Key takeaways

  • Jock itch, or tinea cruris, is a fungal infection that develops in warm and moist areas of the body, such as the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks.
  • The infection can develop from prolonged exposure to moisture, such as remaining in sweat-soaked clothes after exercising. It can result in symptoms such as persistent itching, a burning sensation, and discoloration.
  • Jock itch can typically be treated at home with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream and ensuring the area is kept clean and dry. If symptoms still don’t improve, a healthcare professional can prescribe a topical medication to treat the infection.

Jock itch belongs to a group of fungal skin infections called tinea. As in other tinea infections, mold-like fungi known as dermatophytes cause jock itch. These microscopic fungi live on your skin, hair, and nails.

They’re typically harmless, but they can multiply quickly and cause infections when they’re allowed to thrive in warm, moist areas. That’s why jock itch usually develops in the skin around the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks.

Jock itch is typically a mild infection. Treating it quickly will usually minimize symptoms and keep it from spreading.

Read on to learn more about the symptoms and causes of jock itch. This article also looks at how doctors diagnose the condition, treatment options, and more.

Symptoms of jock itch develop in the groin area and on the inner thighs. They can include:

  • discoloration, which can appear as:
    • red
    • purple
    • tan
    • gray
    • white
  • persistent itching
  • burning sensation
  • flaking, peeling, or cracking skin

Learn more about fungal skin infections.

A group of fungi called dermatophytes cause jock itch. These fungi naturally live on your skin and typically don’t cause problems. However, when you remain in sweat-soaked clothes after exercising, prolonged exposure to moisture can allow the fungi to multiply quickly.

When you have an overgrowth of dermatophytes in your groin area, it causes the infection known as jock itch.

The fungus that causes jock itch is highly contagious. You may get the fungal infection through close personal contact with a person who has jock itch or through contact with that person’s unwashed clothing.

Learn more about how jock itch spreads.

Risk factors for jock itch

Risk factors for jock itch can include:

Do only athletes get jock itch?

The term “jock itch” may give the impression that only athletes develop the infection, but it can happen to anyone. Those who have obesity are more likely to experience jock itch because the fungus can thrive in folds of skin, which are prone to sweating.

As a preventive measure, it’s important to wash with soap and water in your groin and armpit areas regularly. Prolonged exposure to moisture and friction from clothes can also trigger jock itch.

Your doctor will likely be able to diagnose jock itch by performing a physical exam and inspecting the affected area of skin.

In some cases, your doctor may take some scrapings of skin cells from the area to help diagnose the condition. The skin biopsy may also help rule out other skin disorders, such as psoriasis.

Home remedies and medical treatments can help treat jock itch.

Home remedies for jock itch

You can try the following remedies to get rid of the infection:

  • Apply an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream, powder, or spray to the affected area.
  • Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and warm water.
  • Dry the affected area thoroughly after bathing and exercise.
  • Change clothes and undergarments every day.
  • Wear loose, breathable clothing.
  • Treat any other fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot.

Prescription treatments for jock itch

If you take OTC medications or use home remedies for jock itch and symptoms don’t improve, a healthcare professional may prescribe something stronger.

Topical medications include econazole (Ecoza) and oxiconazole (Oxistat), while oral medications include itraconazole (Sporanox) and fluconazole (Diflucan).

Oral antifungal medications may cause side effects such as upset stomach and headaches. If you experience any of these side effects, be sure to discuss them with a doctor.

There are several ways to reduce the likelihood of developing jock itch. These include the following:

  • Practice good hygiene: Regular hand washing can help reduce your risk of getting this infection. It’s also important to keep your skin clean and dry, especially the area around your groin.
  • Wash the area regularly with soap, and dry the area thoroughly after bathing: Applying antifungal powder around your groin can also be helpful for preventing excess moisture.
  • Avoid tight-fitting clothing: Tight clothes can rub or chafe your skin, which can make you more susceptible to jock itch. You may want to try wearing boxer shorts instead of boxer briefs.
  • Wear loose clothing in hot or humid weather: Loose clothing can prevent sweating and the warm, moist environment in which fungus thrives. Make sure you wash any workout clothes or athletic supporters after each use.
  • Seek treatment if you have athlete’s foot: The same fungi that cause jock itch can also cause athlete’s foot, and vice versa. You can avoid spreading it to your groin area by making sure you don’t use the same towel on both your feet and your groin.

If your symptoms don’t improve with home treatments, you should contact your doctor for advice. Medical treatment may be necessary.

If you don’t already have a dermatologist, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Jock itch is a fungal skin infection that develops in skin folds, usually around the ground and on the inner thighs. The fungi that cause it are called dermatophytes.

The infection is usually mild, and you can generally treat it at home by applying OTC creams, regularly cleaning the area, and keeping it dry. Topical and oral prescription medications may also help.

Contact your doctor if you have concerns about symptoms of jock itch. They can confirm the diagnosis and advise on a suitable treatment plan.