Jock Itch – Causes, Symptoms, Pictures, Prevention

Jock Itch is the common fungal infection that occurs in the groin area. This infection is caused by the ringworm Tinea cruris and hence it is also called as “Tinea of the groin”. Sometimes, it can become intense causing reddish pink rashes on the groin area. Jock itch is one of the primary skin infections in men. Many times, jock itch will resolve on its own, without requiring any treatment. People who are obese and diabetic are more prone to jock itch than others.

Jock Itch Causes :

There would be recurrent itching in the groin area when the type of fungus (Tinea cruris) develops there. It occurs very often in men and boys and it also causes ringworm and athlete’s foot. Presence of moisture is the main cause for getting jock itch. It may develop on the groin folds. It is a very simple form of infection that gets triggered by friction of tight fitting clothes. It can also occur due to sweating caused in the dark areas of groin, since the fungus lives in the moist areas.

Candida Yeast Infection and fungus by name Trichophyton and Coryne bacterium may also cause jock itch. However Jock itch is contagious and can easily pass on another person who comes into direct skin contact with the fungus or if the person uses unwashed clothing of the affected person.

Symptoms :

There will be mild to moderate itching in the groin area, more particular in the skin folds. Sometimes, it can also cause red scaly patches or lesions that ooze out pus. Very often, the patches will have well marked corners and is reddish color on the edges. The rash can also spread to other areas like genitals, labia and vagina (in women) and scrotum and penis (in men). In case of intense infection, there may be development of Ulcers and breaks in the skin causing Cellulitis. Jock itch will always limit itself to the areas of genitals and groin and will not spread to other body parts.

Tests :

Your doctor can easily identify Jock itch on physical examination of the affected groin. Skin biopsy is done for ruling out other form of infections like eczema, ringworm, Impetigo, Erythrasma, dermatitis, Heat Rash and Psoriasis. If needed, bacterial culture test is done for confirming the presence of Staphylococcus.

Home Care :

Since jock itch is caused due to excess of moisture, it is essential to keep the groin clean and dry. Wash it with mild cleanser 2-3 times a day. Use only cotton undergarments which will absorb moisture and retain dryness. Do not use harsh cleansers and soaps for washing clothes. You can also apply hydrocorticosone cream and Lotrimin cream on the groin twice or thrice a day. Alternatively, you can soak the groin using a wet cloth soaked in dilute vinegar solution. Try soaking in the bathtub containing dilute Clorox bleach.

Medical Care :

If the infection does not subside with home remedies, then you can apply topical creams containing miconazole or clotrimazole. In case if the infection becomes severe, consult your doctor to get proper antifungal drugs. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics for managing bacterial infection.

Pictures of Jock Itch :

Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Jock Itch

Prevention :

• It is easy to prevent Jock itch if you follow certain guidelines in wearing clothes. Always keep the groin dry and moist free.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing that causes irritation. Do not change the soaps or perfumes often. Change the underwear twice a day.
• After taking bath, you can apply antifungal powder to prevent fungal infection.

Jock Itch – Home Remedies, Symptoms, Causes, Pictures, Treatment

Jock Itch – Home Remedies, Symptoms, Causes, Pictures, Treatment






Jock itch also known as “Dhobi’s itch” is a kind of chronic itchy rash that occurs in the groin area and between the thighs. Jock itch can cause abrasion, redness and severe itching on the affected skin and it commonly occurs on the area where the skin rubs with one another. Anus region is the most affected part in people who are overweight wherein the skin overlaps with plenty of skin folds. Jock itch is a fungal infection causing red ring shaped rashes between the thighs and on regions of skin folds. It can be treated with antifungal creams and medications. It is common in men and in women it can affect the anus region and beneath the breasts. Keeping the area clean and dry can prevent you from jock itch.

Jock itch Symptoms :

Some of the signs of jock itch are given below :

• Itchy rash


• Red ring shaped rash


• Raised blisters


• Flaky or scaly skin with severe burns or itches


• Persistent itch beneath the breasts and between the thighs


• Jock itch often starts with scratching of skin in the groin area which spreads further until upper thigh region. Flaky skin in the affected area may contain blisters or papules with defined borders. The area may become red and is more profound in skin folds.


• In men jock itch is prominent in the shaft of the penis when added with Yeast Infection where the skin becomes red and moist. In women vaginal area (in and around) may get affected with intense itching and sometimes white thick Mucus discharge. If the person does not take any treatment the infection can spread to the nearby skin.

You need to consult your doctor if the symptoms are not improving with home remedies since you may require prescription drugs.

