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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffYour doctor can determine if you have jock itch or another skin disorder, such as dermatitis or psoriasis.
Your doctor may take skin scrapings or samples from the infected area and view them under a microscope. This is called a potassium hydroxide (KOH) test. If a sample shows fungi, treatment may include an antifungal medication. If the test is negative, but your doctor still suspects that you have jock itch, a sample may be sent to a lab to determine whether it will grow fungi under the right conditions. This test is known as a culture. Your doctor may also order a culture if your condition doesn't respond to treatment.
References
- Goldstein A, et al. Dermatophyte (tinea) infections. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 7, 2010.
- Trevino J, et al. Tinea (dematophyte) infections. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/education/students/Tineainfect.htm. Accessed Sept. 27, 2010.
- Augenbaugh W. Cutaneous fungal infections. In: Bope ET, et al. Conn's Current Therapy. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6642-2..00013-2--sc0100&isbn=978-1-4160-6642-2&sid=1060046265&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6642-2..00013-2--s1795&uniqId=220345846-2#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6642-2..00013-2--s1795. Accessed Sept. 27, 2010.
- Nadalo D, et al. What is the best way to treat tinea cruris? The Journal of Family Practice. 2006;55:256.
- Dermatophyte fungal infections. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..00022-5&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&sid=1060047096&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..00022-5--s0375&uniqId=220345846-3#4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..00022-5--s0375. Accessed Sept. 28, 2010.
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