Jock itch facts
- Jock itch is a very common, itchy groin rash.
- Roughly half of jock itch is caused by a fungus. The remainder are caused by moisture, irritation, and bacterial overgrowth.
- Jock itch looks like pink or red rash in groin folds.
- Jock itch affects primarily males, although it may also be seen in females.
- Jock itch is most common in older adults and athletes.
- Jock itch is often seen in otherwise healthy people.
- Jock itch is easily curable in most cases and frequently resolves on its own without treatment.
- Jock itch is often treated with antifungal washes for the groin.
- Resistant jock itch may require antifungal or antibiotic pills to clear.
- Jock itch is prevented by good skin hygiene.
What is jock itch? What does jock itch look like?
Jock itch is a common, itchy rash of the groin. It can be a very intense itch and is associated with a red or pink rash involving the groin folds and genitals. Jock itch is primarily a skin condition in men.
The symptoms of jock itch may come and go, and many cases of jock itch resolve spontaneously without any treatment. Jock itch is primarily seen in the groin, although it may spread to the inner thighs, genitals (including penis, scrotum, labia, and vaginal opening), and anus.
While jock itch is frequently noted in otherwise healthy patients, patients with diabetes and/or obesity are more susceptible. Possible causes of this common groin itch include irritation from tight or abrasive underwear, excess moisture, sweating, skin rubbing or friction, allergic problems, fungal infection, Candida (yeast) infection, and bacterial overgrowth or skin infection.
Treatment of fungal-related jock itch may include one or a combination of antifungal creams and, rarely, antifungal pills. Treatment of jock itch that is not caused by fungus involves proper groin hygiene, keeping the area clean and dry, and washing frequently with gentle soap and water (especially after sweating or exercise).
Jock itch causes a symmetrical red or pink rash on the sides of the groin folds. There may be a dry, scaly rash or a collection of small, pinpoint red or pink bumps at each hair follicle.
Source: medicine net