Jock itch is a fungal infection of the skin caused by fungus called Tinea cruris, commonly referred to as ringworm. It usually develops in warm and moist areas on your body such as inner thighs, buttocks, genitals and groin area. Symptoms typically include redness or rash with itching, which may be accompanied by burning sensation when you scratch it lightly. The infected area often has an appearance similar to “rings” or circles due to the light dusting of dry flakes that form after scratching. Treatment for jock itch includes keeping the affected area clean and dry; using topical antifungal ointments like clotrimazole cream; wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear; avoiding tight clothing; washing regularly with soap and water; avoiding sharing towels or whirlpools/hot tubs/public pools until cured ;and applying antiperspirant powders directly to affected area if perspiration causes discomfort Note: Elaborate questions can require longer answers than this one does!
Symptoms of jock itch
The primary symptoms are an itchy, red rash with raised bumps or scales on the edges. Other symptoms can include inflammation of the skin, pain when stretching or pulling in the affected area, and cracking or peeling of the skin. In more severe cases, there may be nail changes such as crumbling around the cuticle region and thickening of toenails which appear yellowish-brown and brittle.
Prevention of jock itch
It can be easily prevented by good hygiene practices, including:
- Keeping the affected areas clean and dry
- Wearing light cotton or other breathable clothing to keep moisture off of your skin
- Washing workout clothes often with hot water in order to kill any fungus on them
- Avoiding tight undergarments such as girdles which can trap sweat and promote an environment where fungi thrive
- Cleaning shower surfaces regularly to reduce the risk of spreading or contracting jock itch from another person through contact
Treatment of jock itch
Treatment often includes antifungal creams such as clotrimazole or miconazole applied directly to affected areas two or three times daily for up to four weeks. Other remedies include over-the-counter antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine) taken orally for relief of symptoms like intense itching and keeping your groin area cool through loose clothing items made from sweat-wicking fabrics like cotton blends.. In more extreme cases where traditional treatments fail doctors may prescribe oral medications such as terbinafine tablets which should be taken with food twice per day until all signs of infection have disappeared completely. Keeping good hygiene practices by washing regularly with soap followed by thorough drying will help prevent recurrent infections down the road