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
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now
|
Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours
Contact Doctor During Office Hours
|
Self Care at Home
|
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.