Jock Itch

Ringworm Slideshow

• Jock Itch Overview
• Jock Itch Causes
• Jock Itch Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Jock Itch Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medications
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Pictures of Ringworm - Slideshow
• Related jock itch articles:
  Jock itch - on WebMD

Jock Itch Overview

Jock itch is an itchy rash of the groin that results from a superficial fungal infection of your skin. Men and women encounter the disease worldwide, although it is seen more often in the humid tropics. The rash may affect only your groin, but it may spread to include your inner thighs, genitals, and areas around your anus, rectum, or vagina.

• Several organisms have been identified as causing the rash.
  
  
• Risk factors include the following:
  
  
  • Heat
    
    
  • Humidity
    
    
  • Tight clothing
    
    
  • Damp skin folds as may occur with obesity or excessive sweating
    
    
  • Weakened immune systems
  
  
• Jock itch must be distinguished from these skin problems:
  
  
  • Chronic irritation of skin folds
    
    
  • Psoriasis
    
    
  • Contact dermatitis
    
    
  • Erythrasma - A reddish brown rash
    
    
  • Eczema
  
  
• Occasionally, bacterial organisms may cause infection on top of the fungal infection of jock itch. This new infection may become chronic if left untreated and may keep coming back in certain people.