Jock Itch
What is jock itch?
Jock itch is an itchy rash caused by fungus. It tends to be red or dark, dry patches of skin in and around your inguinal folds (groin), usually on both sides (one side > the other). It can come up onto the lower belly or down onto the inner thighs (in men, it does not affect the scrotum). There is usually an obvious line between the rash and your normal skin because the edges of the rash are often a brighter red or darker than the middle. If you are sweaty, the rash can leave damp, peeling skin in the folds. It tends to happen in people with athlete’s foot.
Why do I have jock itch?
Jock itch tends to come from athlete’s foot on the feet. It is more common if you sweat a lot, are obese, wear tighter clothing in the groin that doesn’t “breathe,” leave wet clothes on the skin (by not changing out of a swimsuit), or live in a humid climate.
How do I fix jock itch?
There are several things you can do to treat jock itch. None of these are perfect, but hopefully, you can find the best combination for you:
Apply a thin layer of topical antifungal cream twice a day. Head-to-head studies don’t exist on the best antifungal creams, but antifungals ending in “-afine” appear to work better (and are pricier) than antifungals ending in “-azole.” I would try a cheaper “azole” first.
“-afine” antifungals (more expensive): butenafine or terbinafine.
“-azole” antifungals (less expensive): miconazole or clotrimazole.
NOTE: The percentages of each medicine are only important for that specific medicine, so ketoconazole 2% (prescription) is twice as strong as ketoconazole 1% (over-the-counter), but miconazole 2% is NOT stronger than clotrimazole 1%.
If it’s itchy, use steroid (cortisone) ointments WITH the antifungal cream
Don’t use steroid ointments alone for jock itch. Fungus loves steroid medicine, and the jock itch will get worse. But, antifungal creams take a couple of weeks by themselves to help with the itchiness of jock itch.
An over-the-counter hydrocortisone ointment works best (instead of cream). Apply a thin layer of hydrocortisone ointment twice daily after putting on the antifungal cream. You would stop the steroid ointment if it is not itchy anymore.
WARNING: Overuse of topical steroids like hydrocortisone can cause skin thinning, stretch marks, and easy bleeding or bruising.
If you sweat or it is humid where you live, use an antifungal powder.
Dry your groin well with a towel after a shower or bath.
Antifungal powders (brand name or generic) help keep the skin dry to clear the skin quicker.
Try vinegar soaks to speed up the process.
Vinegar soaks are immensely helpful for cleaning up superficial infections with fungus or bacteria and healing up any scratched, broken, or damaged skin. Safe for all ages.
Wear loose-fitting underwear (women) and clothing until clear. Let things breathe down there.
What if my jock itch isn’t getting better?
Usually, the steps above can help most people get their jock itch better. You HAVE to treat athlete’s foot if you have that too, or it’s a neverending process that keeps coming back. If you are very sweaty, you need to treat it with a clinical-strength antiperspirant (see my Sweating page). Other rashes can look like jock itch (like a bacterial infection, psoriasis, or eczema). If over-the-counter options are not working or if the jock itch keeps coming back, look for a board-certified dermatologist in your area. There are stronger prescription medications that can be given - a course of oral antifungal medications works really well for most people. If you are in or near Utah, see one of my excellent colleagues at the University of Utah or me virtually with Honeydew.
DISCLAIMER
The statements expressed and content of this website are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should seek their own professional counsel for any medical condition or before starting or altering any treatment, exercise, or dietary plan. Please see our full disclaimer here.