Are You Sick?
Jock Itch
Symptoms
- 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.
Cause
- 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.
How to Prevent Jock Itch from Coming Back
- 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.