Jock Itch

Jock Itch

Adult Skin Problems Slideshow

Medical Author: Nili N. Alai, MD, FAAD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is jock itch? What does jock itch look like?
• What causes jock itch? Who gets jock itch?
• What are signs and symptoms of jock itch?
• Does jock itch affect the entire body?
• How is jock itch diagnosed?
• Is jock itch curable? Is jock itch contagious?
• What are possible complications of jock itch?
• How is jock itch treated?
• What home remedy can I use for jock itch?
• What holistic jock itch treatments are available?
• How do I treat fungal jock itch?
• How do I treat bacterial jock itch?
• How is itching from jock itch treated?
• Why is my groin still discolored?
• What is the best drug for jock itch?
• When should I call my doctor?
• What is the prognosis with jock itch?
• How do I prevent jock itch?
• Jock Itch At A Glance

What is jock itch? What does jock itch look like?

Jock itch is a common, itchy rash of the groin. It can be a very intense itch with or without a visible red or pink rash in the groin folds and genitals. Jock itch is primarily a skin condition in men.

The symptoms of jock itch may come and go, and many cases of jock itch resolve spontaneously without any treatment. Jock itch is primarily seen in the groin, although it may spread to the inner thighs, genitals (including penis, scrotum, labia, and vaginal opening), and anus.

While jock itch is frequently noted in otherwise healthy patients, patients with diabetes and/or obesity are more susceptible. Possible causes of this common groin itch include irritation from tight or abrasive underwear, excess moisture, sweating, skin rubbing or friction, allergic problems, fungal infection, Candida (yeast) infection, and bacterial overgrowth or skin infection.

Treatment of fungal-related jock itch may include one or a combination of antifungal shampoos to wash the groin, antifungal creams, and rarely antifungal pills. Treatment of jock itch that is not caused by fungus involves proper groin hygiene, keeping the area clean and dry, and washing frequently with gentle soap and water (especially after sweating or exercise).

Jock itch causes a symmetrical red or pink rash on the sides of the groin folds. There may be a dry, scaly rash or a collection of small, pinpoint red or pink bumps at each hair follicle. Sometimes, there may be no rash at all.

What causes jock itch? Who gets jock itch?

Jock itch is a basic problem with inflammation of the skin in the groin. This inflammation may be caused by simple mechanical irritation, infections like bacteria and yeasts, or other noninfectious skin conditions. Causes of jock itch include the following:

• moisture, warmth, and skin friction in the groin folds;



• tight, occlusive clothing and undergarments that trap in sweat;



• contact with fungus and yeasts; and



• contact with bacteria.

Different skin infections may include

• Candida albicans (yeast)



• Trichophyton (fungus)



• Epidermophyton floccosum (fungus)

Overall, diet does not seem to affect jock itch.

Jock itch is most common in adult and middle-aged men. Anyone can get jock itch, which is thought to affect nearly all people at some point in their lives.

Certain groups of people may be more prone to jock itch. Patients with diabetes, obesity, and those with a compromised immune system like in HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, chronic illnesses, cancer, systemic chemotherapy, immunosuppressive drugs like prednisone, and those on biologic immune-system-modifying drugs like infliximab (Remicade) or etanercept (Enbrel) may be more prone to jock itch.

Other risk factors include

• heat,



• moisture,



• humidity,



• obesity,



• excess sweating,



• exercise,



• weakened immune system,



• tight, occlusive fabrics and undergarments, and



• athlete's foot infection or other "ringworm" on the body.