What Causes Jock Itch :

Jock itch is a fungal infection that spreads from affected person to the other by sharing personal clothing and towels. The fungus that causes itchy burns in athlete’s foot can also cause jock itch. The infection can easily spread to other parts when the person scratches the affected skin and touches his groin.

Friction between skin and clothing can also cause jock itch. Wearing tight clothes can cause rubbing of skin with the cloth frequently triggering irritation. While men develop jock itch commonly in his genitals women are likely to develop Itchy Skin underneath their breasts where skin folds are thick and moist. Since these regions are often dark and covered there is enough room for yeast and fungi to grow on it aggravating the condition.

In rare cases bacteria can also cause jock itch and this is common in people with weakened immune system. Even it can be caused by yeast like Candida that can grow easily on the tip of the penis.

Risk Factors :

Being a man, being obese or overweight increases the risk of jock itch. Women are likely to develop intense itching below their breasts if they are wearing tight-fitting inner garments.

Heat and humidity can also trigger formation of jock itch and people who sweat heavily are at high risk of jock itch. And those with excessive skin folds in selected area are prone to jock itch.

Diagnosis :

• No testing is required for diagnosing jock itch. Mere examination of the affected skin is enough for detecting jock itch. She may ask you questions about your medical history, your habits and past infections you had.


• In rare cases tiny tissue sample of the skin is examined under a microscope for detecting the type of micro-organism.


• You can tell your doctor if you had been to any new area and involved in camping activity etc.

Jock Itch Treatment :

Simple home remedies are enough for mild form of jock itch. You can prevent jock itch by keeping the skin dry and clean. Over the counter fungal creams and spray is useful for improving the symptoms. You need to apply the cream for at least 2 weeks even there is no symptom.

People having athlete’s foot should take care to treat it first failing which the infection can easily spread to other parts of the body.

In case the symptoms are not improving within few days you can check with your doctor. He would examine the affected skin and prescribe suitable strength of antifungal creams or sprays. In severe cases the doctor may prescribe antifungal pills and you should complete the course of medications as suggested by your doctor.

Topical cream is the first line therapy for mild to moderate jock itch. Some of the prescription creams include Miconazole or Monistat derm or Tinactin or Clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and Lamisil. After taking the bath, gently wipe out excess moisture from the skin and apply this cream liberally on the affected region. Allow it to get absorbed and repeat the same before going to bed. Diflucan and Sporanox are common topical ointment used for treating jock itch.

Home Remedies For Jock Itch :

To begin with you need to keep the affected skin area clean and moisture-free. You can apply talcum powder in the regions of skin folds generously that helps in absorbing the moisture. Avoid wearing tight clothes and make sure that there is enough space for circulation of air inside.

You can try using hydrocortisone cream or ointment that contains zinc oxide. Repeat using this cream for at least 3-5 days and in most cases you can get quick relief. In case the symptoms do not improve, you can consult your doctor. Antifungal creams suggested by your doctor can be applied for 2-3 weeks daily. You need to use them even if the symptoms are improved to prevent relapse.

• Tips For Prevention :

1. Use Right Fitting Clothing : Don’t wear tight clothes since it can cause rubbing of skin and irritation. It can make you vulnerable for skin infection and jock itch.

2. Keep Dry : Ensure that your private parts like groin and region between your thighs are totally dry. Sweating can be at the maximum in these areas and that too after exercising. You can apply talcum powder before starting your workouts so that these regions are kept dry.

3. Change Garments : You need to change your inner garments at least twice a day to prevent added moisture that can make you susceptible to infection.

4. Avoid Sharing : Do not share personal items like soap, towels and clothing with unknown persons and strangers.

• Remedies

5. Tea Tree Oil : Add few drops of tea tree oil on soft cloth and apply it gently on the affected skin area. Tea tree oil is an excellent home remedy for reliving itchiness of jock itch and it possess antifungal property. Repeat this simple remedy twice a day for 4-5 days.

6. Vinegar : Vinegar solution is good anti-inflammatory agent and applying apple cider vinegar for few days can give you quick relief from symptoms.

7. Even alcohol and Listerine solution is recommended for treating jock itch but there is no evidence.

8. Salt Bath : Add a handful of Epsom salt to the bathtub and fill it with lukewarm water. Just sink yourself in this solution for few minutes daily. This can help in preventing itchiness caused by jock itch.

Jock Itch

Jock Itch






Jock itch is the common fungal infection that occurs in the groin area. This infection is caused by the ringworm Tinea cruris and hence it is also called as “Tinea of the groin”. Sometimes, it can become intense causing reddish pink rashes on the groin area. Jock itch is one of the primary skin infections in men. Many times, jock itch will resolve on its own, without requiring any treatment. People who are obese and diabetic are more prone to jock itch than others.

