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Jock Itch

Pink-red, scaly rash on inner thighs near groin. Often, starts in the groin crease. Then, spreads slowly down the inner thighs.
In males, the rash does not involve the penis or scrotum.
Rash is often the same on both inner thighs.
Rash is itchy, but not painful. It may become sore from scratching.

Jock itch is caused by a fungus. This is often the same fungus that causes athlete's foot.
It can come from a towel used to dry the feet and then the groin.
The fungus can only grow in warm, damp skin. Sweating a lot and wearing damp underwear raises the risk of getting it.
Called 'jock itch' because it occurs mostly in males who play sports.

Keep the groin area clean and dry. Reason: the fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin.
Change into dry underwear after playing sports.
Also, avoid wearing underwear that is too tight.
If you have athlete's foot, use a separate towel for the feet.

When to Call for Jock Itch
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now You feel weak or very sick You think you need to be seen, and the problem is urgent	Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours Weak immune system. Examples are: diabetes, sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids. Pus is draining from the rash You are worried you might have an STI (sexually transmitted infection) You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent Contact Doctor During Office Hours Rash is mainly on the penis or scrotum Rash keeps spreading after 1 week of treatment Rash is not gone after 2 weeks of treatment Rash is painful You have other questions or concerns	Self Care at Home Normal jock itch rash: slow spreading, itchy, pink-red rash on the groin or inner thigh(s)

Weak immune system. Examples are: diabetes, sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids.
Pus is draining from the rash
You are worried you might have an STI (sexually transmitted infection)
You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Normal jock itch rash: slow spreading, itchy, pink-red rash on the groin or inner thigh(s)

Jock itch is a fungal infection, also known as Tinea Cruris.
It grows on warm, damp areas of the skin that are often covered by clothing. It is common in athletes, the elderly and teens. It's more common in men than women.
It is harmless, but causes irritation, soreness and sometimes a bad smell.
It's caused by a fungus that is on the skin and overgrows at times.
The fungus is the same one that causes athlete's foot. It can be spread from one part of the body to another.
In women, it can occur in the groin and also under the breasts and in the armpits.
Here is some care advice that should help.

Use an antifungal cream 2 times per day.
Some brand names are Lamisil, Micatin or Lotrimin cream. No prescription is needed.
Put it on the rash and 1 inch beyond its borders. Make sure you put it on in all the skin creases.
Keep using the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is gone.

Jock itch will heal faster if the groin area is kept dry.
Wash the rash area once a day with plain water. Dry it with care. Do not use soap on the rash.
Wear loosely fitting cotton underwear. Wash gym shorts, jog bras and jockstraps after each use.

Jock itch is not easily spread to others. The fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin.
You do not need to miss any work. You can still be active or play sports.