Jock Itch: Scratching the Surface

What is Jock Itch?

You’re no stranger to that telltale, maddening itch down there. Jock itch, known medically as tinea cruris, is a fungal skin infection that affects the groin and is more common in men. While uncomfortable and irritating, it can usually be treated with antifungal medicine.

Fungi live naturally on our skin and nails, but they thrive in warm, humid environments like sweaty gym clothes or damp towels. That cosy atmosphere is perfect for these opportunistic microbes to multiply and cause trouble in areas where skin rubs together, like the groin and inner thighs.

Contents

• The Agonising Symptoms
• Who’s at Risk?
• Preventing Jock Itch
• Diagnosing the Itch
• Is It Contagious?
• Treating the Itch
• FAQs on Jock Itch

The Agonising Symptoms

That persistent, itchy rash with scaly edges is a common sign of jock itch. It typically affects the groin and inner thighs and may spread to nearby skin. The rash can be itchy or burning, with dry, scaly, cracked or inflamed skin. Because other skin conditions can cause similar symptoms, speak to a pharmacist or GP if you are unsure what is causing the rash.

Who’s at Risk?

While anyone can develop this fungal misery, some people are more prone to it:

• Athletes or active individuals who wear tight clothing or protective gear
• People who sweat heavily or have areas where skin rubs together
• Those sharing towels, clothing or other items with someone already infected
• People with diabetes
• People with weakened immune systems
• Folks who already have athlete’s foot

The good news? With some preventative measures, you can reduce your risk of jock itch.

Preventing Jock Itch

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say. Try these simple tips:

• Wear loose, breathable underwear and clothing
• Change out of sweaty clothes promptly after exercising
• Shower after exercising or heavy sweating and dry the groin thoroughly
• Keep the groin area clean and dry
• Never share towels or clothing
• Wash clothes, bedding and towels regularly
• Treat athlete’s foot promptly to reduce the chance of spreading the fungal infection to the groin

Staying cool, dry and hygienic down there goes a long way.

Diagnosing the Itch

Your GP can often diagnose jock itch by examining the affected skin. Sometimes a skin scraping may be taken and examined or sent for testing, particularly if the diagnosis is uncertain or the infection is not responding to treatment.

Is It Contagious?

In a word, yes. Jock itch can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or through contaminated towels and clothing. Fungal infection can also spread from another part of your own body. For example, touching athlete’s foot and then touching the groin may transfer the fungus.

Treating the Itch

Jock itch can usually be treated with an antifungal medicine. Options include antifungal creams, gels or sprays containing medicines such as clotrimazole or terbinafine. A pharmacist can advise which treatment is suitable for you.

Follow the instructions supplied with the medicine and complete the recommended course even if the rash starts to improve. Treatment length varies depending on the antifungal medicine being used.

If treatment does not work, the rash is severe or widespread, or you are unsure whether it is a fungal infection, speak to a pharmacist or GP. Prescription antifungal tablets are sometimes used when topical treatments are not suitable or have not worked.

The bottom line? Jock itch is an aggravating but treatable condition. Keeping the affected area clean and dry and using an appropriate antifungal treatment will usually help clear the infection.

FAQs on Jock Itch

Does jock itch smell?

Jock itch does not necessarily have a distinctive smell. However, sweating and moisture in the groin can cause odour, and another type of infection may sometimes be present alongside or instead of a fungal infection. If you notice an unusual or persistent smell, discharge, sores or other concerning symptoms, seek medical advice.

Can women get jock itch?

Yes. Although jock itch is more common in men, women can also develop a fungal infection in the groin and inner thighs.

Can hydrocortisone make it worse?

Do not rely on hydrocortisone cream alone to treat a suspected fungal infection. Steroid creams can alter the appearance of fungal infections and may allow them to spread if used inappropriately. Some treatments combine an antifungal medicine with hydrocortisone for short-term use where there is significant inflammation, so ask a pharmacist or GP for advice if you are unsure which treatment to use.

What’s the fastest cure?

There is no instant cure. Use an appropriate antifungal medicine for the recommended length of time and keep the affected area clean and dry. Speak to a pharmacist or GP if the rash is severe, keeps returning or does not improve with treatment.

With a little know-how and the right treatment, most cases of jock itch can be successfully managed.

For further information about fungal skin infections and their treatment, see the NHS guidance on ringworm and fungal skin infections and the NHS guide to antifungal medicines.

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