Jock Itch Tinea Cruris
Superficial fungal infections of the skin, known as dermatophytes, 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, where they subsist on the dead skin cells called keratin. In most cases, they are easy to eradicate. Tinea cruris (jock itch) is one of these bothersome dermatophytes that are completely curable with nonprescription products.
Jock itch, tinea cruris, tinea of the groin are all phrases referring what it common called “jock itch” around the world. Tinea of the groin 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 mimic tinea cruris include yeast infections, psoriasis, and intertrigo, a chafing rash which results from the skin rubbing against the skin.
Most people who get this rash are in good health. Tinea cruris infections occur more often in teenagers and young adults. However, tinea cruris is more likely to show up if a person has a suppressed immune system or is experiencing hormonal imbalances.
As many as one in five Americans have a dermatophyte infection at any particular time. The overall frequency is exceeded only by acne, when talking about the number of people affected 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. It is difficult to determine the exact incidence of tinea cruris. It is not a reportable disease, and because patients are able to recognize it and treat it until it is cured. In one study, investigators in São Paulo, Brazil, discovered that 13.9% of dermatophytoses were tinea cruris.
Humidity and moisture are contributing factors to contracting a fungal infection. What occurs is similar to the growth patterns that are seen in molds, mildew, and similar plant species. To be more specific they favor warmth and moisture. Clothing that fits tightly is thought to be an influencing factor in tinea cruris. For women, wearing pants instead of dresses is also indicated as a influencing factor. Two outlooks are significant here. The first is the potential for moisture to build-up beneath tight constricting clothing. Another is the risk of wearing clothing that has become contaminated and is not cleaned well. That is why most experts will recommend boiling the underclothing or contaminated garments thoroughly to minimize the possibility of re-infection.
