Causes and Symptoms of Jock Itch
October 31, 2009
Jock Itch
Jock itch is a fungal infection commonly seen in upper thighs and groin. It is also known as tinea cruris. Jock itch is also known by other names called bag rot, crotch rot, crotch itch, dhobi itch etc. Jock itch is more common in males than in females and is more common after the age of 15 years.
Symptoms of jock itch
Symptoms are first seen in groin and then it spreads to genitals, inner thighs, anal region and at times to pelvic region also. The most commonly seen symptom is red circular and raised rashes that have elevated edges. The skin in thighs, groin and anal region becomes red and the patient may experience chafing, itching and burning sensation in the affected region. There may be cracks in the skin and the skin may flakes and peels off. When the disease progresses it leaves normal like skin in the middle with the red and lifted edges and thus makes a ring like appearance.
Causes of Jock Itch
Jock itch is a skin disease developed form the infection of a group of fungi called as dermatophytes. These are the normal inhabitants of our skin and they remains under control when the skin is clean and neat. When the creases in the body get sweat and dirt it becomes a favorable place for these fungi and they become over active and cause the disease. This infection spreads to other people when they share the same towel or clothes of the infected person or having sex with that person.
Risk Factors of Jock Itch
Lack of immunity is an important factor for causing this infection. People having diabetes, AIDS, obesity are also prone to this infection as their immunity power will be less. Use of broad spectrum antibiotics may also cause this disease. Athletes are more prone to jock itch as they sweat a lot. Tight synthetic clothes may also aggravate the problem. People living in humid and hot areas also have the chance. Infections like athlete’s foot and fungal attack on the scalp may also result in jock itch.
The only means to prevent the disease is to keep you neat and clean. Try to use separate towels and avoid sharing the dresses with others.
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