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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

Jock itch usually begins with mild intermittent itching in the groin. The itching can get worse and become unbearable in some cases. The rash is usually on both sides of the groin and affects the folds.

The rash may become dry, rough, and bumpy, develop pus bumps, or begin to ooze. Sometimes, the uppermost skin clears as the rash spreads further down onto the thighs. The itching and rash can spread to the genitals, including the labia, vagina, scrotum, penis, and anus.

Women may also develop vaginal white discharge and yeast infections. Men may develop infections on the head of the penis, especially if they are not circumcised.

Severe cases may be very uncomfortable and develop secondary complications such as breaks in the skin, open sores, ulcers, and rarely cellulitis.

Jock itch does not affect the entire body. It is usually limited to the groin, inner thigh folds, genitals, and anal area. Itching of the entire body is called pruritus and is generally unrelated to jock itch.

The diagnosis of jock itch is typically based on the symptoms and skin appearance.

In some cases, a small skin biopsy may be used to help the doctor confirm the diagnosis. Skin biopsy (surgically taking a small piece of skin using local numbing medicine) with histopathological (exam of tissue under the microscope) evaluation may also be useful in atypical or widespread cases. Sometimes skin biopsies help to exclude other possible diagnosis. Other times, a skin swab or culture may be taken and sent to the lab to detect an infectious cause of the jock itch. Usually, no specific laboratory tests are needed in the diagnosis of common jock itch. Imaging studies like X-rays or CT scans are not useful. A bacterial culture may be useful to check for bacteria like Staphylococcus on the skin. Microscopic skin tests and fungal tests using potassium hydroxide may help to determine if the jock itch is caused by yeast or a fungus. A few other medical conditions may look just like jock itch and need to be examined more closely by a dermatologist.

Other medical conditions can mimic jock itch. Some possible mimics include

• ringworm also called tinea cruris,
• eczema,
• intertrigo,
• erythrasma,
• impetigo,
• atopic dermatitis,
• irritant or contact dermatitis,
• heat rash,
• dry skin (xerosis),
• inverse psoriasis.

Jock itch may be caused by athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis. The same fungus that causes athlete's foot in a person may actually spread over to the groin in some cases. It is important to always check the feet for rashes in people with jock itch. Spread of the fungus usually occurs when fungal particles pass onto the crotch of the pants while actually getting dressed. Any foot infection must be treated in order to avoid recurrence of the jock itch.