Tinea Cruris is a type of dermatophytosis which affects the area of the groin and adjacent skin[1]. It is known with many names including crotch itch, crotch rot or jock itch.
Presentation
Tinea cruris usually affects the inner thighs and genitals but can often spread to the perineum and perianal area. The acute infection begins as a series of sores in the groin region (each about half inch wide) which then take the appearance of a rash with sharply defined borders that can later blister and exude [8]. Patients report an intense itch in the affected body part (usually associated with a burning sensation) and a recent history of related episodes like visits to tropical countries or wearing tight-fitting clothes. People living in situations in which sharing is highly possible, for instance prison inmates, comrades in armed forces and members of athletic teams, have an additional risk of contracting the disease.
Entire Body System
- Pain
The infection is itchy and may be painful. It may spread to the penis and anus. Who Suffers from Tinea Cruris? If you are obese then you are more likely to suffer from tinea cruris. [mangoboss.com]
Some individuals may have a burning pain in the rash area. When clothing rubs against the skin, additional discomfort and/or pain can occur. [medicinenet.com]
Symptoms and Complications Tinea is often painful or itchy, but not in every case. There are visual clues to help identify a fungal infection. [medbroadcast.com]
- Inflammation
abnormally dark or light skin skin redness or inflammation Fungal infections often spread out in a circle, leaving normal-looking skin in the middle. [rxhealthmed.ca]
- Candidiasis
If the scrotum is inflamed, it's probably due to a different yeast condition called candidiasis, and a physician should be consulted. [medbroadcast.com]
If the scrotum is inflamed, it’s probably due to a different yeast condition called candidiasis, and a physician should be consulted. [rxhealthmed.ca]
- Weakness
This is a classical example of opportunistic infection which takes advantage of any temporary or permanent weakness of the immune system. [symptoma.com]
Although not a serious threat for most healthy people, but skin infections can be a potential hazard for people with weak immune system. However, in severe cases may need to visit a doctor immediately. [wivesmag.com]
The main causes by which the fungal groin infection can develop include: A weak immune system Contact with an infected individual Excessive perspiration while wearing tight clothing Contact with infected animals, including dogs in the home Working with [skymd.com]
Lifestyle factors for jock itch Practicing good hygiene is imperative to reduce the risk of further infection or transfer of infection to others Address underlying immune weakness and Candida Consider liver detoxification Avoid using synthetic underwear [askanaturopath.com]
Gastrointestinal
- Diarrhea
Travelers in endemic areas with poor sanitation have also experienced intestinal overgrowth with Candida, although the specific mechanism causing diarrhea is unknown.14 Candida-associated diarrhea is predominantly of the secretory type, characterized [labcorp.com]
Possible side effects: nausea, lamisil dermgel cena upset stomach, diarrhea (can sometimes be avoided by taking with food or by using the extended-release formulations). Any questions? เครื่องวัดประสิทธิภาพ. [cornersgallery.com]
[…] topical, applied twice daily until rash resolves, or oral, 250 mg four times daily for two weeks). 3, 17, 18 Oral erythromycin is more effective than a topical regimen, but it can cause adverse reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea [aafp.org]
This is a reactive condition developing due to chronic irritant contact dermatitis caused by urinary incontinence or chronic diarrhea. 63, 89, 91 Diagnosis is generally straightforward, and biopsy may be required to rule out mast cell tumors, pseudolymphoma [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Pruritus Ani
See also Antifungal drugs Pruritus ani Ringworm Reference External links eMedicine Health MayoClinic - jock itch Links to jock itch pictures (Hardin MD/Univ of Iowa) How to Prevent Jock Itch with Rubbing Alcohol nl:Tinea cruris [wikidoc.org]
Yet another comment asked about the difference between “anogenital region” (noted in DC 7829) and “pruritus ani” (DC 7337), and whether these ratings may be combined. [federalregister.gov]
Skin
- Dermatitis
[…] a man Specialty Dermatology Symptoms Itch, rash in groin Risk factors Excessive sweating Diabetes Obesity Diagnostic method Microscopy and culture of skin scrapings Differential diagnosis Candidal intertrigo Erythrasma Inverse psoriasis Seborrhoeic dermatitis [en.wikipedia.org]
Tinea cruris can occasionally be confused with psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, which can both effect the groin. Erythrasma, caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum, also effect the groin. It fluoresces coral pink under Wood’s lamp exam. [somalaser.com]
Tinea cruris Tinea cruris can be confused with other forms of intertrigo such as: Candida Erythrasma Psoriasis Seborrhoeic dermatitis Tinea cruris quite often recurs after apparently successful treatment. [dermnetnz.org]
