Jock Itch
Medical Author: Nili N. Alai, MD, FAAD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Men's Locker Room Savvy Quiz
Medically Reviewed by: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Do you know where nasty things like bacteria and fungi may be hiding? Take our MedicineNet.com quiz
and see how "Locker Room Savvy" you are!
- There is little you can do to prevent athlete's foot other than making sure
that the gym's cleaning crew cleans and sanitizes the showers and locker room floors regularly.
True or False
- Tight clothing made from nylon and other tightly woven synthetic material is best for comfort and
keeping sweat off the skin. True or False
- You should wear a sweatband while you are exercising to keep dirty sweat
off of your face to prevent acne. True or False
- When you are in the gym, using towels to
wipe equipment and your face can prevent the spread of germs. True or False
- Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to keep you well
hydrated and prevent acne. True or False
- Jock itch is jock itch, there is not much you can do
to prevent it. True or False
- Damp or wet workout clothes will dry in your locker or gym bag as long as
they are exposed to air. True or False
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What is jock itch? What does jock itch look like?
Jock itch is a common, itchy rash of the groin. It can be a very intense itch
with or without a visible red or pink rash in the groin folds and genitals. Jock
itch is primarily a skin condition in men.
The symptoms of jock itch may come and go, and many cases of jock itch resolve
spontaneously without any treatment. Jock itch is primarily seen in the groin,
although it may spread to the inner thighs, genitals (including penis, scrotum,
labia, and vaginal opening), and anus.
While jock itch is frequently noted in otherwise healthy patients, patients
with diabetes and/or obesity are more susceptible. Possible causes of this
common groin itch include irritation from tight or abrasive underwear, excess
moisture, sweating, skin rubbing or friction, allergic problems, fungal
infection, Candida (yeast) infection, and bacterial overgrowth or skin
infection.
Treatment of fungal-related jock itch may include one or a combination of
antifungal shampoos to wash the groin, antifungal creams, and rarely antifungal
pills. Treatment of jock itch that is not caused by fungus involves proper groin
hygiene, keeping the area clean and dry, and washing frequently with gentle soap
and water (especially after sweating or exercise).
Jock itch causes a symmetrical red or pink rash on the sides of the groin
folds. There may be a dry, scaly rash or a collection of small, pinpoint red or
pink bumps at each hair follicle. Sometimes, there may be no rash at all.
What causes jock itch? Who gets jock itch?
Jock itch is a basic problem with inflammation of the skin in the groin. This
inflammation may be caused by simple mechanical irritation, infections like
bacteria and yeasts, or other noninfectious skin conditions. Causes of jock itch include the following:
- moisture, warmth, and skin friction in the groin folds;
- tight, occlusive
clothing and undergarments that trap in sweat;
- contact with fungus and yeasts; and
- contact with bacteria.
Different skin infections may include
- Candida albicans (yeast)
- Trichophyton (fungus)
- Epidermophyton floccosum (fungus)
Overall, diet does not seem to affect jock itch.
Jock itch is most common in adult and middle-aged men. Anyone can get jock
itch, which is thought to affect nearly all people at some point in their lives.
Certain groups of people may be more prone to jock itch. Patients with
diabetes, obesity, and those with a compromised immune system like in HIV/AIDS,
hepatitis, chronic illnesses, cancer, systemic chemotherapy, immunosuppressive
drugs like prednisone, and those on biologic immune-system-modifying drugs like infliximab (Remicade) or etanercept (Enbrel) may be more prone to jock itch.
Other risk factors include
- heat,
- moisture,
- humidity,
- obesity,
- excess
sweating,
- exercise,
- weakened immune system,
- tight, occlusive fabrics and
undergarments, and
- athlete's foot infection or other "ringworm" on the body.
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