Are You Sick?

Jock Itch

Is this your symptom?

Rash of the groin and inner, upper thighs caused by a fungus
Much more common in males than females
Rash is itchy and not painful

Symptoms

Pink-red, scaly rash on inner thighs near groin. Often, starts in the groin crease. Then, spreads slowly down the inner thighs.
In males, the rash does not involve the penis or scrotum.
Rash is most often the same on both inner thighs.
Rash is itchy, but not painful. It may become sore from scratching.

Cause

Jock itch is caused by a fungus. Often, this is the same fungus that causes athlete's foot.
It can come from a towel used to dry the feet and then the groin.
The fungus can only grow in warm, damp skin. Sweating a lot and wearing damp underwear raises the chance of getting it.
Called jock itch because it occurs mostly in males who play sports.

How to Prevent Jock Itch from Coming Back

Keep the groin area clean and dry. Reason: the fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin.
Change to dry underwear after playing sports.
Also, avoid wearing underwear that is too tight.
If you have athlete's foot, use a separate towel for the feet.

When to Call for Jock Itch

When to Call for Jock Itch
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now You feel very sick You think you need to be seen, and the problem is urgent	Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours You have a weak immune system. Examples are: diabetes, sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids. You are worried you might have an STI You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent Contact Doctor During Office Hours Rash is mainly on the penis or scrotum Pus is draining from the rash Rash keeps spreading after 1 week on treatment Rash is not gone after 2 weeks on treatment Rash is painful to touch You have other questions or concerns	Self Care at Home Normal jock itch rash: slow spreading, itchy, pink-red rash on the groin or inner thigh(s)

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

You feel very sick
You think you need to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

You have a weak immune system. Examples are: diabetes, sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids.
You are worried you might have an STI
You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

Rash is mainly on the penis or scrotum
Pus is draining from the rash
Rash keeps spreading after 1 week on treatment
Rash is not gone after 2 weeks on treatment
Rash is painful to touch
You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

Normal jock itch rash: slow spreading, itchy, pink-red rash on the groin or inner thigh(s)

Care Advice for Jock Itch

What You Should Know about Jock Itch:
- Jock itch is a fungal infection, also known as Tinea Cruris.
- It occurs on warm, damp areas of the skin that are often covered by clothing. It is common in athletes, the elderly and teens. It's more common in men than women.
- It is harmless, but causes irritation, soreness and sometimes a bad smell.
- It's caused by a fungus that is on the skin and overgrows at times.
- The fungus is the same one that causes athlete's foot. It can be spread from one part of the body to another.
- In women, it can occur in the groin and also under the breasts and in the armpits. It may be associated with a fungal vaginal discharge. If this occurs, see Vaginal Symptoms care guide.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
Antifungal Cream:
- Use an antifungal cream 2 times per day.
- Some brand names are Lamisil, Micatin or Lotrimin cream. No prescription is needed.
- Put it on the rash and 1 inch beyond its borders. Make sure you put it on in all the skin creases.
- Keep using the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is gone.
Keep Area Dry:
- Jock itch will heal faster if the groin area is kept dry.
- Wash the rash area once a day with plain water. Dry it with care. Do not use soap on the rash.
- Wear loosely fitting cotton underwear. Wash gym shorts, jog bras and jockstraps after each use.
Try Not to Scratch:
- Scratching will cause more damage to the skin and can lead to other infection.
- Make every effort not to scratch.
- Cut the fingernails short.
What to Expect:
- Rash stops spreading after treated for 2-3 days.
- With proper treatment, rash goes away in 2-3 weeks.
Return to Work, School and Other Activities:
- Adults with jock itch do not need to miss any work. You can still be active or play sports.
- Jock itch is not easily spread to others. The fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin.
Check for Athlete's Foot:
- If you also have an itchy rash on your toes or feet, see Athlete's Foot care guide.
- Until the rash is gone, use a separate towel to dry the feet.
Call Your Doctor if:
- Rash is not better after 1 week on treatment
- Rash is not gone after 4 weeks on treatment
- You think you need to be seen
- Your symptoms get worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

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