Tinea cruris (ringworm in the groin) is a fungal infection of the skin in the groin, genital area, upper inner thigh or buttocks and causes a ring-shaped rash in the infected area. Tinea cruris is also known as jock itch.
This condition can occur when you wear tight clothing that causes moisture and heat around the thighs. This creates an environment where it is easier for the fungus to thrive.
Tinea cruris can cause a rash on the upper and inner thighs, armpits, and the area under the breasts. Many people experience this condition at the same time as tinea pedis (water fleas) or athlete’s foot.
Symptoms of Tinea Cruris
The main symptoms of tinea cruris are itching in the groin that gets worse with activity or exercise, and changes in the skin in the groin area which include:
• A reddish rash with circular, island-like appearances, and the edges appear redder.
• Cracked and peeling skin.
• Skin color becomes lighter or darker.
• In addition to itching, the skin in the groin area also feels sore like burning.
Causes of Tinea Cruris
Tinea cruris is caused by a dermatophyte fungus that grows in the groin or groin area. This groin fungus can appear when:
• The skin of the groin often experiences friction with clothing.
• Crotch skin is too moist, due to excessive sweating.
• Water fleas spread to the groin.
• There is direct physical contact with the patient’s skin or contact with the patient’s unwashed clothes.
There are several factors that make a person more at risk of experiencing tinea cruris, namely:
• Male gender.
• Often use tight underwear.
• Sweating a lot.
• Being overweight.
• Has diabetes.
• Have a weak immune system, for example people with AIDS.
How common is this condition?
No matter your gender or your nationality, you can get this infection under certain conditions. However, it is more common in men than women. Because, men have more skin folds in the groin.
In addition, tinea cruris is also prone to be experienced by athletes, considering that daily activities make the body sweat a lot.
When should you go to the doctor?
You should immediately get yourself checked if you have the above signs. There may be some other symptoms not mentioned. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
How is tinea cruris diagnosed?
Usually, a dermatologist can diagnose this disease just by looking at the appearance and location of the rash. During this examination, the doctor will also ask about other symptoms that you feel.
If it turns out that further examination is still needed, the doctor will perform a procedure in the form of taking a sample of scaly skin (biopsy) to be examined in the laboratory to see the presence of fungi.
How is it treated?
If the condition is mild, the doctor will only advise you to use ringworm medication in the form of antifungal creams or ointments that can be purchased at pharmacies without using a prescription.
These antifungal drugs usually contain substances such as terbinafine, miconazole, or clotrimazole that function to inhibit the growth of fungi.
At the time of use, apply the drug according to the instructions listed on the package. Do not forget to clean the affected area before applying the drug. Keep using the medicine even if the symptoms have started to disappear to make sure the fungus has been completely killed. If the condition does not improve or if the rash is more severe, the doctor will prescribe a stronger topical medication. Doctors also give oral medications such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and fluconazole (Diflucan). Usually, these drugs have to be taken for a long time.
Oral antifungal medications may cause unpleasant side effects, such as stomach upset and headaches. If you are not comfortable with the side effects, discuss them with your doctor.
Tinea cruris usually resolves within a few weeks. Treatment for more severe infections usually takes a month to two months.
If you have any questions, consult a doctor for the best solution for your problem.
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