TINEA CRURIS – Causes, Clinical Manifestations, Management and Prevention
Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a fungal infection that affects the skin of genitals, inner thighs and buttocks. Jock itch causes an itchy, red, often ring-shaped rash in these warm, moist areas of body. Jock itch gets its name because it is common in people who sweat a lot, as do athletes.
CAUSES
Dermatophytes like to grow on skin that’s moist and warm and thrive in areas where skin comes into contact with other skin, such as the groin or between the toes.
- Overweight men
- Tight clothing
- Hot, humid weather
- Impaired immune system
- Atopic dermatitis
Men who play sports and use a male athletic guard are particularly prone to tinea infection. Sweaty equipment left in a locker makes an ideal environment for tinea to grow. The fungi can live on towels, floors, carpets, and toilets seats. Sharing towels, combs, and shoes can easily transmit fungal infections.
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
Tinea is often painful or itchy, but not in every case. There are visual clues to help identify a fungal infection. These include:
- Inflammation of the groin, anal area, and upper thigh – not including the genitals themselves.
- Slightly raised patch
- Sharp borders
- Expanding or spreading with clearing in the centre
- Dry or scaly blisters (occasionally oozing or crusting)
- Abnormally dark or light skin
- Skin redness or inflammation
Fungal infections often spread out in a circle, leaving normal-looking skin in the middle. At the leading edge of the infection the skin is raised, red, and scaly.
MANAGEMENT
Tinea cruris is considered a mild condition and is usually treated with medications that often do not require a prescription. It should easily clear up after 2 to 4 weeks with an antifungal cream, powder, or lotion applied to the affected area 2 or 3 times a day.
Antifungal creams and powders such as clotrimazole or miconazole, available without prescription at the pharmacy, are effective against most dermatophytes. It’s important to continue use after the infection has disappeared for as long as the instructions recommend.
If the inflammation persists for much more than 2 or 3 weeks despite antifungal medication, see a doctor. The doctor may prescribe a different antifungal cream or possibly an antifungal medication taken by mouth to treat the infection.
PREVENTION
Follow these tips to help to relieve and prevent jock itch:
- Wear loose-fitting clothing and underwear
- Change underwear often, especially after sweating
- Shower as soon as possible after exercising
- Wash exercise clothes after each use
- Don’t sit around in a wet bathing suit
- Don’t use another person’s towel or clothes
- After showering, put socks on first. If underpants are put on first, foot fungus can rub off into the underwear and cause jock ich
- Use corn starch or talcum powder in areas more likely to become infected to keep them free of moisture.
TINEA CRURIS – Causes, Clinical Manifestations, Management and Prevention