using the medicine just because your symptoms go away. Use the medicine exactly as the label says. If symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks, call your doctor.
• If you have jock itch and athlete's foot, you should treat both to prevent reinfecting your groin when you put on your underwear. (Putting your socks on before your underwear may help to prevent reinfection from your feet.)

How can you care for yourself?

• Wash the rash with soap and water. Pat the skin dry.
• Put a cool compress on the skin to relieve itching.
• Spread antifungal cream over and around the entire edge of the rash. Follow the directions on the package.
• To avoid spreading it, wash your hands well after treating or touching the rash.
• If your doctor prescribed medicine, take it exactly as directed. Call your doctor if you have any problems with your medicine.
• Try not to scratch the rash.
• Shower or bathe daily and after you exercise.
• Keep your skin dry as much as possible to allow it to heal.
• Until your jock itch is cured, wear loose-fitting clothing. Avoid tight underwear, pants, and tights.
• Wash your exercise clothes after every wearing.
• Do not share clothing, sports equipment, towels, or sheets to avoid spreading the fungi to other people.

How can you prevent it?

You can help prevent jock itch by keeping your groin, inner thighs, and buttocks clean and dry. Dry off well after you exercise and shower.

Here are some other ways you can help prevent jock itch:

• Wash your exercise clothes, underwear, socks, and towels after each use.
• Wear shower shoes when you use public showers and locker rooms.
• If you have athlete's foot, treat it. During treatment, put your socks on before you put on your underwear. This can prevent the spread of the fungus from your feet to your groin.
• If you keep getting athlete's foot, dry your feet last when you towel off after a shower or bath. This can help prevent spreading infection from your feet to your groin.