Dan Buryuro's Homeopathy Eczema Blog

Jock Itch – causes, symptoms and treatments

Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a pretty common fungal infection in the groin and upper thighs. Jock itch is also sometimes called crack fungus, crotch itch, bag rot or crotch rot, dhobi itch (after Indian washermen). It is a common fungal infection affecting the skin of your inner thighs, buttocks and genitals. Men and women have the disease throughout the world, but it is seen more often in the humid tropics. The rash may affect only your groin, but it can spread to include your inner thighs, genitals, and areas around the anus, rectum, or lesions caused by jock itch can extend from the crease between the inner thigh and pelvis, over the adjacent upper inner thigh, and in the anal area. Jock itch occurs almost exclusively in adult men. It can sometimes accompany athlete's foot and ringworm. Fungus that causes jock itch thrives in warm, humid areas. As it grows, it spreads out into a circle leaving normal looking skin in the middle. This makes it look like a ring. At the edge of the ring, the skin is pulled up by the irritation and looks red and scaly. Many people with tinea cruris also have athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is called tinea pedis.

Jock itch gets its name because it is common in people who perspire much as athletes. The medical name for all these types of fungal infections is a tinea infection, and the medical name for jock itch is tinea cruris (pronounced: TIH-nee-uh krur-us). It is also often occurs in people who are overweight, but anyone can get infected. Jock itch may be contagious. Some types of fungi live on damp surfaces, like floors in public showers and changing rooms. You can easily get a fungus there. It can be transmitted from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with unwashed clothing. Jock itch usually stays around the creases in the upper thigh and does not involve the scrotum. Symptoms of these infections can vary depending on where they are on the body. The most common etiologic agents for tinea cruris include Trichophyton rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosum; Less commonly Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton verrucosum are involved. The source of fungus is usually the soil, an animal (usually a cat, dog or rodent) or most often, another person. Staying in a swimsuit increase your chances of acquiring Jock Itch.

Causes of Jock itch

The common causes and risk factor's of Jock itch include the following:

Jock itch is caused by fungi called dermatophytes. These microscopic organisms are normal inhabitants of your skin and stay in check as long as your skin is clean and dry.

People taking broad-spectrum antibiotics, with weakened immune systems or who have diabetes are more prone to develop rashes.

Wearing tight clothes or athletic supporters can aggravate problem.

Lichen simplex chronicus.

eczema.

Jock itch may spread to the anus, as anal itching and discomfort.

Chemical irritation.

Symptoms of Jock itch

Some signs and symptoms related to Jock itch is as follows:

A circular, red, raised rash with elevated edges.

Itching and redness in your groin, including your genitals, inner thighs, buttocks and anal area.

Flaking, peeling or cracking skin in your groin.

Abnormally dark or light skin.

You may have other fungal skin rash as athlete's foot and ringworm on other body parts.

In prolonged infections, the rash becomes less itchy and less red, and plaques may fuse together.

Treatment of Jock itch

Here is the list of methods of treatment of Jock itch:

Jock itch is treated with one of two types of antifungal medications – azoles or allylamine.

For a mild case of jock itch, your doctor may suggest first using an over-the-counter antifungal ointment, lotion, powder or spray.

Keep your skin clean and dry.

Apply topical over-the-counter antifungal or drying powders, such as those that contain miconazole, clotrimazole, or tolnaftate.

Sink and then wipe area with a clean towel.

Tolnaftate (Tinactin, Aftate) and UNDECYLENATE (Cruex, Desenex) are well known, effective medications.

Haloprogin (Halotex) – Agent for use in the treatment of tinea cruris.

About the Author

Juliet Cohen writes articles for diseases cure and health care information. She also writes articles on healing remedies.

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