Ringworm, Acne & Skin Care

What is Jock Itch?

Jock itch, or in medical terms “tinea cruris” (”vermin of the crotch”), is a nasty fungal infection that affects the groin area.

Jock Itch (aka):

• crack fungus,
• crotch itch,
• ball cheese,
• crotch rot,
• dhobi itch (after Indian washermen).

Jock Itch Symptoms And Signs:

Jock Itch causes a itching and/or a burning sensation in the area of the groin, in thigh skin folds, or in and around the anus. It may also affect the inner thighs, genital areas, and may very well extend to the perineum and perianal areas.

When the infection occurs, the affected areas may appear as red, tan, or brown, with flaking, peeling, and/or cracking skin.

An acute infection usually begins in an area within the groin fold and appears at first to be about a half-inch across. The infection will usually occur on both sides. As the infection progresses, the area may enlarge, and a series of other sores may develop. The sores present no particular pattern as it advances. The rash appears as raised, red, platelike areas. These areas are often accompanied by scaly patches with well defined borders that may blister and drain.

As the rash advances, it will usually advance down the inner thigh. The advancing edge appears much more redder and slightly more raised than areas that have been previously infected. The edge of the advancing infection is usually scaly, and is easily identifiable.

As you advance from the forefront of the infection, the skin within the border turns to a reddish-brown color and the scale reduces rapidly. The border of the infection may display minute pimples that are often pus-filled. The central areas are usually reddish and dry with smaller scales.

It is not uncommon in the case of candidal organisms for the rash to appear much more redder and wetter. With this organism it is common for the skin of the penis to be included in the infection. However, in other organisms, the penis would not normally be affected.

Causes of Jock Itch:

• Jock itch may occur and manifest itself much more frequently when your immune system is not 100% up to par.
• Fungus from other parts of the body (such as those from athlete’s foot or tinea pedis)can be a major contributor to the onset of jock itch. As with most fungal organisms, they flourish in a warm, damp environment.
• An additional contributor (especially in this day and age) are tight, sweaty clothing such as a jockstrap or tight undershorts.

The type of fungus that is most commonly associated with jock itch is called Trichophyton rubrum. Other contibutors include Candida albicans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum.

Treatment of Jock Itch:

The treatment of Jock itch is best tackled with antifungal drugs that are applied topically (on the skin). Creams containing clotrimazole or miconazole are commonly used, however, newer agents such as butenafine are also proven to be effective.

These anti-fungal agents restrict the production of a substance called ergosterol which in turn stops the fungus. Ergosterol is an essential component of the fungal cell membrane which when inhibited either fully or partially prvents the construction of the cell membrane. Without a “healthy” cell membrane, the fungus simply dies.

When discomfort is encountered from the inflammation of the skin due to the fungus and the subsequent itching and scratching by the infected host, glucocorticoid steroids may be added to the anti-fungal drug to aid in the relief and prevention of further irritation.

The relief of scratching is important in the treatment as it goes a long way to minimize the opportunity of creating a secondary infection that may be brought on by the spread of the fungus through scratching.

How To Prevent A Recurrence Of Jock Itch:

Quick tips include:

• Wear loose undergarments, such as boxer shorts.
• Sleep only with a nightshirt or in the nude.
• Change underwear frequently, particularly when you are sweaty.
• Wash exercise clothing between workouts.
• Wash underwear and bed-sheets in hot water.

Ideal growing conditions for fungus can certainly encourage its growth.  When storing exercise equipement, it is best to avoid storing it:

• without washing it,
• in damp or moist areas,
• in dark places,
• in areas with poor ventilation.

Additionally, be aware that when putting on and taking off your underclothes, the feet can easily transfer the fungus to the crotch and vice versa.

And don’t forget to bathe or shower immediately after sweating. This is doubly important after completing an exercise regimen where there has been sweating and the possibility of irritation from clothing friction.

Use of a medicated powder such as tolnaftate is desirable to keep the groin area dry and free of moisture from sweat.

Irritants That Can Aggravate Jock Itch:

Here’s a short list of irritants and materials that may contribute to the further aggravation of jock itch…

• Scented and/or antibacterial soaps,
• Sweating and friction, such as cycling or other hygenic activities such as shaving,
• Synthetic materials,
• Avoid the application of talcum powder to the affected area. Talcum powder has a tendency to perforate and irritate the damaged skin. This irritation will subsequently further itching.

A note about clothing…

If fungus is present on your clothing, you are at high risk of either obtaining the fungus or starting a recurrence of a previous infection.

A wide array of ringworm cures and remedies have been proven to be deadly effective in the treatment of jock itch and other ringworm related fungal infections..