Jock itch (a.k.a. - tinea cruris) is a skin infection caused by a fungus.  A child does not have to be an athlete adn does not have to use school locker room showers to become infected.  Several fungus types can cause jock itch, including Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton.  Similar skin fungal infections can occur in the anywhere on the skin (tinea corporis), on the scalp (tinea capitus)and between the toes (athlete's foot).  Treatment for ringworm is usually accomplished with antifungal creams for 2 - 4 weeks.

What is jock itch?

Jock itch (a.k.a. – tinea cruris) is a fungal infection of the skin in the groin or diaper area.  It has a raised, red, ring-like appearance.  Despite the name, a child does not have to be a “jock” to develop this type of infection.  Similar lesions on the skin are called "ringworm" because the raised circles have the appearance of a "worm" under the skin.

What causes jock itch?

Funguses like Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton can cause jock itch.  These funguses spread from other children, some animals and the environment.  These funguses have the ability to breakdown keratin, a key component of skin, nails and hair.

What does jock itch infection look like?

The lesion typically starts as a small red or pink bump that expands over several days or weeks.  As the lesion gets bigger, the inside part returns to a normal (or slightly scaly) skin appearance.  This give the lesion a ring-like appearance.  The edges are often slightly raised.  The lesion is often itchy and in some cases can be swollen and painful.  The lesion may develop deep in the creases of the groin or on the genitalia.

How is jock itch diagnosed?

Usually, a physician can diagnose jock itch on sight.  If necessary, the lesion can be scraped with a microscope slide and the skin flakes can be viewed under a microscope.  The scrapings can also be "cultured" by a laboratory for confusing cases.

Is jock itch contagious?

Yes.  Although, a child who is receiving treatment does not need to be isolated from other healthy children.

How is jock itch treated?

Topical antifungal agents are available as creams and ointments.  Some examples are miconazole, clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine, and naftifine.  These agents are typically applied twice daily for 2–4 weeks.