Tinea Cruris Treatment | Causes, Symptoms & Prevention

 

Tinea cruris, commonly known as jock itch, is a skin condition caused by a fungus. It's part of the tinea group of superficial fungal skin infections. Jock itch, like other tinea infections, is caused by dermatophytes, which are mold-like fungi. These fungi can affect the skin, hair, and nails.

Tinea cruris is usually harmless, but if it is allowed to thrive in warm, damp environments, it can quickly multiply and cause infection. Because of this, jock itch most commonly affects the skin around the groin, inner thighs, buttocks, axilla and inframammary area in women.

Men and adolescent boys are the most susceptible to jock itch. The infection results in a rash that itches or burns frequently. Tinea cruris usually presents as a dry, scaly, well-defined skin rash or a collection of small, pinpoint red or pink bumps. Because of its well-defined red border and central clearing, this type of eruption is commonly referred to as a ringworm.

Although jock itch might be uncomfortable, it is usually a minor infection. Treatment as soon as possible will reduce symptoms and prevent the rash from spreading. The majority of people can get relief  just by using antifungal topical drugs and keeping the affected region clean and dry. Tinea cruris treatment may involve antifungal creams and, in rare cases, oral antifungal medicines.

For the majority of cases, Tinea cruris treatment is available. Long-term cases of jock itch are very rare and may be resistant to conventional drugs. These more resistant instances can often be managed with the right treatment and medication after due evaluation. Antifungal creams and, in rare cases, oral antifungal drugs may be used to treat jock itch caused by fungus. Proper groin hygiene, keeping the groin area clean and dry, and washing frequently with gentle soap and water are all part of the prevention and treatment for jock itch (especially after sweating or exercising).

Although the majority of cases of Tinea cruris are not contagious, infections can spread by physical or sexual contact, sharing swimsuits, or sharing towels. Through close skin contact, it is possible to spread fungal jock itch to others. Because of their overall health, activities,  possible compromised immune state, exposure history, and other predisposing skin diseases like eczema, some people are simply more prone to acquiring jock itch. Tinea cruris may also be seen in people who have coexisting athlete's foot (tinea pedis).

Dermatophytes, a type of fungus, are responsible for jock itch. These fungi dwell on your skin naturally and rarely cause any problem. However, if you stay in sweat-soaked garments after exercising, the fungi can swiftly multiply due to the prolonged exposure to moisture. The infection known as jock itch is caused by an increase of dermatophytes in the groin area. The main causes by which the fungal groin infection can develop include:

• A weak immune system

• Contact with an infected individual

• Excessive perspiration while wearing tight clothing

• Contact with infected animals, including dogs in the home

• Working with soil that is ringworm fungus-infested 

• Living in a hot and humid environment

• Sharing personal goods with an infected person, such as bedding, towels, or clothing

Tinea cruris can also be caused by a combination of causes, including:

• Tinea pedis that has been present for a long time

• Tinea cruris occurrence in the past

• Obesity

• Diabetes mellitus 

• Use of a topical steroid

Tinea cruris is an uncomfortable rash that affects the groin area. It causes a severe itch and is accompanied by a red or pink rash that spreads in an annular manner and affects the groin folds and genitals. Because of anatomic characteristics unique to males, such as the scrotum, jock itch is more often seen  in men.

Jock itch symptoms can come and go, and many cases of jock itch go away on their own without any treatment. The groin is the most common site for jock itch, but it can also affect the  axilla, scrotum, and hips. A red or pink round shape rash appears on the sides of the groin folds when you have a jock itch.

The clinical features of Tinea cruris are:

• Tinea cruris is a rash that usually starts in the inguinal (groin) skin fold on one side and can progress to involve both sides forming a symmetrical rash.

• The rash may spread down the inside of the thigh, as well as to the lower abdomen and pubic area.

• Although the buttocks and perineum may be involved, the penis, scrotum, and vulva are usually spared.

• A wet and exudative rash can also be seen in case of acute tinea cruris.

• A big well-demarcated scaly plaque with a raised border and central clearing characterizes chronic tinea cruris.

• The scale is best visible at the plaque's leading edge.

• Papules and pustules may appear along the boundary of dermatophytic folliculitis.

• Tinea cruris is frequently an itchy  condition.

• There is no fluorescence seen on the wood lamp examination.

If jock itch persists after one to two weeks despite good skin hygiene care and the use of over-the-counter drugs, a physician visit may be indicated. Additionally, contact a dermatologist if the rash persists despite medical therapy or if any of the following indicators of an advanced skin infection appear. The signs to look out for that need attention from the dermatologist are:

• Despite treatment, the rash is spreading.

• Appearance of pustules over the rash.

• Notice a rash that is appearing in previously uninvolved areas on other parts of the body.

• Pustules, abscesses, or draining sores are visible.

• Catch sight of a red streak (called lymphangitis) that extends from the groin.

• Chills or a fever.

• After two weeks of constant topical therapy, the condition has not improved.

Risks and Complications of a fungal groin infection

Adult  males are the most susceptible to jock itch. Jock itch can afflict anyone and is thought to affect nearly everyone at some point in their lives. Certain people may be more prone to jock itch than others. Patients with diabetes, obesity, and a weakened immune system, such as those suffering from HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, chronic illnesses, cancer, systemic chemotherapy, or on immunosuppressive drugs like prednisone, and those taking biologic immune-system-modifying drugs like infliximab (Remicade) or etanercept (Enbrel), are more likely to develop jock itch.

