--- title: "Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)" slug: "jock-itch" updated: 2026-04-27T16:12:13Z published: 2026-04-27T16:12:13Z canonical: "healthhub.cpcmg.net/jock-itch" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://healthhub.cpcmg.net/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris) ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/image(176).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T04%3A56%3A38Z&se=2026-11-10T05%3A56%3A38Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=aC2VZyi%2BwwuCr86R48tUDgeVNK82bJ6B8YLEMim5eyA%3D) [![Appointment Info](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/1650055438388-1650055438388.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T04%3A56%3A38Z&se=2026-11-10T05%3A56%3A38Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=aC2VZyi%2BwwuCr86R48tUDgeVNK82bJ6B8YLEMim5eyA%3D)](/v1/docs/appointments-and-contact-information) [![Care Decision Info](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/1654467115781-1654467115781.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T04%3A56%3A38Z&se=2026-11-10T05%3A56%3A38Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=aC2VZyi%2BwwuCr86R48tUDgeVNK82bJ6B8YLEMim5eyA%3D)](https://www.rchsd.org/wait-times/what-type-of-care-does-my-child-need/)

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 ## What is jock itch? - Jock itch is a **fungal skin infection** that affects the **groin, inner thighs, and sometimes the buttocks**. - It is common in **kids and teens who sweat a lot**, especially during sports, but **anyone can get it**. - It is also called **tinea cruris** or **ringworm of the groin**, even though it is **not caused by a worm**. ## What does jock itch look like? ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/image-G8K49QDG.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T04%3A56%3A38Z&se=2026-11-10T05%3A56%3A38Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=aC2VZyi%2BwwuCr86R48tUDgeVNK82bJ6B8YLEMim5eyA%3D) [https://dermnetnz.org/topics/tinea-cruris](https://dermnetnz.org/topics/tinea-cruris) - **Red or pink, raised, scaly rash** on the inner thighs - Often begins in the **groin crease** and spreads outward - May form a **circular or curved shape** with a raised edge - Can spread to the **buttocks** or the skin around the anus - Usually **on both sides** - **Itchy**, and may sting or burn - In boys, the **penis and scrotum are not affected** ## How does someone get jock itch? - Jock itch is caused by dermatophytes, a type of **fungus** that grows in **warm, damp areas**. These fungi normally live on the skin, hair, and nails but can overgrow when conditions are right. - Common triggers include: - **Sweating** during sports - **Hot, humid weather** - Wearing **tight clothing** or damp underwear - **Not drying the skin well** after bathing or swimming - **Sharing towels or clothing** - Having **athlete’s foot**, which can spread to the groin - Certain health conditions such as **diabetes**, **obesity**, or **weakened immunity** ## **Is jock itch contagious?** Yes. Jock itch can spread by: - S**kin‑to‑skin contact** - Sharing **towels, clothing, or sports gear** - From **other fungal infections**, especially athlete’s foot It can also spread to other parts of the body if someone scratches the rash and then touches another area. ## **How is jock itch diagnosed?** A healthcare provider can usually diagnose jock itch by **looking at the rash** and asking about symptoms. Sometimes a small **skin scraping** is examined under a microscope or sent to a lab. ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/{9B8F801A-FE42-469E-AFBD-BDF783DB9868}.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T04%3A56%3A38Z&se=2026-11-10T05%3A56%3A38Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=aC2VZyi%2BwwuCr86R48tUDgeVNK82bJ6B8YLEMim5eyA%3D) [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/jock-itch/symptoms-causes/syc-20353807](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/jock-itch/symptoms-causes/syc-20353807) ## How is jock itch treated? - Apply an **antifungal cream** (such as Lamisil, Micatin, Lotrimin) **twice a day.** - Cover the rash and **1 inch beyond the edges.** - Jock itch usually starts improving and stops spreading after 2-3 days of treatment. - It usually clears up after 2-3 weeks of treatment. - Continue treatment for **7 days after the rash is gone.** - Keep the area **clean and dry.** - Wash daily with **plain water**, then dry well. - Wear **loose cotton underwear** and wash sports clothing after each use. - Avoid scratching to prevent irritation. - Children with jock itch **do not need to miss school or sports.** ## How can jock itch be prevented? - Keep the groin **clean and dry** - Wash the area daily with plain water, then dry well. Use a separate clean towel for the groin. - Dry completely after bathing, swimming, or sweating. - Change into **dry underwear** after sports - Avoid **tight clothing.** Wear **loose cotton underwear.** - If your child has **athlete’s foot**, use a **separate towel** for the feet. Have them put their socks on before their underwear. ## When to Call the Doctor - Rash is **not starting to get better after 1 week** of treatment. - Rash is **not gone after 4 weeks** of treatment. - Rash is spreading or getting worse. - There are signs of a bacterial skin infection like pain or discharge. - You have concerns about your child’s symptoms. ## 📚 References This content was adapted from [HealthyChildren.org, The American Academy of Pediatrics Parenting Website](https://www.healthychildren.org/), [Rady Children’s Health Library](https://www.rchsd.org/health-library/). Images from [DermNet](https://dermnetnz.org/), [Mayo Foundation for Medical Education](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/jock-itch/symptoms-causes/syc-20353807). Reviewed by AR D.O., Patient Education Committee.