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May 19, 2013
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Jock Itch (cont.)

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Self-Care at Home

If you have some itching and redness in the groin area, try to keep the area dry, exposed to air as much as possible, and avoid tight clothes on the area. The symptoms may be relieved by applying a small amount of 1% hydrocortisone cream followed by a thick layer of zinc oxide ointment to the affected area for three to four days. If this is ineffective, you may apply an antifungal medication to the affected area.

Many antifungal medications are available without prescription. They come in cream, liquid spray, ointment, and powder forms. Some people may develop an allergic reaction to the medication, so stop using them if your rash seems worse.

  • Tolnaftate (Tinactin, Aftate) and undecylenate (Cruex, Desenex) are well-known, effective medications. The powder form is also useful as a drying agent. These medications are not effective against candidal infections.


  • Clotrimazole (Fungoid, Lotrimin, Mycelex) and miconazole (Micatin, Monistat Derm) are also available over the counter and are very effective against all fungi.


  • If these medications help, be sure to use them for two to four weeks to completely clear the infection.


  • Keeping the affected area clean and bone dry helps to clear the infection.


  • You may use the medications to prevent relapses as well.


  • If topical antifungals are not effective, you should discontinue them at least one week prior to visiting your physician.

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Tinea Cruris »

Tinea cruris, a pruritic superficial fungal infection of the groin and adjacent skin, is the second most common clinical presentation for dermatophytosis.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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