Jock Itch is an infection caused by a fungal. It’s a form of a Ringworm. The name ‘Ringworm’ might suspect a worm is causing the condition, but this is not the case. The condition is also known as Tinea Corporis or Tinea Capitis depending on the area where the Ringworm is exposed.
Jock Itch Identification And Symptoms
Ringworm spots can be identified by a red circle which is getting bigger and bigger. The rings are sharply delineated. It’s typically located near your groin area or thighs. The main symptoms are an itching or burning feeling, a red circular rash (optical) with swollen edges and a cracking skin. The best way to identify is by doctors diagnosis. Mostly a doctor can diagnose without taking skin samples. Jock Itch can be easily cured when acting quickly.
What Is The Cause Of Jock Itch?
Everyone can suffer from a Jock Itch. However, there are a few indications that lead to an increased risk. These indications include overweight, diabetes or having a weakened immune system. Also moisture in your groin area, (in combination with) tight clothes and sharing moist towels or contact with someone having the Jock Itch can be a first step towards the condition. Jock itch is contagious, so avoid sharing clothes with someone suffering with Jock Itch. Note that also animals can hand over Jock Itch to people. This includes infections on pets like cats and dogs, but also other animals like pigs, cows and goats can be a handover source for the infection.
Other preventive measures are avoiding moist shared places as showers or sauna’s. Fungal infections like to live in moist environments. If you really have to enter shared places, it’s advised to wear flip flops to avoid direct contact with the moist surface.
How to treat Jock Itch
Over-the-counter anti-fungal medication can usually be applied to get rid of the condition in a few weeks. There are many non-prescription products available to treat ringworm, including:
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex)
- Miconazole
- Terbinafine (Lamisil)
1. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/treatment.html
