Tinea Cruris - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Definition

Tinea cruris is also known as Jock itch. It is a pruritic superficial fungal infection of the groin and adjacent skin. It is the second most common clinical presentation for dermatophytosis. Tinea cruris is a common and important clinical problem that may, at times, be a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. 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. Mostly, it occurs in adult men. The acute infection begins with an area in the groin fold about a half-inch across, usually on both sides. The area may enlarge, and other sores may develop in no particular pattern. An infection of the groin is usually caused by anthropophile fungi. The most common species are Epidermophyton floccosum and Tricophyton rubrum.

Causes

1. The body normally hosts a variety of bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others can multiply rapidly and form infections.  Tinea cruris occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies in the groin area.
2. Tinea cruris 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.
3. Some of the fungi involved in these conditions primarily infect animals, but they may also be transmitted from animals to humans.
4. Swimmers, children in day care, and people with weak immune systems are at greater risk.
5. It is possible to get ringworm more than once.

Symptoms

1. Red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze. The patches often have sharply-defined edges. They are often redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center. This may create the appearance of a ring.
2. Itching in groin, thigh skin folds, or anus.
3. Tinea of the groin tends to have a reddish-brown color.
4. Abnormally dark or light skin.
5. The border is sharply marked, slightly raised and often beefy red in color.
6. Jock itch can spread to the pubic and genital regions and sometimes to the buttocks.
7. Other conditions that can mimic tinea cruris include yeast infections, psoriasis, and intertrigo, a chafing rash which results from the skin rubbing against the skin.

Treatment

1. Treat all active areas of infection simultaneously to prevent reinfection of the groin from other body sites.
2. Advise patients with tinea pedis to put on their socks before their undershorts to reduce the possibility of direct contamination.
3. Keep the skin clean and dry.
4. Apply topical over-the-counter antifungal or drying powders, such as those that contain miconazole, clotrimazole, or tolnaftate.
5. Severe infections, frequently recurring infections, or infections lasting longer than two weeks may require further treatment by your doctor.
6. In severe cases stronger prescription medications, such as those containing ketoconazole or terbinafine, or oral antifungal may be needed.