Tinea cruris is a fungal infection which occurs around the groin, inner thighs, and anus. It is known as jock itch or scrot rot, and as the term “jock” suggests, it is especially common in athletes. Although the infection is unpleasant, it is relatively easy to manage and treat, often with over the counter medications which eliminate the need for a visit to the doctor. Patients who experience the symptoms of this fungal infection should act quickly to treat it, as it will only get worse if it is not aggressively managed.
This fungal infection is caused by Dermatophytes, a group of parasitic fungi which infamously inhabit the skin and nails. The fungi like warm, moist environments, thriving in the groins of people who sweat a lot. Overweight individuals can also develop tinea cruris as a result of sweating in the folds of the skin and friction around the groin area caused by physical activity. Tinea cruris usually causes the skin to turn red and itchy, and a spotty rash will develop over time.
A topical antifungal medication can be used to kill the fungi. Some people also like to soak in hot water mixed with baking soda to ease the itching and irritation associated with the rash. During treatment, it's important to wash the groin area thoroughly and to make sure that it is completely dry before applying the medication and getting dressed. It is also advisable to avoid close physical contact with people to reduce the risk of spreading the rash.
People with chronic tinea cruris may want to consider discarding undergarments and workout wear, as the fungus may be living in old clothing. It is also important to use fresh underwear daily, and to wash and change clothes after heavy workouts and exercise. Keeping the groin area clean and dry will reduce the risk of developing tinea cruris again. Some patients also find that it helps to use an absorbent powder such as talcum powder to reduce friction and keep the groin dry.
Sometimes, topical antifungal medications are not effective. If a rash persists for more than two weeks, spreads radically, or starts oozing, the patient should see a doctor. The doctor can take a scraping to see which fungus is causing the infection, and prescribe an appropriate medication to deal with the rash. Oozing rashes can ulcerate, contributing to the development of severe infections, and this is very undesirable.