pediculosis; bacterial pyoderma; candida intertrigo; contact dermatitis; acanthosis nigricans; erythrasma; benign familial pemphigus; Langerhans... [link.springer.com]
- Eczema
Itching is a predominant feature, scaling is variable. synonyms Tinea Inguinalis, Ringworm of the Groin, Eczema Marginatum UMLS Dermatophytosis - groin/pubic, Dermatophytosis of groin and pubic area, Dhobie itch, Eczema marginatum, Eczema, marginatum, [dermis.net]
[…] dbo:abstract Tinea cruris, also known as crotch itch, crotch rot, Dhobi itch, eczema marginatum, gym itch, jock itch, jock rot, scrot rot and ringworm of the groin is a dermatophyte fungal infection of the groin region in any sex, though more often seen [dbpedia.org]
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Tinea cruris Other names Eczema marginatum, crotch itch, crotch rot, dhobi itch, gym itch, jock itch, jock rot, scrot rot[1][2]: 303 Tinea cruris on the groin of a man Specialty Dermatology Symptoms Itch, rash in [en.wikipedia.org]
Making the Diagnosis Any number of conditions (e.g., eczema, lice, candidiasis, scabies, and seborrhea) can make the groin area itch, but a doctor can determine what is causing the problem. [medbroadcast.com]
- Blister
Contact your doctor if you do not notice any improvement or if the rash is accompanied by blistering, pain, fever etc. [ringworm-treatment.net]
If the rash is very red and itchy, especially if it has blisters at the edge, a topical steroid such as hydrocortisone can be applied as well. [dermatology.about.com]
These include: inflammation of the groin, anal area, and upper thigh – not including the genitals themselves slightly raised patch sharp borders expanding or spreading, with clearing in the centre dry or scaly blisters (occasionally oozing or crusting [medbroadcast.com]
- Intertrigo
Intertrigo is another possible diagnosis that can be confused with tinea cruris, but in intertrigo, the KOH preparation, or fungal culture, will be negative. [somalaser.com]
scrot rot[1][2]: 303 Tinea cruris on the groin of a man Specialty Dermatology Symptoms Itch, rash in groin Risk factors Excessive sweating Diabetes Obesity Diagnostic method Microscopy and culture of skin scrapings Differential diagnosis Candidal intertrigo [en.wikipedia.org]
These results point to important predisposing factors for the susceptibility to candidal intertrigo and tinea cruris respectively. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
The first is called intertrigo, which is a red, macerated rash at the groin fold that's not caused by a fungus. Intertrigo commonly occurs in people who are obese and is caused by moist skin rubbing against other moist skin. [verywellhealth.com]
Tinea cruris Tinea cruris can be confused with other forms of intertrigo such as: Candida Erythrasma Psoriasis Seborrhoeic dermatitis Tinea cruris quite often recurs after apparently successful treatment. [dermnetnz.org]
- Pruritus
Intense pruritus (itching) is common. Localised scrotal infection is quite common and inconspicuous. There may be evidence of superficial fungal infection elsewhere on the body. [life-worldwide.org]
After clinical evaluation of redness, scaling, pruritus and burning/pain sensation and mycological assessment, honey mixture containing honey, olive oil and beeswax (1:1:1) was applied to the lesions three times daily for a maximum of 4 weeks. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Workup
The main diagnostic method for tinea cruris is microscopy, usually with the use of potassium hydroxide (KHO) to help dissolve keratin and other debris. The specimen can then be sent to a laboratory to confirm or identify the fungal species responsible for the infection. Rarely, biopsy might be needed in atypical cases which do not properly respond to treatment.
Microbiology
- Candida
The most common causative agent was Candida albicans (33.4%) followed by Trichophyton rubrum (29.1%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitale (29.1%), Candida glabrata (4.2%) and Candida tropicalis (4.2%). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Tinea cruris Tinea cruris can be confused with other forms of intertrigo such as: Candida Erythrasma Psoriasis Seborrhoeic dermatitis Tinea cruris quite often recurs after apparently successful treatment. [dermnetnz.org]
Intravenous drug abusers are prone to Candida endocarditis. [labcorp.com]
Treatment
Tinea cruris can be best treated by using antifungal medications of the imidazole or allylamine family (e.g. terbinafine and naftifine) [9][10]. Topical steroids and Whitfield’s ointment can be also used but their benefits are still not clear and they are not recommended by specialized guidelines [11]. Prevention is highly advised especially in those individuals with a history of dermatophyte infections on feet and hands.
Prognosis
Usually, the prognosis of tinea cruris is excellent but the risk of recurrence is very high. Therefore, subjects who have been affected by this infection are advised to take the appropriate precautions like daily groin washing, frequent underwear change and especially constant check of the feet as the skin between the toes is flaky and thus, more inclined to fungal infections.
