Antifungal Jock Itch Ringworm
Antifungal Jock Itch Ringworm
As many as one in five Americans have a dermatophyte infection at any particular time. When talking about the number of people affected, the overall rate of recurrence is surpassed only by acne. The most common dermatophytic infection in the United States is athlete’s foot or tinea pedis. Jock itch follows very closely behind. In some cases it is the athlete’s foot infection that is unwittingly spread to the groin causing tinea cruris or jock itch. Jock itch, ringworm, tinea of the groin are all phrases referring what people commonly call “jock itch “around the world.
There are several types of ringworm or tinea infections. They are as follows: Tinea barbae: ringworm of the bearded area of the face and neck, Tinea capitis: ringworm of the scalp, Tinea corporis: fungus that attacks the skin of the body, Tinea cruris: Tinea of the groin (“jock itch”) Tinea faciei: ringworm on the face except in the area of the beard, Tinea manus: ringworm of the hands Tinea pedis: Athlete’s foot and Tinea unguium: fungus of the nails.
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. There are other conditions that are often confused with tinea cruris and they include yeast infections, psoriasis, and intertrigo, a chafing rash which results from the skin rubbing against the skin.
In most cases, ringworm infections of the skin can be treated with antifungal creams or ointments. Antifungal cream can be found in several varieties. Even if using an antifungal jock itch ringworm can reoccur. It is important to follow the directions when treating the infection. Pay particular attention to keep from contaminating whatever product is used to treat the jock itch infection. This is often blamed for incidences of re-infection. When suffering from both athlete’s foot and ringworm affecting both of the groin and legs, both infections should be treated. This will prevent re-infection from recurring in the legs or groin. With athlete’s foot fungus, use caution when putting on underclothing to keep from spreading it to the groin area.
Good health does not stop people from contracting this infection. It is noted that these infections occur more often in teenagers and young adults. However, jock itch is more likely to show up if a person has a suppressed immune system or is experiencing hormonal imbalances.
