Jock Itch
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Jock itch or tinea cruris refers to a fungal infection affecting the skin of the genitals, inner thighs and the buttocks causing scratchy, scarlet and ring-shaped rashes in warm, moist areas of the body. This fungal infection is common in people who sweat a lot such as athletes and the overweight. It is however, less serious as much as it makes people uncomfortable thus, keeping the groin area dry and clean aside from applying relevant antifungal drugs are enough to treat it.
Signs and symptoms
Jock itch commonly starts with a reddened region of the skin that spread from the fold in the groin in a shape similar to that of half a moon and onto the upper thigh. The edge of the rash might entail a line of diminutive, raised blisters. The rash may constantly itch or burn and the skin may start peeling or become crusty. A general practitioner may recommend prescription medication, if a person has a rash on the skin that fails to improve within two weeks.
Causes
Jock itch can be caused by a kind of fungus that spread from one person to another or from sharing of contaminated towels and clothing. Jock itch is regularly caused by the similar fungus that brings about athlete’s foot in individuals. It is ordinary of the disease to spread from a person's feet to his groin because the fungus can be passed through the hands or on a towel due to poor personal hygiene.
Risk factors
The organisms causing jock itch proliferate well in damp areas, warm and humid environments that promote heavy sweating; and close environments. These wash away fungus killing oils, making one's skin permeable and vulnerable to infection. One is susceptible to jock itch if he or she wears tight underwear or athletic supporters that do not get cleaned after use, is overweight, sweats heavily, has a weakened immune system, has other skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or a chronic and inherited skin infection that is characterized by inflamed skin; or if the individual is a man.
Treatment
For a mild case of jock itch, the general practitioner might recommend the use of an over the counter antifungal cream, ointment, spray or powder. These treatments should clear the rash arising from jock itch but one ought to continue applying the drug twice a day for a period not less than ten days.
In case one has an athlete’s foot, it should be treated at the same time jock itch is being treated to reduce the risk of recurrence. If jock itch becomes severe or fails to respond to the medicine, the victim may require prescription strength gels and probably antifungal pills.
athletes foot
Prevention
Affected individuals can reduce the risk of jock itch by taking certain preventive measures, such as staying clean and dry. One ought to keep his or her groin area by drying the genital area with clean towel immediately after shower or exercise. Apply powder around the groin area and inner thighs to prevent excess dampness. In addition, wear clean clothes, avoid thick clothing for long periods in warm and humid weather, and avoid sharing personal items to prevent transfer of the fungus.
Make sure you treat athlete's foot as soon as possible and bear in mind that the fungus can be transferred to other susceptible regions of the body. Change your underwear daily or as frequently as possible, especially if you sweat a lot. You should make sure that the clothes worn fit correctly, specifically the underwear, sports uniform and athletic supporters as tight-fitting clothes may rub and scratch the skin surface making it defenseless from jock itch.
References