Jock Itch

Tinea cruris or jock itch is a fungal infection that affects the groin, thighs, buttocks and genital area. This is because the skin in this area is warm and moist that makes it an ideal condition for the fungal agent to grow. This condition causes itchy skin, red ring-shaped rash. Tinea curis is also known as crotch itch, crotch rot, Eczema marginatum, or Gym itch. In America, it is commonly known as the ringworm of the groin and in Britain is called scrot rot or dhobi itch. It is not as common in women as in men,

Causes
The condition is caused by Trichophyton rubrum a fungus that causes ringworm infection of the scalp and athlete's foot. The fungus looks like a translucent, rod-shaped filament (hyphae) under the microscope. The hyphae is uniform throughout tapering at the ends and this helps distinguishing it from hair. These fungi mostly infect the dead cells of the epidermis.

The fungus thrives in damp and warm environment. In case of humid environment that leads to heavy sweating, the skin oils that prevent fungal growth are washed off making skin prone to infection. It is seen that men are more affected than women. This is because men wear tight underwear or wear athletic supporters that are not washed after each use. Obese people and those who sweat a lot are at the risk of developing the infection. Other people who are suffering from diabetes, HIV/AIDS or suffer from chronic, inherited skin disease atopic dermatitis are prone to it.

Symptoms
The most common symptoms and signs include red and itchy skin in the groin. This redness and itchiness is not limited to the groin area and may spread to the inner thighs, buttocks, genitals and anal region. The affected areas develop a burning sensation and the skin begins to flake, peel or even crack in the groin region. The constant itchiness and burning sensation makes it very uncomfortable wearing an underwear or tight clothing. The cracking skin may lead to fissures that are very painful. Secondary fungal or bacterial infection may develop in the fissures.

In Women
Although, women are not as prone to the condition, women wearing tight clothes are at risk of developing the infection. In hot and humid conditions, one tends to sweat a lot and this makes it ideal for the fungus to grow. Also, one should avoid using the same towel used to wipe feet and then groin area to prevent the infection in women.

Is it Contagious?
Jock itch is caused by the fungus that causes ringworm and athlete's foot. Thus, the fungus can spread from the toes to your groin area, in case you already have athlete's foot infection. This infection can also spread from person to person, by sharing contaminated towels or clothes. It can also spread after a sexual intercourse with an infected person.

Treatment
After the doctor diagnose your conditions, he may advice you to use an over-the-counter cream that includes antifungal cream, ointment, spray, etc. The condition is treated by two antifungal medication, azoles and allymines. Allymines are expensive and help reduce the infection quickly. Azoles take a long period of action and are less expensive. You may also be advised oral medication like griseofulvin for treatment of the fungal infection.

The antifungal creams need to be applied twice a day for 2 weeks. After you observe the rash is gone for about the week, stop using the cream. Make sure the cream is applied on the rash and some region around the rash. If the rash is very itchy and has developed blisters, you need to apply hydrocortisone as well. Make sure you consult a doctor before application of a steroid cream.

Cure
Apart from the medical treatment, you need to follow some home remedies to get quick relief. You need to take a shower using antibacterial soap and pat dry yourself. You should wear slippers before using gym showers or swimming pool showers. Clean your feet thoroughly before wearing your underwear and clothes. This will avoid transfer of fungus from the foot to the groin. In women it can be prevented by keeping the labia and vagina dry.

You should avoid wearing tight clothes and use cotton fabrics. This will help your skin breath and won't let the skin get moist. Try to change your underwear twice a day, if possible. Wash your clothes in a disinfectant detergent with warm water. You can use bleach to wash your clothes as it kills the fungal organism.

It is important to maintain personal hygiene. You should wash your underwear after every use. Keep your groin area dry and clean by taking regular baths. You should eat a healthy diet as a strong immune system will help prevent the infection.

Do not share your personal items with others and treat your athlete's foot immediately to avoid this condition. Although not a very serious conditions, itf can become really uncomfortable and embarrassing infection. I hope this article has helped you understand a bit about tinea cruris.