Causes :

There would be recurrent itching in the groin area when the type of fungus (Tinea cruris) develops there. It occurs very often in men and boys and it also causes ringworm and athlete’s foot. Presence of moisture is the main cause for getting jock itch. It may develop on the groin folds.

It is a very simple form of infection that gets triggered by friction of tight fitting clothes. It can also occur due to sweating caused in the dark areas of groin, since the fungus lives in the moist areas.

Candida Yeast Infection and fungus by name Trichophyton and Coryne bacterium may also cause jock itch.
However Jock itch is contagious and can easily pass on another person who comes into direct skin contact with the fungus or if the person uses unwashed clothing of the affected person.

Symptoms :

There will be mild to moderate itching in the groin area, more particular in the skin folds. Sometimes, it can also cause red scaly patches or lesions that ooze out pus. Very often, the patches will have well marked corners and is reddish color on the edges. The rash can also spread to other areas like genitals, labia and vagina (in women) and scrotum and penis (in men). In case of intense infection, there may be development of ulcers and breaks in the skin causing Cellulitis.

Jock itch will always limit itself to the areas of genitals and groin and will not spread to other body parts.

Tests :

Your doctor can easily identify Jock itch on physical examination of the affected groin. Skin biopsy is done for ruling out other form of infections like eczema, ringworm, Impetigo, Erythrasma, dermatitis, Heat Rash and psoriasis. If needed, bacterial culture test is done for confirming the presence of Staphylococcus.

Home Care :

Since jock itch is caused due to excess of moisture, it is essential to keep the groin clean and dry. Wash it with mild cleanser 2-3 times a day. Use only cotton undergarments which will absorb moisture and retain dryness. Do not use harsh cleansers and soaps for washing clothes. You can also apply hydrocorticosone cream and Lotrimin cream on the groin twice or thrice a day.

Alternatively, you can soak the groin using a wet cloth soaked in dilute vinegar solution. Try soaking in the bathtub containing dilute Clorox bleach.

Medical Care :

If the infection does not subside with home remedies, then you can apply topical creams containing miconazole or clotrimazole. In case if the infection becomes severe, consult your doctor to get proper antifungal drugs. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics for managing bacterial infection.

Pictures of Jock Itch :

Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Jock Itch

Prevention :

It is easy to prevent Jock itch if you follow certain guidelines in wearing clothes. Always keep the groin dry and moist free.

Avoid wearing tight clothing that causes irritation. Do not change the soaps or perfumes often. Change the underwear twice a day.

After taking bath, you can apply antifungal powder to prevent fungal infection.

Jock Itch – Symptoms, Treatment, Pictures, Cure, Medication, Causes

Jock Itch – Symptoms, Treatment, Pictures, Cure, Medication, Causes

Jock Itch Symptoms

The signs as well as the symptoms of jock itch can consist of:

• Redness and itching in groin including the inner thighs, genitals, and buttocks


• Burning sensation in affected areas


• Probable itching in your anal region


• Peeling, flaking or skin which is cracking in the groin

The acute stage of this infection starts with itchy red areas in the folds of the skin. These areas may get larger and further lesions can develop in no certain configuration. This rash looks red, raised plaques or platelike areas with borders that are sharp. These borders can exhibit pimples that are tiny or pustules with areas in the center that are dry with small scales and reddish. If the individual develops a Yeast Infection, the rash will be moist and redder. The skin on the penis tip can be involved, where other organisms miss the male genitalia.

Females who similarly have infection of the vaginal area have vaginal itching as well as white, cottage cheese looking discharge with candidiasis.

This rash turns out to be more irritated as time goes by and can, in very stark cases, causes skin breakdown which is fairly uncomfortable.

Jock itch may cause wearing underclothing or body-hugging apparel scratchy. Exercising or walking can worsen the rash as well as aggravate other signs and symptoms.

An individual should see their physician if they have rash on the skin which does not get better within 2 weeks. A prescription medication may be needed. If excessive redness, drainage, swelling or fever occurs, see a physician.

Jock Itch Causes

While the words “jock itch” indicates some type of association with sports events, this isn’t really correct. The condition is mainly linked to infections with microbes as well as environmental factors, for instance, humidity as well as friction that irritates skin. This condition is most common in males than in females mainly due to the existence of the male genitalia which leads to greater friction as well as dampness. Females are essentially apt to get a comparable condition beneath their breast. Jock itch is more often developed simply by non-infected skin bothered by humidity, friction, and heat. But, it is not unusual for microbes like bacteria as well as fungi to concurrently develop an infection on the skin.

