you might also get it if you haveathlete’s footand touch your foot and then your groin.
People who sweat heavily or live in moist, tropical climates are also vulnerable.
Jock itch rarely goes away on its own.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
If these don’t help, a prescription antifungal cream or oral antifungal drug may be needed.
What Is Jock Itch and How Is It Spread?
Jock’s itch is mainly resulting from a fungus (yeast) calledTrichophyton rubrum.
and the infection they cause is referred to asdermatophytosis.
The fungi that cause jock itch thrive in warm, moist environments.
Once an infection is established, it can spread as fungal spores are shed onto surrounding skin.
This is because fungal growth follows the pattern of moisture in the groin.
Common symptoms of jock itch include:
Can Jock Itch Affect My Penis and Scrotum?
Jock itch rarely affects thescrotumorpenis.
How Jock Itch Is Diagnosed
Most dermatologists can diagnose jock itch by the appearance of the rash.
Even so, they will likely want to confirm the diagnosis with aKOH test.
This makes it easier to view the fungus under the microscope.
Special stains such as Parker’s blue ink can the fungus even more visible.
AWood’s lamp, commonly used to diagnose other fungal skin infections, is less helpful with jock itch.
This is becauseTrichophytonfungi do not fluoresce and change colors when exposed to ultraviolet light like other fungi do.
Skin Conditions Jock Is Mistaken For
If there is any doubt as to whetherT.
These control the infection by disrupting the outer shell of the fungus, causing the insides to seep out.
With consistent use, the rash will generally clear in one to three weeks.
Continue app one week after the rash has fully cleared to ensure it is completely gone.
However,athlete’s foot treatmentcan take longer to resolve.
However, certain fungal types are harder to treat, as are people who are severely immunocompromised.
In such cases, topical antifungals may need to be combined with a course of oral antifungals.
You should also see a doctor if the rash develops blisters.
A severe case of jock itch may require treatment withcorticosteroids, such ashydrocortisone, to reduce inflammation.
Even so, do not use steroids unless under medical supervision.
The inappropriate of steroids can impair the immune system and further promote fungal growth.
2014;90(10):702-10.
Alberta Health Services (Canada).Jock itch: care instructions.
