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Jock itch

Jock itch effects both men and women. It can be avoided, however if you do get it, it can be treated easily.

The cause is tinea cruris, a common fungus that thrives in the damp skin of those who sweat excessively and in skin folds involved with obesity.

It may spread to the groin from another part of the body infected with a different "tinea" fungus: athletes foot (tinea pedis) or ringworm (tinea corporis).

Symptoms

The acute infection begins with a small (perhaps half-inch) itchy area of redness. This may enlarge and other sores may develop, sometimes including pimples, pustules or small, dry scales.

The red areas may be accompanied by a burning sensation and the skin in the groin may peel or crack.

This itchy, ring-shaped genital rash can also affect the inner thighs and buttocks.

What causes and aggravates it

• The spores of the fungus may survive on dead skin cells or objects for a long time. Intimate contact with a partner or contact with objects like towels that harbor the fungus allows it to grow in susceptible areas.

• The moisture, warmth and friction between skin folds make the groin area particularly vulnerable to fungal infection.

• Wearing tight clothes, athletic supporters or sports uniforms or allowing objects with the fungus to come in contact with the groin, can cause or aggravate the problem.

Who gets it

• Jock itch often affects those who wear tight underwear or athletic supporters that aren't washed after each use.

• People who are obese or sweat a lot are at higher risk.

• Those with a tinea infection on another part of the body often spread the fungus to the groin area.

• Some may be genetically prone to this type of infection.

• Those with impaired immune systems — such as people with diabetes or HIV/AIDS - may be at increased risk of jock itch and it may also be harder for them to get rid of this condition.

• Atopic dermatitis sufferers may have a greater susceptibility to jock itch.

How to treat jock itch

(Note: make sure you know which skin condition you're treating. Tinea cruris may be confused with eczema, with psoriasis, contact dermatitis, erythrasma or a chronic irritation of skin folds.)

• Shower daily and again after exercising, playing sports or sweating excessively.

• Dry the groin area thoroughly and use baby powder or cornstarch to prevent excess moisture. The fungus stays in check as long as the skin is clean and dry.

• Wash your hands often to avoid the spread of infection.

• Change your underwear daily - or more often if you sweat a lot. Wash workout clothes frequently.

• Avoid thick, hot clothing in warm, humid weather.

• Wear clothes, especially underwear, that is NOT tight. Try boxer shorts instead of briefs.

• Don't borrow or lend personal items, clothing, towels, etc.

• Clean exercise machines between uses.

• If you have athlete's foot, treat it immediately to prevent the fungus from spreading to the groin, and to stop either infection from recurring.......Dry your groin before drying your feet so the towel doesn't spread the infection.......Or use separate towels for each area and then wash them.......Put your socks on BEFORE your underwear to avoid spreading the fungus. Treating it traditionally, with an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream, lotion, powder or spray or with one of the many tried and true home remedies, will generally do the job.

Jock itch is quite common and generally less severe than other tinea infections, however if not treated quickly, it can get worse or last for weeks or months.

If you're treating it and your symptoms last longer than 2 weeks, talk to your doctor. You might need a prescription for a stronger anti-fungal cream, spray, or pill.

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