Jock itch

Jock itch, or more correctly tinea cruris, is a fungal infection of the groin region.

Causes

Opportunistic infections (infections that are caused by a diminished immune system) are frequent. Fungus from other parts of the body (commonly tinea pedis or 'athlete's foot') can contribute to jock itch. A warm, damp environment allowing the fungus to cultivate greatly contributes; especially with tight, sweaty or rubbing clothing.

The type of fungus that most commonly causes jock itch is called Trichophyton rubrum. Some other contributing fungi are Candida albicans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum.

Treatment

Jock itch is best treated with antifungal drugs applied topically as creams containing clotrimazole (Canesten from Bayer) or miconazole (Zole F from Ranbaxy, India or Daktarin, UK). These anti-fungal agents work by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. If ergosterol synthesis is completely or partially inhibited, the cell is no longer able to construct an intact cell membrane. This leads to death of the fungus.

If the skin inflammation causes discomfort and itch, glucocorticoid steroids may be combined with the anti-fungal drug to help prevent further irriation due to the patient scratching the area. Apart from the quicker relief of symptoms, this also helps minimise the risk of secondary bacterial infection caused by the scratching. However steroids, if used alone, for fungal infections may exacerbate the condition.

Preventing recurrence

There are practices that can help reduce the risk of recurrence. Bear in mind that fungus can be very resilient both on the body and on clothing. To eliminate it permanently may require diligence. A long term or serious fungal infection may inflame the skin and make it more prone to sweating, and hence more ideal for recurrence. Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to reduce inflammation.

Dryness

Bathe or shower immediately after sweating. This is especially important after exercising, where there has been sweating and irritation from friction. Use talcum powder or a medicated powder such as tolnaftate to keep the groin area dry. A hair dryer (preferably one with a "cool" setting) can be very helpful too, especially if you use water instead of toilet paper, as is recommended to prevent skin damage.

Irritants

Several materials and activities can aggravate jock itch, such as:

Scented or antibacterial soaps. (Consider hypoallergenic or acidic candida soaps)
Sweating and friction, such as cycling (regularly shaving your hairs).
Synthetic materials.

Clothing

Clothing is especially important. If fungus resides on your clothing, and you are susceptible to it, the odds of recurrence are much higher.

It can help to:

Wear loose underwear, such as boxer shorts.
Sleep with a nightshirt or in the nude.
Change underwear frequently, particularly if it gets sweaty.

There are ways to help keep clothing free of fungus.

Wash exercise clothing between workouts.
Wash underwear and bed-sheets in hot water.
Be mindful of clothing storage. In particular, because of the ideal growing conditions for fungus, avoid storage:
- of exercise clothing without washing it,
- in damp or moist areas,
- in dark places, and
- with poor ventilation.

When putting on and taking off pants, the feet can transfer fungus to the crotch and vice versa.

Slang terms

Jock itch is also sometimes called crotch itch, crotch rot, crack fungus, bag rot, dhobi itch and ringworm of the groin.

External links

Fungal diseases | Infectious diseases