Tinea cruris, the medical term for jock itch, is caused by a growth of tiny fungi called dermatophytes in your crotch area. This is the same fungus that causes ringworm and athlete’s foot. It can affect your upper thighs, genitals, pubic area, or around your anus.
It can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as itching and skin discoloration. It’s unlikely to go away on its own, so it’s important to seek treatment. It can be treated with OTC antifungal creams or stronger prescription medications.
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Jock itch treatments
Without treatment, jock itch can spread to other parts of your body. The fungus thrives in moist, warm environments, so it’s important to keep the affected area clean and dry.
Because it’s caused by an overgrowth of fungus, it’s treated by a class of medications known as antifungals. These specifically target the fungus and stop it from growing and spreading.
Some antifungal creams are available OTC, while others might be prescribed by a healthcare professional. This is the fastest way to get rid of jock itch.
OTC options
Most OTC antifungal remedies come in the form of creams, lotions, or ointments, known as topical antifungals. These are applied directly to your skin.
How long your treatment lasts will depend on the specific medication. However, they’re usually applied once or twice per day for 2 to 4 weeks. You can read the instructions that come with the medication for more information.
Some common OTC antifungals include:
- clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
- miconazole (Monistat)
- ketoconazole (Ketozole)
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If your infection doesn’t go away with OTC antifungals, or if it keeps coming back, doctors might prescribe stronger medications that you take by mouth. These are known as systemic treatments.
Examples of these include:
- terbinafine (Lamisil)
- itraconazole (Sporanox)
- griseofulvin
- fluconazole (Diflucan)
In some cases, jock itch can develop a secondary bacterial infection. If this happens, the doctor will also prescribe you oral or topical antibiotics. These include:
- bacitracin (Baciguent)
- mupirocin (Bactroban)
- amoxicillin (Amoxil)
At-home treatments
Medications are the most effective way to get rid of jock itch, and it’s unlikely to clear up on its own, but there are some home methods you can try to soothe the itch. Some non-medical ways to manage jock itch include:
- keeping your skin dry and clean
- wearing loose-fitting underwear and pants
- wash athletic clothing and underwear frequently
These remedies will also help prevent jock itch from returning.
What’s more, some 2021 research suggests that aloe vera gel and turmeric essential oil can also slow or stop the growth of the fungus when combined with antifungal creams, although there’s no evidence that the two natural remedies would be effective alone.
Online care for jock itch
It’s important to receive the right care for jock itch, particularly if OTC products and home remedies aren’t working for it. You might find the condition uncomfortable or embarrassing because of the area it affects.
Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.
What causes jock itch?
Jock itch, or tinea cruris, is caused by an overgrowth of fungus around your crotch. It’s a type of ringworm infection. The same fungus can also cause athlete’s foot.
You can get jock itch through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the infection. You can also get it by sharing objects like towels, bedsheets, or underwear with someone who has it.
If you have athlete’s foot, this can spread into jock itch by pulling up your pants if your pants have come into contact with the fungus on your feet. You can get athlete’s foot in the same ways as jock itch, as well as walking barefoot in shared showers or locker rooms.
Certain risk factors can increase your likelihood of getting jock itch:
- wearing tight underwear
- excessive sweating
- participating in contact sports
Athletes may be more likely to develop ringworm infections like jock itch because they will sweat more. Your genetics might also make you more likely to develop the infection.
Is jock itch an STI?
Although it affects your genital area, jock itch is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). However, it can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact, so it is possible to pick it up from a sexual partner with the condition.
Summary
Jock itch is an uncomfortable condition caused by a fungus. It affects your groin area, from your upper thighs to around your genitals.
The best way to get rid of jock itch is using antifungal medications. Usually, OTC antifungal creams are enough to get rid of the infection in a couple of weeks. If they don’t work or if the infection keeps recurring, you should consider speaking with a doctor, who can prescribe stronger oral antifungals.
Alongside medications, make sure you’re keeping the area dry and clean, and make sure you’re wearing loose-fitting clothing to avoid further irritation.
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