, or more correctly '''tinea cruris''', is a
Fungal Infection of the
Groin region.
Opportunistic Infections (infections that are caused by a diminished
Immune System ) are frequent.
Fungus from other parts of the body (commonly ''
Tinea Pedis '' or 'athlete's foot') can contribute to jock itch. A warm, damp environment allowing the fungus to cultivate greatly contributes; especially with tight, sweaty or rubbing clothing.
The type of fungus that most commonly causes jock itch is called ''
Trichophyton Rubrum ''. Some other contributing fungi are ''
Candida Albicans '', ''
Trichophyton Mentagrophytes '' and ''
Epidermophyton Floccosum ''.
Jock itch is best treated with
Antifungal Drug s applied topically as creams containing
Clotrimazole (Canesten from Bayer) or
Miconazole (Zole F from Ranbaxy, India or Daktarin, UK). These anti-fungal agents work by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called
Ergosterol , which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. If ergosterol synthesis is completely or partially inhibited, the cell is no longer able to construct an intact cell membrane. This leads to death of the fungus.
There are practices that can help reduce the risk of recurrence. Bear in mind that
Fungus can be very resilient both on the body and on clothing. To eliminate it permanently may require diligence. A long term or serious fungal infection may
Inflame the skin and make it more prone to sweating, and hence more ideal for recurrence.
Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to reduce inflammation. Some dermatologists prescribe a corticosteroid against the itch, which has a side effect of making the skin thinner and the problem worse as this corticosteroid causes flaring of the infection (increase in the intensity of the infection). There are many medicinal ointments against
Candida that do a better job.
Bathe or shower immediately after sweating. This is especially important after exercising, where there has been sweating and irritation from friction. Use
Talcum Powder or a medicated powder such as
Tolnaftate to keep the groin area dry. A hair dryer (preferably one with a "cool" setting) can be very helpful too, especially if you use water instead of toilet paper, as is recommended to prevent skin damage.
Several materials and activities can aggravate jock itch, such as:
- Scented or antibacterial soaps. (Consider Hypoallergenic or acidic Candida soaps)
- Sweating and friction, such as cycling (regularly shave your hairs).
- Synthetic materials.
Clothing is especially important. If fungus resides on your clothing, and you are susceptible to it, the odds of recurrence are much higher.
It can help to:
- Wear loose Underwear , such as Boxer Shorts .
- Sleep with a nightshirt or in the nude.
- Change underwear frequently, particularly if it gets sweaty.
There are ways to help keep clothing free of fungus.
- Wash exercise clothing between workouts.
- Wash underwear and bed-sheets in hot water.
- Be mindful of clothing storage. In particular, because of the ideal growing conditions for fungus, avoid storage:
- ---of exercise clothing without washing it,
- ---in damp or moist areas,
- ---in dark places, and
- ---with poor ventilation.
When putting on and taking off pants, the feet can transfer fungus to the crotch and vice versa.
Jock itch is also sometimes called crotch itch, crotch rot, crack fungus, bag rot,
Dhobi itch and
Ringworm of the groin.
