Jock Itch Tinea Cruris

Jock itch, Tinea cruris, Tinea of the groin are all phrases referring what is commonly called “jock itch”  Affecting people around the world, Jock itch is just one of superficial fungal infections of the skin, known as dermatophytes. These are some of the most common self-treatable trivial medical conditions. As opposed to more serious fungal conditions, such as candidiasis or sporotrichosis, dermatophytes are limited to the upper layer of skin.  Living there undetected they feed on the dead skin cells called keratin.  Unlike yeast infections, tinea cruris generally does not involve the scrotum or the penis.  It is very common and affects men more often than women and rarely affects children.

As many as one in five Americans have a dermatophyte infection at any particular time. The most common dermatophytic infection in the United States is athlete’s foot or tinea pedis. Tinea corporis and tinea cruris are also quite common. In a large part Tinea Cruris begins as Tinea Pedis and is spread to the groin area unsuspectingly. Keeping feet clean and dry, not sharing socks or contaminated articles and wearing shower shoes goes a long way to keeping Athlete’s Foot from spreading to the genitial area.   Most experts will recommend boiling the underclothing or contaminated garments thoroughly to minimize the possibility of re-infection.

Humidity and moisture play contributing roles in the contraction of any fungal infection. The way the infection spreads is similar to the growth patterns that are seen in molds, mildew, and similar plant species.  Jock itch usually begins with mild sporadic itching in the groin. The itching can get progressively worse and become quite unbearable. The itching rash is usually found on both sides of the groin and affects the skin folds, the inner thighs and genitals. Direct skin contact raises the chances of contracting a fungal infection. Humans are far more likely to contract a fungal infection or ringworm from places like a school, playground, gym, or shower facilities.

Tinea of the groin, Jock itch or Tinea cruris tends to have a reddish-brown color and to extend from the folds of the groin down onto one or both thighs. Other conditions that can be confused with Tinea cruris include yeast infections, psoriasis, and intertrigo, a chafing rash which results from the skin rubbing against the skin. Persons with atopic dermatitis, which is a persistent inherited skin affliction characterized by itchy, inflamed rashes on the skin may also be more susceptible to contracting jock itch.