Male genitalia, heat, dampness, humidity, obesity, excessive sweating, exercise, a weaker immune system, tight clothing  and underwear, and athlete's foot infection or other fungal infections on the body are also risk factors. Tinea cruris can lead to the following complications:

• Maceration and secondary bacterial or candida infection.

• Secondary excoriation, lichenification, and pigmentation are all examples of complication. 

• Development of tinea incognito due to the usage of topical steroids.

The majority of physicians can correctly diagnose and treat jock itch. A dermatologist should be consulted if you have a resistant or chronic Tinea cruris. A physical examination of the affected area is used to diagnose the condition. The following tests can be used to diagnose Tinea cruris:

• Skin scrapings to be viewed under a microscope or submitted to a lab for fungal culture

• Wood’s lamp ultraviolet light can be utilized to diagnose two ringworm species: Microsporum canis and audouini.

The following are the tinea cruris differential diagnoses:

• Candidal intertrigo and erythrasma are examples of flexural infections.

• Flexural dermatoses, such as flexural psoriasis, , and benign familial pemphigus, are skin conditions  which may also involve skin folds and groin area.

• An unusual cause of a flexural rash in a very young infant is Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

Antifungal creams can be purchased in pharmacies or obtained through a prescription. Terbinafine, clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole are examples of different drugs that can be used for tinea.  These lotions are effective at removing fungus from the skin. 

Tinea cruris treatment for mild fungal infection 

• Washing the groin twice a day with an antifungal shampoo such as ketoconazole (Nizoral shampoo) or selenium sulfide is recommended (Selsun Blue shampoo).

Tinea cruris treatment for moderate fungal infection includes a combination of:

• A topical antifungal cream like miconazole (Monistat, Micatin), clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex), or terbinafine (Lamisil).

Tinea cruris treatment for severe fungal infection

• If the infection is extensive or severe, an antifungal oral drug, such as terbinafine, griseofulvin, or itraconazole pills may be taken. 

How long does Tinea cruris take to heal?

A ringworm infection may resolve spontaneously. In a healthy person, it may fade away on its own in a matter of months if not treated. It could happen, or it could not. Ringworm on the body is commonly treated with terbinafine, a topical medication. A four-week course is typical, but the duration can differ.

Ringworm infection in a hairless portion of the body (glabrous skin) will usually clear up within two to four weeks after starting therapy. Oral antifungal tablets may be required in more extreme situations, such as infections in the scalp. You're contagious in this situation, too, until all the fungus spores are gone.

Tinea cruris can be avoided by practicing good skincare hygiene by keeping the groin clean and dry. The general and preventive measures below will assist in averting the itching condition:

• Every day, wash your groin and carefully dry it. Perhaps the most crucial aspect is drying. When your groin isn't completely dry, it's advisable to not put on underwear. The damp groin becomes a good breeding ground for fungal germs (fungi).

• After exercising and sweating, wash your groin and buttocks with soap and water.

• After each use, wash your workout clothes, underwear, and swimwear.

• Use pure cotton underwear to keep groin dampness to a minimum.

• Underwear should be changed frequently, especially after sweating.

• When you have a fungal skin infection, keep your own towel to avoid the risk of spreading the fungus to others.

• Avoid friction skin injury. Liberally apply petroleum jelly or zinc oxide ointment (Desitin) to the groin creases before physical activity.

• Use hot, soapy water to wash your clothes, underwear, and towels.

• Wear cotton underwear and apparel that is loose-fitting.

• Underwear made of polyester, nylon, or synthetic fibers should be avoided.

• To keep the groin dry, use an antifungal powder like Lamisil or Zeasorb.

• On the groin, avoid using fragrant creams, powders, sprays, or lotions.

• Avoid going barefoot in public places such as gyms, schools, and public pools.

• If you have an athlete's foot, take care of it.

• Before putting on your underwear and pants, put socks on your feet.

Disclaimer: For personalized medical advice, please see your dermatologist. With any inquiries about a medical condition, always seek the opinion of a certified healthcare expert. Consult a dermatologist for a comprehensive evaluation before using any medicines or over-the-counter treatments. 

Following are the specific measures that should be observed for Tinea cruris treatment:

• Use antifungal topical medications like imidazoles or terbinafine.

• Antifungal medications, such as griseofulvin, terbinafine, and itraconazole, are used to treat widespread or resistant infections in immunocompromised people.

• Tinea at other places, such as tinea pedis or tinea unguium, should be treated.

• A mild topical steroid can be used to relieve itch for a short period of time, but it is not recommended as monotherapy or long-term treatment.

Conclusion

With Tinea cruris, the prognosis is excellent. Overall, Tinea cruris is a skin condition that can be readily treated and cured. It's usually a minor, benign, and self-limiting skin condition. Atypical cases of Tinea cruris are more common and can be unsightly, disfiguring, and psychologically stressful.

Tinea cruris clears up in 80–90 percent of instances with proper treatment. Recurrence, on the other hand, is common, particularly if predisposing factors are not addressed or antifungal treatment is discontinued before mycological cure. If you spot a case of Tinea cruris or observe any change on your skin, consult a dermatologist immediately. SkyMD has the best team of dermatologists. Ask our dermatologists any questions you have regarding skin infections or conditions and get immediate answers from our experts. You do not need to book a prior appointment. Simply visit our app, fill in the necessary details and consult with a qualified dermatologist through video call or chat, whatever suits you. 

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