Tinea cruris, also defined as jock itch, is a fungal infection of the groin that can spread to the buttock and thighs, states "Understanding Medical Surgical Nursing" by Linda Williams and Paula Hopper. This disease is more likely to occur in obese or athletic individuals, according to the Mayo Clinic. Jock itch starts as a small, flat, scaly patch and then turns into a raised red area with ridged borders. Tinea cruris is contagious and can be spread from other infected sites on the body or contact with an infected person. The itching side effect can be absent to severe, per Williams and Hopper.
Over-the-counter Topical Medications
There are several topical antifungal medications available over-the-counter. Use on clean, dry skin works best for topical agents, per Williams and Hopper. Allylamines, like terbinafine and naftifine, are usually one of the initial medication tried on jock itch, according to the Mayo Clinic. Terbinafine (Lamisil AT), is available in a cream or spray form, and naftifine (Naftin) comes in cream and gel forms. Another topical drug for jock itch is tolnaftate, which comes in a spray, cream and solution forms. Azoles, such as clotrimazole and micomazole, are also used as over-the-counter jock itch treatments, says the Mayo Clinic. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) creams, podwer, and sprays can also be used. Miconazole (Monistat-Derm, Micatin) can be effective for jock itch but is advertised for vaginal yeast infections. Allylamines typically work quicker than azoles, but the azoles are less expensive, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Topical Prescriptions
Prescription antifungal topical medications can be ordered by physicians when over-the-counter medications do not work, according to the Mayo Clinic. Prescriptions medications are more effective for recurring jock itch infections. Econazole (Spectasole) is available in cream form with a prescription, and a lotion form of antifungal topical medication, oxiconazole (Oxistat), is also available in prescription form, says the Mayo Clinic. These medications can also be used to treat other forms of tinea that are not responsive to at home treatments with over-the-counter medications.
Oral Medications
For severe or persistent jock itch and/or fungal infections located on other areas of the body, oral antifungal medications can be prescribed, according to the Mayo Clinic. A person with illnesses that compromise the immune system, such diabetes, cancer, or HIV/AIDs, may find it difficult to get rid of fungal infections. The systemic form of terbinafine (Lamisil) is used to in the treatment of tinea infections in of the nails, but the Mayo Clinic says it can be used to treat severe cases of jock itch. Fluconazole (Diflucan) is used to treat systemic fungal infections, but is also prescribed for jock itch, states the Mayo Clinc. Itraconazole (Sporanox), an anti-fungal medication used on severe fungal infections including persistent jock itch. The Mayo Clinic says side effects from the use of oral antifungal medications can include rash, stomach upset, problems with liver function, and can interact with several other medications.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Jock Itch Treatments
- Drugs.com : Tinea Cruris Medications
- "Understanding Medical Surgical Nursing"; by Linda Williams and Paula Hopper; 2003
- Mayo Clinic: Jock Itch
