Jock itch is precisely what it sounds like. It’s that itchy sensation in your nether regions. The scientific name for this particular affliction is tinea cruris. If you’ve seen the first word “tinea” before it’s because it’s also the start of the scientific name for common fungal infections like athletes foot. It commonly appears as a rash that has a circular shape much like ringworm. The skin may appear darker, red, or scaly. It may burn as well as itch.
What Causes Jock Itch?
Jock itch is actually very easily developed. All fungal infections need to thrive is a lowered immune system, darkness and moisture. Sweaty workout clothes and sharing towels may provide the best environment for the fungi to persist and grow. If you sweat heavily, are overweight, are a man, or are prone to atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions you will likely develop jock itch at some point in your lifetime. Don’t panic. It isn’t life threatening.
Is It Contagious?
Gym showers, college communal showers, and even hot tubs are probably some of the places you may have picked it from. Yes it is contagious. Be careful who you share a hot tub with I general and most of all keep the itchy rashes dry. Try wearing cotton undies. It’s mostly just a nuisance. It’s not life threatening and can be easily handled with powders and creams. Anything in the over counter section of pharmacy with the word Clotrimazole or Miconazole on it is your best friend. Avoid scratching as much as possible. Fungal infections can also thrive in the nail-bed and spread to other parts of the body.
When to See a Doctor
Before you head to the pharmacy check with your primary care physician, genital itching can also be the result of STI’s and more serious illnesses. However, also keep track of the size and texture of rash. If it changes drastically, you may also need to see a doctor. If after treating this condition if re-occurs, you also need to see a doctor. You may need prescription strength cream or even antifungal oral medication.
Other Important Facts
It usually comes hand in hand with athlete’s foot. It mostly will not appear directly on the penis but somewhere else within groin region. Men are more likely to get jock itch then women because of their external system. However, that does not mean women are immune. The best strategy for prevention is to keep those areas clean and dry.
