Jock itch Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments

Jock itch is a fungal infection that occurs in the crotch region and also the perineum. Its prevention is facilitated by maintaining general hygiene, as in keeping the crotch area clean and dry.

What is jock itch?

Jock itch is a fungal condition characterized by a feeling of burning and itching in the region of the groin, anus and inner thighs. The area known as the crotch is affected and the infected area develops a red, tan or brown colour. If a person is suffering from jock itch the skin of the affected regions cracks, peels or flakes. The type of fungus that is commonly responsible for jock itch is the Trichophyton rubrum. This is a condition that can affect both males and females, but commonly affects males.

Causes of jock itch

The fungal organisms that cause jock itch thrive in the areas that are damp or humid warm and closed. These areas cause heavy sweating in an individual, resulting in a washing away of those bodily oils that kill fungus. This makes the skin more prone to fungal infections like jock itch. Men wearing tight underwear or athletic supporters can suffer from jock itch, especially if these are not washed regularly after each use. Obese people and those who sweat a lot are also an ideal candidate for jock itch. Also, people who are suffering from a weak immune system as a result of suffering from medical conditions like HIV/AIDS or diabetes are at the risk of suffering from this fungal infection.

Symptoms of jock itch

There are various symptoms of this condition including:

- Itching and burning sensation
- Rippling, cracking and peeling of skin
- The colour of the affected area appears brownish, red or tan
- Acute infection leads to a formation of sores
- Rash can develop into red plaque that has a plate like appearance
- Acute infection could also result in scaly patches that have a border that is sharply defined. A blistering and oozing of the border may take place

Diagnosis of jock itch

The skin appearance and symptoms dictate the diagnosis of this fungal condition. Doctors might conduct a small skin biopsy to confirm whether the person has jock itch or not. At times, a skin biopsy is conducted if the doctor thinks there might be other possible diagnosis for the symptoms exhibited by the person. In order to exclude the other diagnosis, a skin biopsy can be conducted. Many a times a skin swab or culture is taken to diagnose jock itch. Typically, there are no particular laboratory tests needed to diagnose common jock itch. Just the appearance of the skin and the symptoms are enough clues that the person is suffering from jock itch.

Treatment for jock itch

Before thinking about treating the condition, it's important to know how you can prevent it. Wearing loose fitting clothing and avoiding the sharing of clothes or towels will go a long way in helping prevent jock itch. There are various treatment options available for treating this condition. The use of various antifungal creams can help treat this fungal condition. Typically, prescription or over the counter topical treatment options are used for treating jock itch. If you think you are suffering from jock itch, it's important that you consult your doctor immediately as many effective anti fungal creams are not available without a prescription. At times, in serious cases of jock itch, the application of topical steroids can also be prescribed to the patient.

Creams usually need to be applied for a period of two weeks, at least two times a day. Doctors advise that the cream should be used at least one week more after the disappearance of the rash.

Description: Various aspects of jock itch have been discussed in this article. Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and the various available treatment options that help cure the condition have also been discussed.

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