Fungal infections of the skin are common in the US and around the world. They affect approximately 1 in 4 people worldwide. One such fungal infection is tinea cruris, commonly called jock itch. Although jock itch isn’t usually anything serious, it can be very uncomfortable. There are several effective ways to have jock itch treated and to prevent it from coming back. Please continue reading to learn more. 

What causes jock itch in men?

Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a fungal infection. It is caused by the same fungus that causes other tinea infections like athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), scalp ringworm (tinea capitis), body ringworm (tinea corporis), and nail infection (tinea unguium). Notably, tinea is not a worm. It is a fungus. A tinea skin infection is called ringworm because it causes ring-shaped patches on the skin. 

Male athletes are commonly affected by this infection because the fungi that cause jock itch thrive in damp, closed environments. Moist and sweaty skin folds in the groin area are common in male athletes who wear tight clothes. However, non-athletes and women can also get jock itch, although it is less common.

Who is at risk of groin tinea infections?

As noted above, males, especially teenagers and young adults, who wear tight underwear are at the greatest risk of skin disorders like jock itch. Other risk factors include being overweight, sweating excessively, sharing towels or other personal items with others, and having health conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system.

Is jock itch an STD or STI?

Jock itch is not classified as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or sexually transmitted infection (STI). However, it can spread from person to person through close skin contact during sexual activity. 

Is jock itch contagious?

Jock itch is contagious. You can get jock itch by sharing contaminated clothes or towels with someone who has the infection. This is one of the reasons jock itch is common among male athletes and in men’s locker rooms. 

In addition, the jock itch fungus can spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Sexual activity can also spread the infection from the groin to other parts of the body.

Jock itch symptoms can also develop when other fungal infections like athlete’s foot spread from the feet to the groin through contact with the hands or clothing.

How do you know it's jock itch?

You may suspect jock itch if you develop a red, itchy rash in warm and moist areas of your body, such as your groin and inner thighs. A jock itch rash is typically ring-shaped and may be surrounded by tiny blisters. You may also develop burning, itching, flaking, scaling, and cracking skin in the affected area. 

Does scratching jock itch make it worse?

Scratching can make jock itch worse. It can transfer the fungus to your hands and from there to other parts of your body. Also, scratching can make the itching, burning, and stinging associated with a jock itch rash worse. It may also potentially lead to secondary bacterial infections. 

How is jock itch diagnosed?

Your doctor will need to examine your private parts (groin, inner thighs) to diagnose jock itch. A healthcare professional can diagnose a skin condition like jock itch simply by looking at the rash. However, if there is any confusion, they can take a scraping (a sample of skin cells) and send it to the laboratory to be studied under a microscope.

How do doctors treat jock itch fungal infection?

A mild case of jock itch (tinea cruris) can be treated with topical antifungal treatments. An over-the-counter antifungal cream, ointment, powder, lotion, or spray may be all you need to clear the infection.

However, if your jock itch symptoms are severe or the infection keeps coming back, you should consult a healthcare professional. Your doctor may ask you to apply a prescription-strength antifungal powder, cream, or ointment. They may also ask you to take an oral antifungal medication to clear the rash.

It’s important to treat other fungal infections like athlete's foot at the same time as jock itch to reduce the risk of spread from one body part to another. 

What kills jock itch fast? 

The fastest way to kill jock itch fungus is by applying topical antifungal medications to the groin area and upper thighs. Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription antifungal creams, ointments, gels, lotions, sprays, and powders can effectively and quickly treat jock itch. Here are some of your options:

• Miconazole (Desenex)
• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
• Tolnaftate (Tinactin)

Prescription antifungal pills include:

• Fluconazole
• Itraconazole 
• Terbinafine

The itching and irritation in your groin area should fade after you start topical antifungal treatments. However, it is important to finish the full course of the treatment (1-8 weeks as advised by your healthcare provider) to prevent the infection from coming back.

Never use self-styled treatment such as harsh chemicals (bleach, concentrated hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol) to kill the fungus that causes jock itch. These chemicals can be very harmful to your skin.

How to prevent jock itch fungal infections?

To reduce your risk of jock itch, you should:

• Keep your groin, inner thighs, and feet dry. Remember, the fungus thrives in moist environments. Use a moisture-absorbing powder or spray to keep your skin dry. Thoroughly wipe your groin, inner thighs, and feet with a clean towel after exercising and showering. Use a separate towel for your feet or dry your feet last. Using the same towel can spread the fungus from your feet (athlete's foot) to your groin area and upper thigh (jock itch). 
• Don’t share personal items. Never share towels, clothing, razors, etc., with others. 
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing. Tight-fitting clothes can chafe your skin and increase your risk of jock itch. Wear properly fitting clothes, especially underwear, athletic supporters, workout gear, sports uniforms, and pants (anything that comes in contact with the genital area). Consider wearing boxer shorts instead of briefs. Also, avoid scratching your groin. 
• Wear clean clothes. It’s a good idea to wear clean cotton underwear. Change your underwear at least every day, more frequently if you sweat excessively. This will keep your skin clean and groin dry. Wash your workout clothes every time after playing sports.
• Wear sandals or flip-flops in common areas. Be sure to wear footwear in locker rooms and gym showers to avoid spreading athlete's foot to the groin.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554602/