Jock itch is a pretty common fungal infection of the groin and upper thighs. It’s part of a group of fungal skin infections called tineatinea and also known informally as crotch itch. It affects men and women. Men are affected more often than women. In men, the penis and scrotum are seldom affected.
Jock commonly involves the inner thighs and adjacent skin, including the scrotum in males. Jock itch, also known as tinea cruris, is a fungal infection of the skin in the groin. The warm, moist environment is the perfect place for the fungus to grow. Anything that enhances that environment puts the person at risk of getting jock itch. The rash may affect not only the groin, but it can involve any areas of skin that overlap, including around the anus and in the various skin folds of obese individuals. Jock itch affects men and occasionally women throughout the world.
* The Jock Itch risk factor are as fellows:-
* Humidity
* Damp skin folds as may occur with obesity or excessive sweating
* Heat
* Tight clothing
The infected area is somewhere below and on the sides of the scrotum and the middle portion of the penis. Is it recommended to use hydrogen peroxide to clean the infected area prior to using anti-fungal creams. The body normally hosts a variety of bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others can multiply rapidly and form infections. Jock itch occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies in the groin area.
It can be passed from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with unwashed clothing. Jock itch may be contagious. It is often less severe than other tinea infections, but may last a long time. Jock itch may spread to the anus, causing anal itching and discomfort. Jock itch usually stays around the creases in the upper thigh and does not involve the scrotum or penis.This is particularly true of combat athletes due to the heavy skin-to-skin contact associated with the sport. In most cases friction is the cause of Jock itch, however several microorganisms have been identified as causing the rash as well. Common microorganisms like fungi and bacteria can infect the skin.
Symptoms of Jock Itch
Common Jock Itch symptom are itching, chafing and burning. Lesions usually appear as a rash with defined, elevated edges. Affected areas may appear red, tan, or brown, with flaking, rippling, peeling, or cracking skin. The rash appears as raised red plaques and scaly patches with sharply defined borders. The itching can get worse and become unbearable in some cases. The rash is usually on both sides of the groin and affects the folds.
Jock Itch is Curable and Contagious
People are more prone to developing jock itch because of their overall health, activity, anatomy, possible altered immune status, exposure history, and other predisposing skin conditions like eczema. In many cases jock itch are not contagious the infection may be transmitted through skin or sexual contact towel sharing of swimwear. People with athlete's foot are more prone to developing jock itch. It is possible to transmit fungal jock itch to someone else through close skin contact. To prevent jock itch, you must always dry your skin thoroughly after taking a bath. It is also advised to wear loose fitting clothes and underwear. Sharing of towels, hair brushes and combs are discouraged.
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