Jock Itch

Is this your symptom?

  • Rash of the groin and inner, upper thighs caused by a fungus
  • Much more common in males than females
  • Rash is itchy and not painful

Symptoms

  • Pink-red, scaly rash on inner thighs near groin. Often, starts in the groin crease. Then, spreads slowly down the inner thighs.
  • In males, the rash does not involve the penis or scrotum.
  • Rash is often the same on both inner thighs.
  • Rash is itchy, but not painful. It may become sore from scratching.

Cause

  • Jock itch is caused by a fungus. This is often the same fungus that causes athlete's foot.
  • It can come from a towel used to dry the feet and then the groin.
  • The fungus can only grow in warm, damp skin. Sweating a lot and wearing damp underwear raises the risk of getting it.
  • Called 'jock itch' because it occurs mostly in males who play sports.

How to Prevent Jock Itch from Coming Back

  • Keep the groin area clean and dry. Reason: the fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin.
  • Change into dry underwear after playing sports.
  • Also, avoid wearing underwear that is too tight.
  • If you have athlete's foot, use a separate towel for the feet.

When to Call for Jock Itch

When to Call for Jock Itch

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

  • You feel weak or very sick
  • You think you need to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

  • Weak immune system. Examples are: diabetes, sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids.
  • Pus is draining from the rash
  • You are worried you might have an STI (sexually transmitted infection)
  • You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

  • Rash is mainly on the penis or scrotum
  • Rash keeps spreading after 1 week of treatment
  • Rash is not gone after 2 weeks of treatment
  • Rash is painful
  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

  • Normal jock itch rash: slow spreading, itchy, pink-red rash on the groin or inner thigh(s)

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

  • You feel weak or very sick
  • You think you need to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

  • Weak immune system. Examples are: diabetes, sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids.
  • Pus is draining from the rash
  • You are worried you might have an STI (sexually transmitted infection)
  • You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

  • Rash is mainly on the penis or scrotum
  • Rash keeps spreading after 1 week of treatment
  • Rash is not gone after 2 weeks of treatment
  • Rash is painful
  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

  • Normal jock itch rash: slow spreading, itchy, pink-red rash on the groin or inner thigh(s)

Care Advice

What You Should Know about Jock Itch:

  • Jock itch is a fungal infection, also known as Tinea Cruris.
  • It grows on warm, damp areas of the skin that are often covered by clothing. It is common in athletes, the elderly and teens. It's more common in men than women.
  • It is harmless, but causes irritation, soreness and sometimes a bad smell.
  • It's caused by a fungus that is on the skin and overgrows at times.
  • The fungus is the same one that causes athlete's foot. It can be spread from one part of the body to another.
  • In women, it can occur in the groin and also under the breasts and in the armpits.
  • Here is some care advice that should help.

Antifungal Cream:

  • Use an antifungal cream 2 times per day.
  • Some brand names are Lamisil, Micatin or Lotrimin cream. No prescription is needed.
  • Put it on the rash and 1 inch beyond its borders. Make sure you put it on in all the skin creases.
  • Keep using the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is gone.

Keep Area Dry:

  • Jock itch will heal faster if the groin area is kept dry.
  • Wash the rash area once a day with plain water. Dry it with care. Do not use soap on the rash.
  • Wear loosely fitting cotton underwear. Wash gym shorts, jog bras and jockstraps after each use.

Try Not to Scratch:

  • Scratching will cause more damage to the skin and can lead to other infection.
  • Make every effort not to scratch.
  • Cut the fingernails short.

What to Expect:

  • Rash stops spreading after treated for 2-3 days.
  • With proper treatment, rash goes away in 2-3 weeks.

Return to Work and Other Activities:

  • Jock itch is not easily spread to others. The fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin.
  • You do not need to miss any work. You can still be active or play sports.

Check for Athlete's Foot:

  • If you also have an itchy rash on your toes or feet, see Athlete's Foot care guide.
  • Until the rash is gone, use a separate towel to dry the feet.

Call Your Doctor If:

  • Rash is not better after 1 week of treatment
  • Rash is not gone after 4 weeks of treatment
  • You think you need to be seen
  • Your symptoms get worse

    • Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

    Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Copyright 2025 Schmitt Decision Logic LLC.

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