Jock Itch Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jock Itch?
(Tinea Cruris) It is a part of a fungal skin infection called tinea, related to athletes foot and ringworm.

Is Jock Itch contagious?
Jock Itch is contagious. Direct skin-to-skin contact can cause Jock Itch to spread between people. However, it is usually spread though contact with athlete’s foot which causes the infection to the groin area.

What Causes Jock Itch?
It is caused by a fungus, usually the same one that causes athlete’s foot. It can sometimes be transferred by a towel used to dry the feet then the groin area. These fungi are known as dermatophytes. There are about 40 species in three genera. The one that is usually the causative agent for jock itch is Trichophyton rubrum.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Jock Itch?
Jock itch is usually a little less severe than other tinea infections, but it can last for a while. Some symptoms include:

• Flaking, cracking and peeling skin
• Chafing, itching, or burning of the groin area, thigh, or anal area.
• Redness of the skin in the groin, thigh, or anal area.
• Red, circular, raised rash with elevated edges

Can I Prevent Jock Itch?
Good Hygiene is the most important thing that helps prevent jock itch. You can prevent Tinea Cruris by thoroughly drying after bathing, wearing loose cotton underwear, and using powder on the groin area once or twice daily. You can also help prevent by doing the following…

• Disinfect shower floors
• Avoid wearing tight fitting clothing
• Wear boxer shorts
• If you become hot or sweaty, change clothes as soon as you can

Who Gets Jock Itch?
You don't have to be a jock to get jock itch. They call it jock itch because mostly athletes or "jocks" get it, but it can affect anyone who tends to sweat a lot. It most often affects males, but females can get it also. Certain factors can make jock itch more likely to develop such as excessive sweating while playing sports, hot and humid weather, friction from wearing tight or wet clothes for extended periods (like bathing suits), sharing clothes with others, diabetes mellitus, or obesity.

Where Did I Get Jock Itch From?
Some of the most common ways to you can get jock itch is from walking barefoot on a public shower floor, Jacuzzi’s, swimming pools, or from using a towel from someone else. If you also have athlete’s foot, you could have transmitted the fungus to your groin area.

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