Jock itch (also known as tinea cruris) is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the inner thighs, buttocks and genitals.

The fungus that causes jock itch thrives in warm, moist areas. As a result, it causes an itchy, red, often ring-shaped rash in these warm, moist areas of the body.

Causes

• Jock itch occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies in the groin area. Jock itch occurs almost exclusively in adult men
•  It can sometimes accompany athlete's foot and ringworm
• The fungus that causes jock itch thrives in warm, moist areas
• 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
• Jock itch usually stays around the creases in the upper thigh and does not involve the scrotum or penis
• Jock itch may spread to the anus, causing anal itching and discomfort.

Signs & Symptoms

• Itching in groin, thigh skin folds, or anus
• Red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze -- The patches often have sharply-defined edges and are often redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center
• Abnormally dark or light skin
  

Treatment

Jock itch usually responds to self-care within a couple of weeks

• Keep the skin clean and dry
• Don't wear clothing that rubs and irritates the area
• Apply topical over-the-counter antifungal or drying powders, such as those that contain Miconazole, Clotrimazole, or Tolnaftate
  

Prevention

• Bath or shower regularly and rinse completely
• Avoid strong or deodorant soaps as they can be irritating
• Dry thoroughl
• Wear loose-fitting, absorbent cotton shorts
• Avoid tight-fitting underwear or clothes
• Change underwear at least once a day, more often if you work out or sweat heavily
• Don’t share towels
• Use a fresh towel after each shower.