Jock itch is an irritation and infection in the groin, thigh and anal area that manifests itself mainly through itching and a dry, red, scaly skin rash. The term jock itch may infer that the condition is limited to male athletes, and the condition is more prevalent in men, but women and non-athletic types can also suffer from a similar fungal infection in the skin folds surrounding the groin. Medication can help you eliminate the symptoms of jock itch.
Causes of Jock Itch
The cause of jock itch, also called tinea cruris, is a fungus called a dermatophyte. Dermatophytes feed off of dead flakes of skin that you have on your body--everyone has dead tissues that shed as a normal process of living. The fungus replicates when its home environment--the groin region in the case of jock itch--is warm and wet. The multiplying of the dermatophytes causes you to itch and become irritated.
Choosing Topical Treatments
The first line of treatment for jock itch is an over-the-counter fungal medication. Lotions, sprays or powders that contain clotrimazole, miconazole or terbinafine fight the fungus that is causing your rash and itch, according to the MayoClinic.com. You may need to reapply the medications for as long as two weeks to see results. Prescription topical ointments and creams may be required if your infection doesn't respond to weaker over-the-counter preparations.
Time Frame
According to Medline Plus information, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, jock itch usually runs its course within a couple of weeks once you begin treatment. You may experience symptoms for a longer period of time if your immune system is compromised from underlying illness, or if you have other fungal infections like ringworm or athlete's foot that are left untreated. Contact your doctor to discuss alternative solutions if using topical medications does not eradicate your symptoms within two weeks.
Taking Oral Medications
Tinea cruris that is resistant to medicated creams or ointments may require you to also take oral anti-fungal medications to get rid of your jock itch. The class of drugs used to fight fungal infections are referred to as "azoles", as this suffix is common to most of the medications: fluconazole, itraconazole and terbinafine. The New Zealand Dermatological Society's Dermnet NZ service reports that some people with suppressed immunity can develop a resistance to azole drugs, in which case your doctor may try to treat persistent jock itch with another strain of anti-fungal drug.
Preventing Jock Itch
Once you've treated jock itch, prevent a recurrence by taking care to keep yourself dry. Many people sweat profusely in the groin area; shower after a workout to remove the sweat and dry yourself well with a towel so that the dermatophytes are not likely to reproduce. Wear layers and peel them back as needed to limit your sweating, and wash perspiration-soaked clothing before wearing the garments again.