• Individuals with immune systems that are weak or those taking antibiotics which are broad-spectrum or those who suffer with diabetes are prone to develop this rash.


• Sometimes, bacteria may cause this condition. “Bacterial jock itch” may be diagnosed easily as the skin which is affected will glow a red coral color when lit with a black light.


• The wearing of clothes that are tight or athletic supporters may incline an individual to this infection or to further aggravation of the problem. It can be stopped by the applying of big amounts of a lubricant, for instance petroleum jelly, to areas which are probable to get infected.


• Contact with items as well as intimate contact can cause fungus to infect the groin skin area. It spreads thru interaction with fungal spores that can survive on skin cells which are dead or other objects for an extended period of time.


• If the individual has a fungal infection, for instance athlete’s foot, the identical organism can cause the rash in the groin.


• Any infections caused by Candida albicans – a yeast – may develop pustules as well as involves the tip of an uncircumcised penis. This is an infection which is seen most often in individuals with diabetes.


• Mold fungal for instance Trichophytin and Epidermophyton floccosum species are at times accountable for epidemics in dorms, barracks, as well as similar situations where individuals live closely and where towels, blankets, sheets and other objects can harbor fungi for years.

Mainly the organisms which cause jock itch are ones that thrive in close, damp environments. Humid, warm settings that promote heavy sweating – washing away fungus-killing oils make the skin more permeable and more prone to infection – favor its spreading.

You're reading Jock Itch – Symptoms, Treatment, Pictures, Cure, Medication, Causes posted by minhhai2d, the information is for reference only.

An individual is at a greater risk of jock itch if they:

• Are male, although females can also get the condition


• Are obese


• Wear athletic supporters or tight underwear that are not washed after every use


• Sweat heavily


• Impaired immune system


• Have atopic dermatitis which is a chronic, inherited skin disease with itchy, inflamed skin

Jock Itch Medication

For jock itch which is mild, the physician can first advise using an over-the-counter anti-fungal lotion, ointment, spray or powder. If the individual also has athlete’s foot, it should be treated at the identical time as the jock itch is being treated in order to decrease the threat of repetition.

Individuals with immune systems that are weak, such as HIV/AIDS or diabetes, can find it much harder to get rid of this condition.

Over-the-counter medications
This condition is also treated with 1 of 2 types of anti-fungal drugs, azoles and allylamines. This rash can quickly clear up with these treatment options, but you should keep using the medicine 2 times a day for at the least ten days.

• Allylamines – These are medication for instance terbinafine, brand name Lamisil AT, requires treatment period which is shorter than does azoles.


• Azoles – These medications, include clotrimazole and miconazole, brand name Lotrimin AF, are much cheaper than allylamines.

Prescription Medications
When jock itch is serious or does not react to these medications, it may need an oral or topical drug which is prescription strength.

Topical drugs
These are oxiconazole and econazole, brand name Oxistat.

Oral drugs
The physician may prescribe itranconazole, brand name Sporanox, terbinafine, brand name Lamisil, fluconazole, brand name Diflucan. The side effects of these drugs can include abnormal liver function, gastrointestinal upset as well as rash. Taking other drugs such as antacid therapies for ulcers or “Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease” or GERD can hinder the absorption of these medications. Oral drugs for infection with fungus can modify the efficiency of warfarin, which is a drug classified as anticoagulant which reduces the ability of the blood to clot.

One more oral drug, griseofulvin, brand name Grifulvin V, is often used in the treatment of fungal skin infections. While it is very effective, it can take much longer to clear the infection. Side effects which are potential consist of:

• Discomfort in the digestive tract


• Headache


• Rashes


• Sensitivity to light


• Drop in white blood cell count

Griseofulvin can be given to individuals who have an Allergy to antifungal drugs or for individuals who have further medical problems that can be affected adversely by other drugs, such as individuals with diseases of the liver.

Jock Itch Treatment

Precise treatment will depend upon the specific cause of the jock itch – friction, humidity, with or without infection.

If there is some redness and itching in the groin region, keep that area dry, and open to air as much as probable and circumvent clothes which are tight in the region. These symptoms can be comforted by spreading a slight amount of cream with 1% hydrocortisone – then apply a thicker layer of an ointment with zinc oxide to the same area for 3 to 4 days. If this is unsuccessful, it will be necessary to go to the antifungal medications or a prescription medication for use on the irritated or infected region.

Jock Itch Pictures