Is Jock Itch Contagious?

We all know that our body hosts a variety of bacteria and fungi, of which some are beneficial to us while others tend to multiply and form infections. One such harmful fungus is Trichophyton rubrum that grows and multiplies in the groin area and causes infection called jock itch. The infection is a common itchy rash of the groin, which is also referred to as ringworm of the groin or itchy crotch. The fungus thrives in wet or moist areas like genital, pubic, buttock and anal regions, and at times even spread up to the inner thighs.

Symptoms of Jock Itch

The jock itch symptoms usually begin with mild intermittent itching or irritation in the groin and later causes chafing and burning sensation in the infected area. The area may develop a red or pink rash usually inside of the thigh area, where the fold of the groin area meets the leg. This rash may eventually turn dry, rough and bumpy and develop pus bumps or start oozing. However, in extreme cases, excessive rubbing and scratching can also result in cellulitis and abscess formation. Moreover, skin rash developed due to jock itch may lead to temporary skin discoloration, i.e. post-inflammatory hypo-pigmentation (lighter than the regular skin color) or hyper-pigmentation (darker then the regular skin color).

Causes of Jock Itch

Jock itch is commonly seen in people who are overweight or obese, or are suffering from diabetes. People who regularly wear tight or abrasive underwear, have a tendency of sweating, skin rubbing or friction, or develop allergies, candida yeast infection, etc. are also prone to suffer jock itch. Although it is often considered as a man's disease, jock itch in women is also very common wherein the infection usually develops under the breasts. The good point is that this fungal infection is curable and can be treated using different jock itch medication and ointments.

Is Jock Itch Contagious?

Well, the answer to this question is yes. Jock itch is contagious and is easily transmitted from one person to another. However, shaking hands, hugging, etc. would not spread the infection but getting involved in any kind of sexual activity can lead to the transmission of the infection. Scratching or scalping the infected area can transfer the fungus to your hands and other parts of the body. Hence, make sure you wash your hands properly after touching the infected area. Also using clothing, towels, shorts, underwear, swimwear, etc. of the infected person can transmit the fungal jock itch to a healthy, normal person. Moreover, public showers, pools, gyms, locker rooms are also common sources of tinea fungus. Hence, after going to such places, take a shower in order to reduce the possibilities of having jock itch.

The best way to prevent the infection is to maintain a proper hygiene by cleaning the vulnerable areas gently and thoroughly, and then drying it completely. Wear loose cotton made underwear, especially in the summer when we tend to sweat more and avoid using towels, clothing, etc. of other people. Use an antifungal cream on the infected area in order to treat the infection and if there's no change, consult a doctor for a proper cure.