The Facts
Tinea cruris, commonly referred to as jock itch, is a fungal infection in
the groin area, affecting mostly adult men. It's caused by a type of fungus
called dermatophytes. It grows in a circle on your skin and often looks
like a ring. Due to irritation, the skin becomes red. Some people think the
infection looks like there is a worm under the skin. Because of this, this infection
is often referred to as "ringworm," although no worm is actually involved.
The fungi are commonly found on the skin surface and nails and are usually quite
harmless. Under certain conditions, however, they can multiply dramatically,
causing irritation and surface tissue damage.
You don't have to be athletic to get jock itch. Infections caused by these
organisms go by the medical name tinea. Tinea pedis is athlete's
foot; tinea capitis is ringworm of the scalp. Jock itch is tinea cruris,
from the Latin word for leg. They are all caused by dermatophytes - only the
area infected differs.
Classic jock itch affects the inner thighs and lower buttocks, not the genitalia
themselves. If the scrotum is inflamed, it's probably due to a different
yeast condition called candidiasis, and a physician should be consulted.
Causes
Dermatophytes like to grow on skin that's moist and warm and thrive in areas
where skin comes into contact with other skin, such as the groin or between
the toes. Overweight men are more likely to develop jock itch if they sweat
a lot or have folds of touching skin. Tight clothing and hot, humid weather
are other risk factors.
Men who play sports and use a male athletic guard are particularly prone to
tinea infection. Sweaty equipment left in a locker makes an ideal environment
for tinea to grow. The fungi can lie on towels, floors, carpets, and toilet
seats. Sharing towels, combs, and shoes can easily transmit fungal infections.
Since the same dermatophytes can cause different types of tinea, it is not uncommon
for someone with athlete's foot to get jock itch by towelling his feet before
his groin.
