Itching and jock itch

Jock itch, also called tinea cruris, often affects the skin folds of the groin and upper thigh. The rash may have a more defined edge, scaling or redness, while the central area can look less inflamed. Heat, sweat, tight clothing and friction can encourage fungal growth. The penis and scrotum are often less involved than the surrounding groin skin; a rash mainly on those areas may have another cause.

Groin itching is not always jock itch. Contact irritation, eczema, psoriasis, yeast infection and other rashes can look similar, so a clinician may examine the border, nearby skin and feet before confirming the diagnosis.

Keep the area clean and thoroughly dry, change out of sweaty clothing, choose loose breathable underwear and avoid sharing towels or clothing. Wash hands after applying any treatment, and avoid scratching because broken skin can become irritated or infected.

A pharmacist or clinician may recommend a topical antifungal treatment and explain how long to use it. Apply it to the affected skin as directed and do not use a steroid cream alone unless advised, because steroids can mask or worsen a fungal rash. More extensive, recurrent or treatment-resistant infection may need oral antifungal treatment.

Arrange an assessment if the rash is painful, rapidly spreading, oozing, cracked, recurrent or not improving with appropriate treatment. Seek prompt care for fever, marked swelling, severe pain, pus or rapidly worsening redness. Medical review is also useful when the diagnosis is uncertain, when diabetes or immune problems are present, or when the feet are scaly because they may help reinfect the groin.

Ask whether the appearance fits jock itch or another groin rash, whether the feet or household contacts need attention, and how long treatment should continue. Mention previous antifungal use, steroid creams, recurrence, sweating, friction and any broken or infected skin.