Tinea cruris is an infection of the groin caused by a fungus.
Causes
The body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, some of which are useful to the body, while others can multiply rapidly and form infections. Tinea cruris occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies in the groin area.
Tinea cruris is a skin disorder that occurs mainly in adult men and can sometimes accompany athlete's foot . It can be triggered by friction from clothes and prolonged wetness of the skin in the groin area (such as from sweating).
Tinea cruris may be contagious and can spread from person to person through direct skin contact or by contact with objects such as unwashed clothing. It does not involve the scrotum or penis. It is often less severe than other tinea infections, but can last longer. It may spread to the anus, causing anal itching and discomfort.
Symptoms
• Itching in the groin, anal area, in the crease of thigh skin
• Red patches, 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 middle.
• Abnormally dark or light skin.
Exams and Tests
Your doctor will usually diagnose tinea cruris on the basis of the appearance of the skin and usually do not need tests. If tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis, either a culture or biopsy of the skin lesion of skin lesion may show the fungus that causes jock itch.
Treatment
Tinea cruris usually responds to self-care within a couple of weeks:
• Keep skin clean and dry
• Do not wear clothing that rubs and irritates the area
• Apply topical antifungal or drying powders as those that contain miconazole, clotrimazole, or tolnaftate
Severe infections that last more than two weeks may require further treatment by the physician. They may require a stronger prescription containing ketoconazole or terbinafine, or oral antifungals.
Prognosis
Tinea usually responds promptly to treatment, but some cases last a long time.
Possible complications
• Secondary bacterial skin
• Drug side effects
Call your doctor if the disease does not respond to home treatment after two weeks or if you have other symptoms.
Prevention
• Keep the groin area clean and dry
• Avoid tight clothes and rough-textured
• Wear loose-fitting
• After bathing, apply antifungal or drying powders if you are susceptible to tinea cruris
