How to Identify Symptoms of Jock Itch

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By Sharon L. Cohen
eHow Contributing Writer

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Identify Symptoms of Jock Itch

Tinea cruris, commonly known as jock itch, is a fungal infection that affects a man's skin in warm, moist areas of the body, such as the inner thighs, buttocks and genitals. The infection causes an itchy, red and frequently ring-shaped rash. Jock itch is often caused by the same type of fungus found in athlete's foot and ringworm of the scalp. Sometimes, in fact, the fungus infecting the groin area may be have spread from an athlete's-foot infection.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Check for Jock-Itch Symptoms

Step 1

If the itching you're experiencing goes on without any improvement, look and see if you have a circular, raised, red rash around your groin. The affected area starts with an itchy area of redness about 1/2" across. As it gets worse, the area may become larger and other sores may develop with no special pattern.
Step 2

Have you had flaking or peeling of your skin in the groin area? Does the rash appear as raised red plaques with sharp borders, and perhaps tiny pimples or pustules with centers that have reddish, dry and small scales? All of these are symptoms of jock itch.
Step 3

Do you see fissures in the skin where the skin is cracking and opening? Or do you see a brown rash, instead of one that is red without blisters? These may be other types of rashes other than jock itch. If you are not sure, get healthcare advice.

Tips & Warnings

Try an antifungal cream or spray from your local drugstore. These over-the-counter treatments usually work very effectively and quickly in curing the problem.
Put the salve on your jock itch for a week. If the area becomes worse, even with the medicine, see a healthcare provider.
Be sure you wash and thoroughly dry off the infected area at least once a day. Use medication as prescribed on the label, and change your underwear daily as well.
Keep the groin area dry, wear loose clothing and continue to use an antifungal powder or cream, so that the problem does not return.
Always see a healthcare provider if the area becomes painful or does not improve after you have used antifungal ointments. Do not use anyone else's towels or handcloths.

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