Etiology
This is a classical example of opportunistic infection which takes advantage of any temporary or permanent weakness of the immune system. The most common etiologic agents of tinea cruris are the species which normally live on the surface of the epidermis causing no problem in immunocompetent people. Notable among them are Trichophyton rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosum. These fungi may also grow on non-living objects (called fomites) such as towels, bedroom sheets and especially skin-tight garments like jock straps [2].
In addition to immune weakness, a number of other circumstances (like remaining in sweat-soaked clothes or experiencing a prolonged exposure to moisture after a workout or a game) can also favor the growth of these fungi. The humid conditions generated in these accidental situations favor the overgrowth of the fungal population which ultimately enters the superficial epidermal layers and leads to infection. The common name “jock itch” might give the false impression that this is a problem which only involves athletes.
Overweight people are frequently affected as the numerous folds of their skin offer a perfect environment for fungal growth. Wearing tight clothing also contributes to the development of tinea cruris because it causes sweating and prevents the skin from drying.
Epidemiology
Like all the other members of the dermatophytosis family, tinea cruris is common all over the world; especially in countries with hot humid climates where it finds the perfect conditions to thrive [3][4][5].
While no mortality is associated with this disease, the morbidity is quite high and can be attributed to complications like lichenification, secondary bacterial infections and dermatitis. Tinea cruris is three times more frequent in men than in women. It is also more common in adults compared to children owing to scrotal anatomy and age-related disorders like obesity and diabetes mellitus.
Pathophysiology
The most common etiologic agents responsible for tinea cruris are the species belonging to the genus Trichophyton and the species Epidermophyton floccosum and Microsporum canis. They produce keratins that favor the invasion of the epidermal cornified layer. The infection is then encouraged by the damp and warm conditions of local environments like those within the above mentioned folds of the skin [6] [7]. Tinea cruris can be transmitted through anthropophilic, geophilic and zoophilic spread. It most frequently infects the groin and its adjacent areas.
Prevention
The main recommendation to prevent tinea cruris is to always maintain good standards of hygiene for nails and skin, especially in the groin area which should be kept clean and dry by drying off after bathing and putting on dry clothing after athletic activities. It is also recommended to wear loose cotton underwear and avoid the aforementioned tight-fitting clothes together with using antifungal powders and avoding the sharing of clothes and towels [11][12].
Summary
Tinea cruris can be acute, subacute or chronic and is specifically located between the intertriginous folds in the area around the groin, scrotum and less frequently the penis, vulva and anus. The infection affects both sexes - though it is more often seen in adult men. Like the other types of dermatophytosis, tinea cruris tends to grow with a characteristic ring-like pattern on the skin for which it is often referred to as ringworm.
Patient Information
Tinea Cruris is a skin infection of the area of the groin and adjacent skin in any sex. It tends to grow onward on the skin, producing a characteristic ring-like pattern, and characterizes itself to take advantage of temporary favourable conditions such as a weakening of the immune system.
The most common etiologic agents of tinea cruris are the species of fungi which live on the surface of the skin. These organisms thrive in the favorable hot humid conditions generated in accidental situations like wearing tight clothing and experiencing a prolonged exposure to moisture. In these occasions, fungi can enter the superficial epidermal layers and cause infection.
Tinea cruris can be easily treated by using antifungal medications, but recurrence is very frequent and appropriate precautions like using antifungal powders should always be employed.
References
- “Tinea Cruris in Men: Bothersome but Treatable." U.S. Pharmacist 30 (8): 13–17. 2005.
- “Causes of Jock Itch." Retrieved 2013-01-06.
- Sadri MF, Farnaghi F, Danesh-Pazhooh M, Shokoohi A. “The frequency of tinea pedis in patients with tinea cruris in Tehran, Iran.” Mycoses. 2000; 43(1-2):41-4.
- Yehia MA, El-Ammawi TS, Al-Mazidi KM, Abu El-Ela MA, Al-Ajmi HS. “The Spectrum of Fungal Infections with a Special Reference to Dermatophytoses in the Capital Area of Kuwait During 2000-2005: A Retrospective Analysis.” Mycopathologia. Nov 17 2009.
- Wiederkehr M et al; Tinea Cruris, Medscape, Jan 2012.
- Rashid R et al; Tinea in Emergency Medicine, Medscape, Mar 2011.
- Ellis D, Dermatophytosis, Mycology Online, 2012.
- “Jock itch." MedlinePlus. NLM / NIH.
- Nadalo, D.; Montoya, C.; Hunter-Smith, D. (2006). "What is the best way to treat tinea cruris?" The Journal of Family Practice 55 (3): 256–258.
- El-Gohary, M; van Zuuren, EJ; Fedorowicz, Z et al (Aug 4, 2014). "Topical antifungal treatments for tinea cruris and tinea corporis." The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 8: CD009992.
- "Jock itch." Crutchfield Dermatology.
- "Jock Itch Causes, Symptoms and Treatment." Everydayhealth. Harvard Health Publications.