Jock Itch
Symptoms
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
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Should I Call?
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
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- You feel weak or very sick
- Fever
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Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
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- 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
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Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
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- 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
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Self Care at Home If
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- 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
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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.
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Author and Senior Reviewer: David A. Thompson, M.D. Clinical content review provided by Senior Reviewer and Healthpoint Medical Network.
Last Review Date: 6/1/2011
Last Revised: 3/31/2008
Content Set: Adult HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Version Year: 2012
Portions Copyright 2000-2012 Self Care Decisions LLC; Copyright LMS, Inc.
