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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffThe organisms that cause jock itch thrive in damp, close environments. Warm, humid settings that promote heavy sweating — thus washing away fungus-killing oils, making the skin more permeable and in turn making the skin more prone to infection — favor its spread. Jock itch often affects more men than women. Men wearing tight underwear or athletic supporters that aren't washed after each use might help explain this gender difference. People who are obese or sweat a lot also are at higher risk of jock itch.
People with impaired immune systems — such as people with diabetes or HIV/AIDS — also may be at increased risk of jock itch. If you have atopic dermatitis — a chronic, inherited skin disease characterized by itchy, inflamed skin — you may be more susceptible to jock itch. The barriers in your skin that normally protect you from viral, bacterial and fungal infections often are weakened or compromised.
- 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.
