Jock Itch: The Sweaty Gets the Itch

You are the best athlete in town. After your well-fought field battle, you think about what you are going to get for winning this game. Your coach might promote you to team captain next season for an excellent performance. Your parents might increase your weekly allowance for making them proud. Your school might award you a medal or a trophy for raising the school flag. Just when you run out of thinking of things you might get, you began scratching your legs and crotch. Then you wonder what you've got down there. You soon learn the only thing you will get is jock itch.

Jock itch is a common ringworm or skin infection of the groin and upper thighs. The infection's name might sound a little silly but it can do you harm if left untreated. It's called jock itch because it is common in active boys who sweat a lot while playing sports. Its medical name is tinea cruris (pronounced: ti-nee-uh krur-us). Jock itch is part of the tinea group of skin infections along with ringworm and athlete's foot.

So you're not a jock? It doesn't mean you won't get it. Jock itch affects the groin area of men and women, but it is more common in men. The jock itch-causing fungus can thrive on the skin of anyone who spends most of their time under the sun in hot, sweltering humid weather. It is also common in kids who wear tight clothing that causes friction, like bathing suits. The fungus can be passed on by sharing clothing and towels. Not completely drying off the skin after shower can also make you prone to fungus. If it goes untreated, it can last for weeks or sometimes months.

If you think you have jock itch, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you experience chafing, burning, and itching in the crotch, thigh or anal area?

• Are any of these parts of your body turning red?

• Is your skin on these body parts peeling, cracking or flaking?

If you answer “yes” to all three questions, you might have jock itch. However, the best way to be sure is to consult a doctor. There is no need to worry too much. Jock itch is easy to treat. In fact, you can even prepare homemade remedies so you can go on with your active lifestyle.