Jock Itch Health Video

Jock itch occurs in areas that collect sweat or moisture and are not properly or adequately dried. Learn about jock itch from a doctor in this video on skin care.

Take Action

Dry the area with a hairdryer after showers
Use Lamisil� cream for symptoms
See a dermatologist if symptoms persist

About this Author

Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, the author of the book Six Weeks to Sensational Skin, is a board certified dermatologist who has made numerous appearances on television shows such as Good Morning America. She holds a degree from Hunter College in New York, an M.D. from Downstate University at SUNY, and did her residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Ciraldo has been a board-certified dermatologist since 1982, and is currently a voluntary professor at the University of Miami, where she runs a clinic in cosmetic dermatology.

DR. LORETTA CIRALDO: Hi, I'm Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, voluntary professor of dermatology at University of Miami and author of "6 Weeks to Sensational Skin." Now, when we talk about jock itch, what this really represents is an overgrowth of fungus in the groin area, and many people are surprised when I tell them that fungus naturally lives on our skin. But with increased humidity what happens is that the fungus overgrows, and it produces a rash that when it's in the groin, we call jock itch. Now, a simple and very effective tool that you can use to remedy jock itch or to even help prevent it if you're someone who's prone to it is, believe or not, the hair dryer, because remember we said that jock itch comes from a moisture buildup. So if you'll just use a hair dryer in your groin area when you come out of the shower to really be sure that you get the skin bone dry. You might also want to use the hair dryer and bring it to the gym with you. You can get a smaller version and be sure that either after working out or after showering at the gym, you again get your skin to a bone-dry state. You can oftentimes prevent jock itch from forming or help to remedy it. But if you've already got kind of a far advanced case of jock itch, the next thing to do is to go to the drug store and get Lamisil cream. Lamisil cream was No. 1 prescription cream for jock itch and several years ago became over-the-counter. If it's applied twice a day for two weeks, there's an excellent chance that you'll remedy yourself from jock itch. If all of this fails, please see your dermatologist for a more effective prescription and best of luck.