What is
jock itch?
Jock itch is
a fungal skin infection. It is caused by a fungus commonly present in gyms and
locker rooms. Jock itch mostly affects males, although it is possible for
females to get it, too. Jock itch appears as a skin rash around the groin, but
can appear on your upper thigh, scrotum, penis, and anus. It is not serious.
However, the itching can be extremely uncomfortable, even painful.
Symptoms of
jock itch
Jock itch
rash appears red, raised, and scaly around the edges. The rash itches. Like a
blister, the rash can ooze fluid. The center of the rash is reddish-brown.
What causes
jock itch?
Jock itch is
caused by exposure to the fungus. This can happen through direct skin-to-skin
contact. It also can be spread through infected clothing. The jock itch fungus
grows in moist conditions, such as steamy public shower facilities and locker
rooms, and in damp towels and clothing.
How is jock
itch diagnosed?
Your doctor
can usually tell whether the rash is jock itch by the way it looks. He or she
also will ask you questions about your exposure to places where the rash is
spread. If your doctor is uncertain, he or she may scrape a sample of the rash
off your body to send to the lab.
Can jock
itch be prevented or avoided?
The best way
to avoid or prevent jock itch is to carefully dry off and wear clean, dry
clothes after using a public shower facility or locker room. Be sure to wash
your clothing after each exposure. Sweaty or damp clothing stuffed into a bag
is the perfect environment for a fungus to grow.
Jock itch
treatment
- There are
several things you can do on your own to treat jock itch:
- Wash the
rash with soap and water.
- Pat the area
dry (allow plenty of time for it to dry).
- Apply an
over-the-counter antifungal cream or powder to the rash.
- Follow the
directions on the cream packaging.
- Wear clean
underwear each time you apply the cream.