Jock itch is a common fungal infection that appears on the upper thighs, buttocks and genitals. It is characterized by a ring shaped, itchy, red, rash. It is mildly contagious and can be passed by direct contact or by sharing bath towels.

Jock itch is caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot. Therefore, it is highly possible for the fungus to spread from your feet to your groin area.

Women can get jock itch also, but it is more common in men.

The symptoms of jock itch are:

* Itching and redness in your groin area, genitals, buttocks, anal area and inner thighs.

* Burning sensation in the reddened areas.

* Peeling or flaking of the skin in these areas.

This fungus thrives in warm, moist areas. People who sweat a lot are prone to this infection because, the sweat will wash away the normal skin oils that help protect the skin, allowing the fungus to flourish. Obese people are very prone to jock itch also, because it will settle in the skin folds of the lower stomach.

Jock itch is usually harmless and highly curable. People who are immuno compromised, such as someone with HIV, may find it harder to cure. Jock itch can be treated with over the counter medicines such as Lamisil AT or Lotrimin AF. If it does not respond to these treatments, see your doctor. He may have to prescribe a stronger topical cream or an oral medication such as Diflucan or oral Lamisil.

There are other rashes that you can get that are similar to jock itch. A yeast infection caused by Candida albicans will cause a red rash on the groin area also. If you do not respond to treatment, your doctor may have to take a skin scraping and examine it under a microscope to identify the fungus. If it can't be identified by microscope, a sample may need to be sent to a lab for a culture. A culture usually takes a few days to complete.

There are things that you can do to help prevent jock itch. Here are a few tips:

* Treat athlete's foot. This is very important since the fungus can spread to the groin area. If you have athlete's foot and jock itch at the same time, treat them both together to break the cycle of re-infection.

* Don't share items such as clothing or towels. Don't borrow these personal items from others. Always make sure public exercise equipment is cleaned thoroughly between uses.

* Change your underwear at least once daily. Change out of sweaty workout clothes as soon as possible and wash them between each use.

* Keep your groin area dry. Dry the area thoroughly after a bath or shower. You may use powder to help keep that area dry.

* Shower daily. Shower especially after any activity that causes excess sweating. This will help keep the bacteria under control. Remember to always wash your hands frequently throughout the day to avoid spreading infection.

* Wear loose fitting clothing. This will allow any moisture in the groin area to evaporate.

Seek treatment as soon as you suspect that you may have jock itch. The sooner it is treated the easier it is to cure.

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