Jock Itch

1. Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures
2. Quiz: Can You Identify These Skin Conditions?
3. Gallery of Skin Problems and Images Collection

Medical Author:

Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Dr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles. He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency.

View Full Profile

Coauthor:

Craig A Manifold, DO

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

• Jock Itch Overview
• Jock Itch Causes
• Jock Itch Symptoms and Signs
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Jock Itch Diagnosis
• Jock Itch Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Jock Itch Medications
• Follow-up
• Jock Itch Prevention
• Jock Itch Prognosis
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Read more on Jock Itch from Healthwise
• Viewer Comments: Jock Itch - Treatment

Jock itch is the popular name given to an itchy rash in the groin that commonly involves the inner thighs and adjacent skin, including the scrotum in males. The medical name for rash in the creases of overlapping skin is "intertrigo." Jock itch is associated with sweating, friction/abrasion, occlusive clothing, and the direct rubbing of skin on skin. The rash may affect not only the groin, but it can involve any areas of skin that overlap, including around the anus and in the skin folds of obese individuals. Jock itch affects men and occasionally women worldwide.

• Major risk factors include the following:



• Heat



• Humidity



• Tight clothing



• Damp skin folds that may occur with obesity or excessive sweating



Although several microorganisms have been identified as causing the rash, many cases are noninfectious and are induced by environmental and physical factors that irritate the skin.


• Other skin diseases may mimic jock itch. They include



• psoriasis,



• allergic contact dermatitis,



• hidradenitis suppurativa,



• dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis).

Must Read Articles Related to Jock Itch

Athlete's Foot Athlete's foot is a superficial skin infection of the foot caused by a moldlike fungus.learn more >>

Rash A rash is a visible skin outbreak. Examples of noninfectious rashes include eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, hives, and al...learn more >>

Ringworm on Body Ringworm (or tinea corporis) is a common fungal infection resulting from dermatophytes. Symptoms and signs include lesions on the trunk, legs, arms, neck, and f...learn more >>

See the Entire Jock Itch Topic Guide »