In this Article

• What is jock itch? What does jock itch look like?
• What causes jock itch? Who gets jock itch?
• What are signs and symptoms of jock itch?
• 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?
• How is jock itch treated?
• 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?
• When should I call my doctor?
• What is the prognosis with jock itch?
• How do I prevent jock itch?
• Jock Itch At A Glance
• Jock Itch Glossary
• Jock Itch Index

How do I prevent jock itch?

Jock itch prevention efforts include good general skin hygiene and keeping your groin clean and dry. The following preventive steps will help:

• Wash groin and buttocks with soap and water after exercise and sweating.



• Wash workout clothes, underwear, and swimwear after each use.



• Minimize groin moisture by using white cotton underwear.



• Change underwear frequently and especially after sweating.



• Wash clothes and undergarments in hot soapy water.



• Use loose-fitting cotton underwear and clothing.



• Avoid undergarments with polyesters, nylon, or synthetic fibers.



• Use an antifungal powder like Lamisil or Zeasorb to keep the groin dry.



• Avoid fragranced or irritating creams or lotions on the groin.



• Avoid going barefoot, especially at gyms, schools, and public pools.



• Treat athlete's foot if you have it.



• Cover your feet with socks before you put on your underwear and pants.

Jock Itch At A Glance

• Jock itch is a very common, itchy groin rash.
• Roughly half of jock itch is caused by a fungus. The remainder are caused by moisture, irritation, and bacterial overgrowth.
• Jock itch looks like pink or red rash in groin folds.
• Jock itch affects primarily males, although may also be seen in females.
• Jock itch is most common in older adults and athletes.
• Jock itch is often seen in otherwise healthy people.
• Jock itch is easily curable in most cases and frequently resolves on its own without treatment.
• Jock itch is often treated with antifungal washes for the groin.
• Resistant jock itch may require antifungal or antibiotic pills to clear.
• Jock itch is prevented by good skin hygiene.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

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