Jock Itch
Symptom 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 FOR JOCK ITCH
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
- You feel weak or very sick
- Fever
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) 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.
- Over-the-Counter Treatment of Jock Itch:
There are a number of over the counter medications for the treatment of
Jock Itch.
- Examples include: Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) or Miconazole (Micatin, Monistat-Derm) antifungal cream.
- Read and follow the package instructions closely.
- Expected Course:
- The rash should clear up completely in 2-3 weeks.
- Pregnancy Test When In Doubt: If there is any doubt about the possibility of pregnancy, then obtain and use a urine pregnancy test from the store.
- 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 or 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.