Jock itch is an infection caused by dermatophytes and is clinically known as Tinea cruris. It usually has symptoms such as itching, burning and rash of the groin or genital area. The organism that may infect the groin area of both men and women is the same fungal organism that causes ringworm and athlete's foot. Mild cases of jock itch may be treated with over-the-counter antifungal topical agents, but more severe cases may need treatment with prescription antifungal medications available in both topical and oral formulations.
Over-the-counter Topical Antifungals
There are several antifungal medications available without a prescription for the topical treatment of jock itch and other fungal infections of the groin, according to the Mayo Clinic All topical medication for antifungal use should be applied to clean, dry skin. Tolnaftate is available in spray, solution and cream form while clotrimazole is available in cream, powder and spray form as well as in suppository formulation for vaginal application. Naftifine can be purchased in gel and cream formulations while terbinafine is available for over-the-counter use as a solution, cream or spray. Miconazole, an antifungal medication, has been mainly marketed for the treatment of vaginal yeast infection but is also available in cream, along with vaginal suppository form. Treatment with over-the-counter antifungal topical formulations rarely causes any side effects, however the infected area will likely continue to be inflamed for up to one week while healing progresses. If symptoms do not subside, a physician should be contacted, as stronger antifungal treatment may be required.
Prescription Topical Antifungals
Prescription antifungals for topical use may be more effective for recurrent or resistant infections of jock itch. Oxiconazole is available in both cream and lotion form while econazole is available only in cream formulation. Both oxiconazole and econazole have been shown to be effective in the treatment of jock itch infections that are resistant to over-the-the counter antifungals, along with other fungal infections that affect the skin and groin area. As with the over-the-counter medications, prescription topical treatments should be applied to clean, dry skin and appear to cause few side effects. Infections that do not go away or appear to worsen should be seen by a physician.
Prescription Oral Antifungals
If jock itch or other fungal infections of the groin are severe or persistent and resist treatment with topical medications, oral antifungal medication may be prescribed by a physician. This is also more likely when the infection is experienced by a patient with a compromised immune system such as with HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressive medication treatment. Fluconazole, a medication commonly used for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections, may also be effective at treating jock itch for some patients. Itraconazole has also been used to treat severe, persistent Tinea infections including jock itch, along with other fungal infections. Terbinafine, the same medication available as a topical over-the-counter treatment, is available by prescription in oral form. Terbinafine oral medication is mainly used to treat dermatophyte infections of the fingernails or toenails but may be used for severe infections of jock itch. Oral antifungal treatment may cause kidney, liver or heart damage and may interact with other medications. Any health conditions and concurrent medications should be reported to the prescribing physician.
