Community Health Network

Jock Itch
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Symptom
Description

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Call?

Care at
Home

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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.

If not, see these topics

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

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

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 9 am and 4 pm) 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

Symptom
Description

Care at
Home

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR JOCK ITCH

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.
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).
Expected Course: The rash should clear up completely in 2-3 weeks.
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.

Symptom
Description

Should I
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Author and Senior Reviewer: David A. Thompson, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 1/19/2009

Last Revised: 3/31/2008

Content Set: Adult HouseCalls Online