jock itch

Jock Itch 

Definition

Also known as Tinea cruris, jock itch is a growth of fungus in the warm, moist area of the groin.

Description

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 woman. Tinea is the name of the fungus; cruris comes from the Latin word for leg. Jock itch can develop when tight garments trap moisture and heat. This creates an environment in which fungi multiply and flourish. Athletes often get jock itch but non-athletic men who sweat a lot can also get it. Jock itch occurs more commonly in men, but can affect women as well. The jock itch fungus may cause a rash on the upper and inner thighs, the armpits, and the area just underneath the breasts. Many people with tinea cruris also have athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is called tinea pedis.

Causes & symptoms

The rash of jock itch starts in the groin fold usually on both sides. If the rash advances, it usually advances down the inner thigh. The advancing edge is redder and more raised than areas that have been infected longer. The advancing edge is usually scaly and very easily distinguished or well demarcated. The skin within the border turns a reddish-brown and loses much of its scale. Jock itch can spread to the pubic and genital regions and sometimes to the buttocks.

Jock itch caused by T. rubrum does not involve the scrotum or penis. If those areas are involved, the most likely agent is Candida albicans, the same type of yeast that causes vaginal yeast infections.

Diagnosis

Often a case of jock itch can be identified based on the characteristic description previously described. If assessed by a conventional doctor, the area of affected skin may be scraped onto a glass slide for definitive diagnosis under the microscope. In order to determine the exact type of fungus present, a small piece of affected skin maybe sent off to the lab for further study.

Treatment

Typical conventional treatment for jock itch involves the use of an anti-fungal cream, spray, or powder twice a day for about two weeks. Three commonly used, over-the-counter anti-fungals are miconazole (Micatin), clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and tolnaftate (Tinactin). While the tendency to discontinue treatment once itching disappears is common, it is important to use the anti-fungal for a full two-week course in order to prevent recurrence of the infection.

Alternative treatment

Topical treatments include poultices of peppermint, oregano, or lavender. Tea tree oil, diluted with a carrier oil of almond oil, can be applied to the rash several times per day. Cedarwood and jasmine oils can relieve itching when applied in the same manner. Grapefruit seed extract can be taken as a strong solution of 15 drops in 1 oz of water.

Another alternative remedy for jock itch is to wash the groin area with the diluted juice of a freshly squeezed lemon, which can help dry up the rash. A hair dryer on the cool setting can also be used on the area after showering to dry it thoroughly. A warm bath relieves itching in many patients. The affected area should kept clean and dry, and loose-fitting, cotton underwear is recommended.

Key terms

Fungus — A single-celled or multi-celled organism without chlorophyll that reproduces by spores and lives by absorbing nutrients from organic matter.

Scrotum — The external pouch of skin and muscle containing the testes (testicles).

Vaginal yeast infection — An overgrowth of fungus in the vaginal area.

Prognosis

Treatment for jock itch is quick and usually effective, but the condition often comes back. With treatment, jock itch improves in two or three days and is completely gone in three or four weeks. The following people should be especially vigilant to prevent the problem from returning:

• Athletes
• People with fungal infections that affect other parts of the body (such as athlete's foot)

• People who wear tight clothing
• People with damaged or altered immune systems, including people with HIV or AIDS

Prevention

The best prevention of jock itch is cleanliness and sanitation. This includes keeping the groin area dry, wearing loose-fitting rather than tight clothing, wear boxer shorts rather than briefs, change sweat-covered clothes as soon as possible, showering immediately after working out or playing a sport and then applying talc, and washing workout clothes or sports uniforms after each use.

Resources

Books

Icon Health Publications. Jock Itch—A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References San Diego: Icon Health Publications, 2003.

Periodicals

Grin, Caron. "Tinea: Diagnostic Clues, Treatment Keys." Consultant (February 2004): 214-216.

"Jock Itch." Clinical Reference Systems (January 1, 2004): 1859.

Schmitt, B. D. "Jock Itch for Teenagers." Clinical Reference Systems (January 1, 2004): 1858.

Organizations

American Academy of Dermatology. 1350 I St. NW, Suite 870, Washington, DC 20005. (202) 842-3555. http://www.aad.org.

Other

August 5, 2003. National Institutes of Health Medical Encyclopedia Jock Itch 〈http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/print/ency/article/ooo876.htm〉. (Accessed March 30, 2005).

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itch (ich) a skin disorder attended with itching.

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bakers' itch  any of several inflammatory dermatoses of the hands, especially chronic monilial paronychia, seen with special frequency in bakers.

barbers' itch 

1. tinea barbae.

2. sycosis vulgaris.

grain itch  itching dermatitis due to a mite, Pyemotes ventricosus, which preys on certain insect larvae which live on straw, grain, and other plants.

grocers' itch  a vesicular dermatitis caused by certain mites found in stored hides, dried fruits, grain, copra, and cheese.

ground itch  the itching eruption caused by the entrance into the skin of the larvae of Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus; see hookworm disease.

jock itch  tinea cruris.

swimmers' itch  an itching dermatitis due to penetration into the skin of larval forms (cercaria) of schistosomes, occurring in bathers in waters infested with these organisms.

winter itch  xerotic eczema.

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jock itch

n.

See tinea cruris.

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jock itch.

See tinea cruris.

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jock itch

Tinea cruris Sports medicine A popular term for fungal infection in a ♂ athlete who uses an athletic supporter or 'jock strap'. See 'Jock.', Tinea cruris.