Tinea cruris
| Tinea cruris | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Infectious diseases  |
Jock itch, also called Crotch Itch, Bag Rot, tinea cruris or ringworm of the groin, is a fungal infection of the groin region.
Causes
Opportunistic infections (infections that are caused by a diminished immune system) are frequent. Fungus from other parts of the body (commonly tinea pedis or 'athlete's foot') can contribute to jock itch. A warm, damp environment allowing the fungus to cultivate greatly contributes; especially with tight, sweaty or rubbing clothing.
The type of fungus that most commonly causes jock itch is called Trichophyton rubrum. Some other contributing fungi are Candida albicans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum.
Treatment
Jock itch is best treated with Anti-fungul topical creams containing Clotrimazole(Canesten from Bayer) or Miconazole(Zole F from Ranbaxy, India or Daktarin, UK).These anti-fungal agents works by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes.If ergosterol synthesis is completely or partially inhibited, the cell is no longer able to construct an intact cell membrane. This leads to death of the fungus.
Preventing recurrence
There are practices that can help reduce the risk of recurrence. Bear in mind that fungus can be very resilient both on the body and on clothing. To eliminate it permanently may require diligence. A long term or serious fungal infection may inflame the skin and make it more prone to sweating, and hence more ideal for recurrence. Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to reduce inflammation. Some dermatologists prescribe a corticosteroid against the itch, which has a side effect of making the skin thinner and the problem worse as this corticosteroid causing flairing of the infection (increase in the intenisty of the infection). There are many medicinal ointments against candida that do a better job.
Dryness
Bathe or shower immediately after sweating. This is especially important after exercising, where there has been sweating and irritation from friction. Use talcum powder or a medicated powder such as tolnaftate to keep the groin area dry. A hair dryer (preferably one with a "cool" setting) can be very helpful too, especially if you use water instead of toilet paper, as is recommended to prevent skin damage.
Irritants
Several materials and activities can aggravate jock itch, such as:
- Scented or antibacterial soaps. (Consider hypoallergenic or acidic candida soaps)
- Sweating and friction, such as cycling (regularly shave your hairs).
- Synthetic materials.
Clothing
Clothing is especially important. If fungus resides on your clothing, and you are susceptible to it, the odds of recurrence are much higher.
It can help to:
- Wear loose underwear, such as boxer shorts.
- Sleep with a nightshirt or in the nude.
- Change underwear frequently, particularly if it gets sweaty.
There are ways to help keep clothing free of fungus.
- Wash exercise clothing between workouts.
- Wash underwear and bed-sheets in hot water.
- Be mindful of clothing storage. In particular, because of the ideal growing conditions for fungus, avoid storage:
- of exercise clothing without washing it,
- in damp or moist areas,
- in dark places, and
- with poor ventilation.
Also, it is important to remember that when putting on and taking off pants, the feet can transfer fungus to the crotch and vice versa.