Jock Itch

DEFINITION

Slowly expanding pink-red rash on inner thigh near genital area
Rash is usually symmetrical (looks the same on both inner thighs)
Rash is itchy and not painful
In men it does not involve penis or scrotum
In women it does not involve vulva

General Information

Jock Itch is a fungal infection that grows best on the warm, damp skin of the inner thigh. The medical term for this condition is "Tinea Cruris."
It is usually caused by the same fungal infection that causes Athlete's Foot.
Jock Itch, as the name implies, is much more common in men than women.
Most individuals will be able to treat Jock Itch effectively using an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

Penis symptoms or rash, use MALE GENITAL SYMPTOMS
Vulvar symptoms or rash, use FEMALE GENITAL SYMPTOMS
PUBIC LICE
VAGINAL DISCHARGE
POISON IVY, OAK, OR SUMAC suspected as cause

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

You feel weak or very sick
Fever

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If

You think you need to be seen
You are female (Jock Itch is less common in women)
Rash is painful to touch
Boil or infected-looking sore is present

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns
You are worried you might have a sexually transmitted disease
Using over-the-counter treatment for 1 week, and your rash has not improved
Using over-the-counter treatment for 2 weeks, and your rash has not completely disappeared

Self Care at Home If

Slowly expanding pink-red rash involving inner thigh(s) next to scrotum that is itchy; and you don't think you need to be seen

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR JOCK ITCH

Genital Hygiene:
- Keep your penis and scrotal area clean. Wash this area once daily with un-scented soap and water.
- After washing, dry the groin area before the feet (Reason: to prevent spread of tinea pedis to groin area).
- Keep your penis and scrotal area dry.
- Wear cotton underwear (Reason: breathes and keeps area drier). Avoid nylon or tight fitting underwear.
Antifungal Cream for Treatment of Jock Itch. Apply antifungal cream 2 times per day to the area of itching and rash. Apply it to the rash and one inch beyond its borders. Continue the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is cleared.
- Available over-the-counter in U.S. as clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) or miconazole (Micatin, Monistat-Derm).
- Available over-the-counter in Canada as clotrimazole (Clotrimazole cream) or miconazole (Micatin Cream, Micozole, Monistat-Derm).
Expected Course: The rash should clear up completely in 2-3 weeks.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Rash is not improving after 1 week on treatment
- Rash is not completely cleared by 3 weeks
- Fever or pain occurs
- You become worse

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

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Author and Senior Reviewer: David A. Thompson, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 9/21/2007

Last Revised: 3/21/2007

Content Set: Adult HouseCalls Online

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