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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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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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In this Article

• Jock itch facts
• What is jock itch? What does jock itch look like?
• What causes jock itch?
• Who gets jock itch?
• What are jock itch symptoms and signs?
• Does jock itch affect the entire body?
• How is jock itch diagnosed?
• Is jock itch curable? Is jock itch contagious?
• What are possible complications of jock itch?
• What is the treatment for jock itch?
• What home remedy can I use for jock itch?
• What holistic jock itch treatments are available?
• How do I treat fungal jock itch?
• How do I treat bacterial jock itch?
• How is itching from jock itch treated?
• Why is my groin still discolored?
• What is the best drug for jock itch?
• What is the prognosis with jock itch?
• When should I call my doctor about jock itch?
• How do I prevent jock itch?
• Patient Comments: Jock Itch - Treatments
• Find a local Dermatologist in your town
• Jock Itch Index

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
• Infections caused by fungus and yeasts: Candida (yeast), Trichophyton and Epidermophyton (fungal molds)
• Infections by bacteria, particularly Corynebacterium

Generally, 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,
• athlete's foot infection or other "ringworm" on the body.