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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.

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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.

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The doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication based on your history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.

• Skin creams or lotions will probably be the first-line therapy for any of the causes of jock itch. Which one is appropriate will depend upon your physician's diagnosis.



• Prescription topical antifungal medications may come in the form of a cream, powder, gel, or spray for application to the skin. Some topical therapies are available over the counter. Miconazole (Micatin, Monistat Derm), tolnaftate (Aftate, Ting, Tinactin), clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex), and terbinafine (Lamisil) are some examples and probably are as effective as the medications available by prescription.



• For the bacterial infection of the groin (erythrasma), either topical or oral erythromycin is very effective.



• For jock itch that is not infected, application of nonprescription 1% hydrocortisone cream and a barrier cream like zinc oxide ointment is beneficial.



• Oral medications have a greater risk for side effects.



• They will be reserved for extensive, severe, or chronic infections.



• They may also be prescribed if topical therapy does not work. Commonly prescribed medications are itraconazole (Sporanox) and fluconazole (Diflucan).



• You will use the medication for one to several weeks because fungal infections can take a long time to clear.

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