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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffJock itch (tinea cruris) is a fungal infection that affects the skin of your inner thighs, buttocks and genitals. Jock itch causes an itchy, red, often ring-shaped rash in these warm, moist areas of your body.
Jock itch gets its name because it is common in people who sweat a lot, as do athletes. It also often occurs in people who are overweight, but anyone — even women — can get this infection.
Although often uncomfortable and bothersome, jock itch usually isn't serious, except possibly for people with weak immune systems. Keeping your groin area clean and dry and applying topical antifungal medications are usually sufficient to treat jock itch.
- Hainer BL. Dermatophyte infections. American Family Physician. 2003;67(1):101-108.
- Goldstein A, et al. Dermatophyte (tinea) infections. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug, 25, 2008.
- Nadalo D, et al. What is the best way to treat tinea cruris? The Journal of Family Practice. 2006;55(3):256-258.
- Gupta AK, et al. Optimal management of fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2004;5(4):225-237.
- Diflucan (prescribing information). New York, N.Y.: Pfizer; 2008.
- Grifulvin V (prescribing information). Raritan, N.J.: Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation; 1997.
- Lawrence Gibson (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 9, 2008.
