Jock itch, or tinea cruris, is a fungal infection affecting the groin area, characterized by itching, red patches, and blistering. It primarily affects adult men and adolescent boys, thrives in warm, moist environments, and can be contagious. Diagnosis is mainly visual, while treatment involves maintaining cleanliness, using antifungal powders, and possibly prescription medications for severe cases.

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Jock Itch

2. 1
Overview
Jock itch, also called tinea cruris or ringworm of
the groin, is an infection of the groin area caused
by fungus.
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3. 2
Symptoms
-- Itching in groin, thigh skin folds, or anus
-- Red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and
ooze -- The patches often have sharply-defined
edges and are often redder around the outside
with normal skin tone in the center
-- Abnormally dark or light skin

4. 3
Symptoms
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http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article
/000876.htm

5. 4
Causes
Jock itch occurs when a particular type of fungus
grows and spreads in the groin area.
Jock itch occurs mostly in adult men and
adolescent boys. It can sometimes accompany
athlete's foot and ringworm. The fungus that
causes jock itch thrives in warm, moist areas.

6. 5
Causes
Jock itch can be triggered by friction from clothes
and prolonged wetness in the groin area, such as
from sweating.
Jock itch may be contagious. It can be passed from
one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin
contact or contact with unwashed clothing.
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7. 6
Diagnosis
Your health care provider can usually diagnose jock
itch based on how your skin looks.
Tests are usually not necessary. If tests are needed
to confirm the diagnosis, either a culture or a skin
lesion biopsy (for example, a scraping of the skin)
may be done. A KOH (potassium hydroxide) test
may be done in the office for quick diagnosis.

8. 7
Treatment
Jock itch usually responds to self-care within a
couple of weeks:
-- Keep the skin clean and dry.
-- Don't wear clothing that rubs and irritates the
area.

9. 8
Treatment
-- Apply topical over-the-counter antifungal or
drying powders, such as those that contain
miconazole, clotrimazole, or tolnaftate.

10. 9
Treatment
You may need treatment by a health care provider
if your infection lasts longer than 2 weeks, is
severe, or frequently returns. You healthcare
provider may prescribe stronger antifungal
medications. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat
bacterial infections that occur in addition to the
fungus (for example, from scratching the area).

11. 10
Prevention
-- Keep the groin area clean and dry.
-- Don't wear clothing that rubs and irritates the
area. Avoid tight-fitting and rough-textured
clothing.
-- Wear loose-fitting underwear.

12. 11
Prevention
-- Wash athletic supporters frequently.
-- After bathing, apply antifungal or drying
powders if you are susceptible to jock itch.
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