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A common infection mainly of the adult men, Jock itch is a very painful and uncomfortable phenomenon found in the hot countries. Caused by an excessive growth of the fungi Dermatophytes residing in the skin, Jock itch usually occurs when these fungi proliferate in the skin due to moisture. This disease affects the groin area of men but rarely affects the penis in men. Jock itch although more prevalent in men, sometimes affects women also in the groin area only. Jock itch is also called the ringworm of the groin and also Tinea Cruris
This disease is caused due to following reasons:
- If a person wears fitted lower apparel like jeans, pants, tight panties or briefs, it can lead to Jock itch. It causes more perspiration in the groin area leading to growth in the fungi causing Jock itch.
- To save oneself from this epidermal disease, one should try to change his undergarments regularly especially under wears.
- Try to avoid sharing of personal attire like towels and bed sheets with the affected person and those suffering from athlete's foot. Athlete's foot and ringworm can result in Jock itch. Therefore, you should try to cure this disease as soon as possible.
- After bathing, dry your groin area before wearing lingerie.
- Try to wear cotton apparel which can soak moisture from your body
Jock itch can be treated by physicians after they take samples from your skin. A sample of your infected skin when placed under a microscope can easily reveal whether you have contracted this disease. A sample of your skin can be taken after the skin lesion biopsy test, which is also known as the Punch biopsy or the shave biopsy.
Sometimes, bacterial infections can also result as a consequent of excessive scratching of the affected area. Then, doctors have to give oral antifungal medicines to treat such affections. Therefore, you should avoid scratching of the groin area if suffering from Jock itch. Jock itch is a very communicable disease, which can spread by contact with skin of the infected person. Moreover, you can also catch this infection by contact with the unwashed garments of the infected person. Physical relation with the infected person can also cause Jock itch. You can also go for a KOH test for a proper diagnosis of this test.
The most effective treatment for Jock itch are antifungal ointments available at a near pharmacy you. The best ointments are Azoles and Allymines. Jock itch can result in the appearance of red rashes on your skin near the groin in the skin folds of the upper thigh and which make you continuously scratch the affected area. These patches are redder in the outer area than in the centre with elevated peripheries. The appearance of abnormally dark or light skin also means that you are suffering from Jock itch. Slowly, the infection can spread to the anus causing undesirable pain and discomfort. This disease can also affect male children. Therefore, their mothers should take care of their clothes in summers.
Jock itch is so named because a large percentage of male athletes get affected by this fungal infection. But it can be seen in anybody as an infection in the anal, genital and thigh areas of their bodies. This skin infection is very much similar to a ringworm and the most affected part is the groin area of the body of both sexes, but more commonly in males. These appear in the form of red patches in which the patient feels severe itching sensation. Standard anti-fungal treatments are used to treat jock itch, the symptoms of which include itching and red patches in the groin area, mostly confined in the area near the anus, surrounding skin and inner thighs.
These are characterised by red patches defined with dark borders. These patches are raised, form scales and can also ooze. Patches are in the shape of a ring and their colour is darker at the edges than at the centre. Normally, jock itch is simply identified by seeing the condition of the skin, but in case of doubt, the fungus can be identified by performing a biopsy. Jock itch can also be called as tinea cruris, which is caused when a fungus belonging to the dermatophyte family gets multiplied on the skin of the groin area. It gets multiplied mostly in the humid and hot places, for which the groin area is perfect. Anybody who gets in contact with an infected person, or shares his or her towel or clothes may catch jock itch.
People who wear tight under garments and sweat very much are more susceptible to jock itch. Another factor that contributes to the infection is obesity, eczema, AIDS and diabetes.
Anti-fungal ointments, creams and powders can be used in cases of mild jock itch. But if the problem is not able to be solved in more than 15 days, then it is better to consult a doctor, who will prescribe some oral anti-fungal medications.
Sometimes, scratching a lot can add to the problem by causing bacterial infections. To prevent this, the doctor will tell the medications to relieve itching also. Some preventive measures for jock itch are to keep dry the groin area, as it is more prone to the infection. Wearing tight fitting clothes and clothes that cause friction on the body should be avoided as far as possible. Sharing towel with other people should also be avoided because this is a communicable infection. The infection can also be transmitted from one person to another while having sex or while coming in close contact with the infected person.
Taking bath regularly and keeping the vulnerable areas clean is also important to avoid the problem. Even if someone catches the infection, scratching the area should be avoided as far as possible, because this will only worsen the problem. Some people are more prone to jock itch and they catch the infection time and again. They should regularly use an anti-fungal powder on the groin area after drying it and consult the doctor for further treatment procedures.