Jock Itch - Signs and Symptoms of Jock Itch

                                                                                         

The term "jock itch" typically describes an itchy rash in a man's groin. Although there are many causes of jock itch, this term has become synonymous with tinea cruris, a common fungal infection that affects the groin and inner thighs of men and women.

Tinea is the name of the fungus; cruris comes from the Latin word for leg.Jock Itch is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but Jock Itch may occur to the people at any age.

Jock itch, like other tinea infections, is caused by several types of mold-like fungi called dermatophytes (pronounced: dur-mah-tuh-fites). All of us have microscopic fungi and bacteria living on our bodies, and dermatophytes are among them. Dermatophytes live on the dead tissues of your skin, hair, and nails and thrive in warm, moist areas like the insides of the thighs. So, when the groin area gets sweaty and isn't dried properly, it provides a perfect environment for the fungi to multiply and thrive.

Signs and Symptoms

Jock itch is usually less severe than other tinea infections. If it's not treated, though, it can last for weeks or months. Symptoms of jock itch include:

A circular, red, raised rash with elevated edges
Itching, chafing, or burning in the groin, thigh, or anal area

Skin redness in the groin, thigh, or anal area
In long-standing infections, the rash becomes less itchy and less red, and the plaques may fuse together.
Flaking, peeling, or cracking skin
A rash in the groin, skin folds, inner thighs, or buttocks. The rash usually does not occur on the scrotum or penis.
The center of the rash may have a red-brown color.

Causes of Jock Itch

The main cause of Jock itch is fungal infections, which is caused by microorganisms that become parasites on your body. These fungi (dermatophytes) live on cells in the outer layer of your skin.

Jock itch more likely to develop, like lots of sweating while playing sports, hot and humid weather, friction from wearing tight clothes for extended periods (like bathing suits), sharing clothes with others, diabetes mellitus, or obesity. Jock itch is only mildly contagious. It can spread by sharing towels or clothing with someone who has the infection, or through direct contact or sexual intercourse.

Jock itch is caused by a fungus. Fungi commonly grow on or in the top layer of skin. They may or may not cause an infection. Fungi grow best in warm, moist areas of the body such as the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks.
Intimate contact or contact with objects that harbor the fungus invites the fungi. The fungus is spread by contact with the spores, which may survive on dead skin cells or objects for a long time

Treatment of Jock Itch

Methods For Treating Jock Itch are :
Wear clean cotton underwear and loose fitting pants

Keep your groin area dry and perspiration-free
If you have athlete's foot, avoid using towels that have come into contact with the infected area
When getting dressed, put on socks before underwear

Apply the antifungal cream, powder, or spray as directed on the label.
Change your clothes, especially your underwear, every day.

Wash the rash with soap and water. Gently remove any pieces of dried skin, and spread an antifungal cream over the rash. Apply the cream beyond the edge of the rash.

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