Anyone can Get the Itch: Jock Itch in Women

If your brothers have been complaining about jock itch and you still share your towels with them, thinking you will never get infected, you're wrong. Although its name is a little tricky, jock itch is not just for jocks. It's not even just for men. Anyone can get jock itch, even women.

Jock itch got its name because it is most common in young men who sweat a lot due to their very active lifestyles. However, women engaged in sports and other strenuous activities and used to wearing tight-fitting clothes are also prone to this skin infection.

Jock itch is caused by a group of fungi, particularly trichophyton rubum. This infection develops in warm, moist, sweaty parts of the body. That includes the inner thighs, the crotch area, the anal area, and the genitals. The fungus reproduces regardless of the patient's sex. As long as there's adequate moisture and appropriate temperature, they can grow and infect the skin.

Jock itch in women causes the same symptoms and signs. Rashes in the upper thigh and vaginal areas can be visible. These rashes may be scaly, flaky or bumpy. The center of the rash appears to be red-brown. Women with jock itch also experience itching, chafing and burning in the vagina.

Like jock itch in men, this infection can be easily treated. All you need to do is wash and cleanse the infected area gently and pat it dry with a clean towel. Make sure the area is dry. Do not use scented feminine wipes because they might aggravate the condition of the infection. Apply an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream, powder or spray. Just keep this healthy habit for two weeks and it should disappear completely. If the condition doesn't change and the infection does not respond to medication after two weeks, consult a doctor and ask for a stronger medication. Jock itch rashes resemble symptoms of some sexually transmitted diseases. The doctor can tell you if it is really jock itch or something worse.