Jock Itch

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DEFINITION

• Slowly expanding pink-red rash on inner thigh near genital area
• Rash is usually symmetrical (looks the same on both inner thighs)
• Rash is itchy and not painful
• In men it does not involve penis or scrotum
• In women it does not involve vulva

General Information

• Jock Itch is a fungal infection that grows best on the warm, damp skin of the inner thigh. The medical term for this condition is "Tinea Cruris".
• It is usually caused by the same fungal infection that causes Athlete's Foot.
• Jock Itch, as the name implies, is much more common in men than women.
• Most individuals will be able to treat Jock Itch effectively using an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Penis symptoms or rash, use MALE GENITAL SYMPTOMS
• Vulvar symptoms or rash, use FEMALE GENITAL SYMPTOMS
• PUBIC LICE
• VAGINAL DISCHARGE
• POISON IVY, OAK, OR SUMAC suspected as cause

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• You feel weak or very sick
• Fever

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

• You think you need to be seen
• You are female (Jock Itch is less common in women)
• Rash is painful to touch
• Boil or infected-looking sore is present

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

• You have other questions or concerns
• You have diabetes mellitus or a weakened immune system (e.g., HIV positive, cancer chemotherapy, chronic steroid treatment, splenectomy)
• You are worried you might have a sexually transmitted disease
• Using over-the-counter treatment for 1 week, and your rash has not improved
• Using over-the-counter treatment for 2 weeks, and your rash has not completely disappeared

Self Care at Home If

• Slowly expanding pink-red rash involving inner thigh(s) next to scrotum that is itchy; and you don't think you need to be seen

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR JOCK ITCH

1. Genital Hygiene:
   • Keep your penis and scrotal area clean. Wash this area once daily with un-scented soap and water.
   • After washing, dry the groin area before the feet. (Reason: to prevent spread of tinea pedis to groin area)
   • Keep your penis and scrotal area dry.
   • Wear cotton underwear (Reason: breathes and keeps area drier). Avoid nylon or tight fitting underwear.

2. Antifungal Cream for Treatment of Jock Itch. Apply antifungal cream 2 times per day to the area of itching and rash. Apply it to the rash and one inch beyond its borders. Continue the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is cleared.

   • Available over-the-counter in U.S. as clotrimazole  (Lotrimin AF) or miconazole (Micatin, Monistat-Derm) 
   • Available over-the-counter in Canada as clotrimazole (Clotrimazole cream) or miconazole (Micatin Cream, Micozole, Monistat-Derm).
3. Expected Course:  The rash should clear up completely in 2-3 weeks.
4. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Rash is not improving after 1 week on treatment
   • Rash is not completely cleared by 3 weeks.
   • Fever or pain occurs.
   • You become worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

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