INTRODUCTION 

Tinea cruris, commonly known as Jock Itch, is a fungal infection of the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. It occurs more often in men, people who sweat a lot, and individuals who live in hot and humid climates like India.
It is contagious but easily treatable if diagnosed early.

TINEA CRURIS  ( JOCK ITCH )

Causes 

Tinea cruris is caused by dermatophyte fungi, mainly:

• Trichophyton rubrum
• Trichophyton mentagrophytes

These fungi grow rapidly in warm, moist areas around the groin.

Risk Factors

• Excessive sweating
• Tight or synthetic underwear
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Sharing towels or clothes
• Poor hygiene
• Wearing sweaty clothes for long periods
• Existing fungal infections (like athlete’s foot / tinea corporis)

Signs & Symptoms

People with tinea cruris may experience:

• Red, itchy rash on groin, inner thighs, or buttocks
• Burning or chafing sensation
• Ring-shaped lesions with slightly raised borders
• Flaky or scaly skin
• Rash edges may look sharp, reddish, and advancing outward
• Sometimes foul smell due to moisture and sweat

Important:
The rash usually spares the genitals (penis, scrotum) but surrounds them.

Is Tinea Cruris Contagious?

✔ Yes, it spreads easily through:

• Direct skin contact
• Sharing towels, innerwear, or clothing
• Contaminated bed sheets
• From your own body (e.g., from foot fungus)

Diagnosis

Usually clinical by dermatologist.
In unclear cases, KOH test or skin scraping helps confirm the fungus.

Treatment of Tinea Cruris

1. Topical Antifungal Creams (Apply twice daily for 2–4 weeks)

Commonly used:

• Clotrimazole 1%
• Terbinafine 1%
• Ketoconazole 2%
• Luliconazole 1%
• Eberconazole
• Sertaconazole

2. Oral Antifungal Medicines

(Required for severe, recurrent, or chronic cases—only under doctor supervision)

• Terbinafine
• Itraconazole
• Fluconazole

NOTE :-

❌ Avoid steroid creams (e.g., Betnovate, Quadriderm, Panderm, Lobate)

They give temporary relief but worsen fungal infection, making it chronic.

Home Remedies

1)Tea tree oil diluted with coconut oil (never apply directly)
2)Aloe vera gel for soothing
3) Cornstarch or talcum powder to keep area dry
4)Warm water wash and gentle drying

NOTE :-

These do not replace medical treatment but help relieve symptoms.

Prevention 

• Keep groin area clean and completely dry
• Change underwear daily
• Prefer loose cotton undergarments
• Avoid synthetic / tight clothing
• Do not share towels or clothes
• Wash clothes in hot water
• Treat athlete’s foot simultaneously (to avoid auto-spread)
• After bath: Dry groin first, feet last

Complications 

• Chronic, recurrent infection
• Spread to buttocks, thighs, or trunk
• Bacterial infection due to scratching
• Dark pigmentation after healing (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)

Do’s & Don’ts

Do’s

✔ Keep area dry
✔ Use antifungal cream regularly
✔ Wear cotton clothes
✔ Maintain hygiene

Don’ts

❌ Don’t use steroid creams
❌ Don’t scratch the area
❌ Don’t share towels
❌ Don’t wear sweaty clothes for long

FAQs