Tinea Cruris - Symptoms & Treatment

"Jock itch" refers to any itching groin rash of men. Infection often comes from the feet (tinea pedis) or nails (tinea unguium) originally, spread by scratching or the use of an infected towel. Tinea cruris may form ring-like patterns on the buttocks. Tinea cruris can be very itchy. Tinea pedis, Tinea manuum, and Tinea cruris refer to Tinea corporis that is limited to the foot, hand, and groin, respectively. Tinea cruris or ringworm of the groin, is an infection of the groin area caused by fungi. The most common etiologic agents for tinea cruris include Trichophyton rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosum less commonly Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton verrucosum are involved. Tinea cruris is a contagious infection transmitted by fomites, such as contaminated towels or hotel bedroom sheets, or by autoinoculation from a reservoir on the hands or feet (tinea manuum, tinea pedis, tinea unguium). The etiologic agents produce keratinases, which allow invasion of the cornified cell layer of the epidermis. The host immune response may prevent deeper invasion. Risk factors for initial infection or reinfection include wearing tight-fitting or wet clothing or undergarments.

Tinea cruris is a common fungal infection of skin and its fungi responsible for the cause can be divided into three groups - Fungi preferring earth (geophile) , Fungi preferring animals (zoophile) and Fungi preferring humans (anthropophile). Although there are many causes of jock itch, this term has become synonymous with tinea cruris , a common fungal infection that affects the groin and inner thighs of men and woman. In different parts of the world, different species cause tinea cruris. In New Zealand, Trichophyton rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosum are the most common causes. The appearance is similar to ringworm ( tinea corporis ). The rash has a scaly raised red border that spreads down the inner thighs from the groin or scrotum. Tinea cruris may form ring-like patterns on the buttocks. Tinea cruris can be very itchy.

Causes of Tinea Cruris

All fungal infections are caused by dermatophytes, microorganisms that live on cells in the outer layer of the skin. The fungus grows best in warm moist places, and it has a tendency to get worse during the summer because sweating is increased. Jock itch occurs almost exclusively in adult men. It can sometimes accompany athlete's foot and ringworm. Jock itch can be triggered by friction from clothes and prolonged wetness in the groin area (such as from sweating). Jock itch may be contagious. It can be passed from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with unwashed clothing.

Find common causes and risk factors of Tinea Cruris :

• Obesity.
• Tight clothing.
• Tinea cruris is caused by a fungus.
• Hot, humid conditions.
• Using public showers or locker rooms.
• Heavy perspiration.
• A weak immune system , may also the main cause of tinea cruris.
• The warm , moist environment is the perfect place for the fungus to grow, thus become a cause of tinea cruris.
• Lichen simplex chronicus , may help in the production of tinea cruris in the body.

Signs and Symptoms of Tinea Cruris

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• Itching in groin, thigh skin folds, or anus.
• Abnormally dark or light skin.
• The disease is most active at the edges of the patch.
• Burning sensation around the groin.
• Flaking, peeling or cracking skin in the groin area.

Treatment for Tinea Cruris

Treatment may include:

• Topical therapy is usually enough to cure tinea cruris.
• For severe cases Oral antifungal agents such as griseofulvin, terbinafine, ketoconazole, itraconazole or fluconazole.
• Apply the cream to the surrounding 4-6 cm of normal skin in addition to the rash.
• Dry the groin carefully after bathing using a separate towel.
• Tinea cruris is only one cause of groin itching. If your rash does not improve, please return for further evaluation.
• Do not share towels, sheets or personal clothing.
• Avoid wearing occlusive or synthetic clothing.
• Wear Cotton Underwear to avoid this disease.
• Keep skin dry and clean . Washing the affected area with antibacterial soap will help in killing the fungus.