Jock itch is a problem for many people and there are even some who may have it and not even know about it.  Some people are more susceptible to get it and there are many ways that is can be passed on.  There are also many measures that can be taken so that you don't have to suffer from the problem of jock itch.  Here is some information about what jock itch is and what you can do to prevent it and treat it if you do happen to get it or already have it. 

Jock itch is also called tinea cruris which is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the inner thighs, buttocks and genitals.  It is accompanied by itchy, red and sometimes a ring shaped rash in these areas.  It is easier for the fungus to grow in these areas because they are soft, dark and moist most of the time.  Jock itch is often caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot and also ringworm on the scalp.  The fungus that infects the groin area can actually be spread to other parts of the body and also affect these areas.  This is one of the reasons why treating it quickly and properly is very important and why you should be sure to maintain these areas as well as possible.  Nearly anyone can get the infection but it is more common among people who sweat more or who are overweight than in other people.  Jock itch really isn't a serious problem and there are very few other problems that can come about because of it, but it is annoying and uncomfortable and that's why many people want to get rid of it as soon as possible.  Simple treatments are usually enough to keep the problem under control once you have gotten it. 

 There are many symptoms of jock itch that can be very irritating to people who have it.  Some of the most common symptoms are itching and redness in the groin area including the genitals and around them.  Other itchy areas can include the buttocks, the inner thighs and the anal areas as well.  Another symptom that can be associated with jock itch is a burning sensation in the areas that are affected by the fungus.  The skin can also be affected by the fungus and can create dryness in an area that is normally very moist and soft.  The skin may begin to crack, peel and even flake away in the groin area.  One of the most unfortunate side effects of jock itch is that it makes wearing clothing, especially underwear very uncomfortable and annoying.  Walking and exercising can become difficult and even painful to those who have it.  These activities can even aggravate the situation and make the problem worse than it was before.  This is another reason why prompt and proper attention be paid to jock itch.  Jock itch is usually less severe than other fungal infections but can last for weeks or even months if not treated properly. 

Jock itch is caused by fungi called dermatophytes which are microscopic organisms that are normal inhabitants of the skin.  They are kept in check as long as skin is kept clean and dry, but moist or dirty skin is an idea environment for them to thrive and reproduce in.  Jock itch is only very slightly contagious so you don't have to worry about getting it if you are in the same shower or locker room as someone else who has it.  But it is definitely a bad idea to share clothing or other fabrics with someone who has it.  It can be spread from person to person through towels or other clothing and through direct contact in situations like sexual intercourse. 

Jock itch gets its name from, well, jocks.  But that doesn't mean that you have to be a jock to get it.  It is called this because athletes are the most common people who get jock itch.  It can really affect anyone who happens to sweat a lot.  Athletes normally get it because they are active for very long periods of time or during intervals over a long period of time and their body doesn't have time to cool off or to dry off either.  This becomes a problem because it produces the ideal environment for the fungus to thrive.  Jock itch is more common among men but that doesn't mean that women can't or don't get it either. 

 There are certain conditions that make it more likely for jock itch to happen.  Sweating profusely while playing sports over an extended period can be one of the main reasons the problem develops.  But other things like humidity and hot temperatures can also contribute to the problem.  It can also happen from wearing tight clothing for a long time or being chaffed for a long time (like while wearing a bathing suit that is tight).  People with health problems like obesity, diabetes mellitus or other diseases that interfere with the immune system may be more susceptible to getting jock itch than others.  The movement of sweat washes away the oils on the skin that keep the fungus at bay and this is why profuse sweating is such a common factor in the development of jock itch.  There is also a possibility that some people may simply be more genetically prone to get jock itch.  Those who have atopic dermatitis, which is a chronic skin disease that is inherited, may be more likely to get jock itch especially if they sweat a lot too. 

There are many things that can be done to treat jock itch once you already have it.  These treatments can kill the fungus that cause the problems of jock itch and can also help ease the symptoms that come along with the fungus.  Antifungal creams are the most common treatment for jock itch.  At first your doctor may recommend over the counter treatments that can be bought practically anywhere.  Some treatments take more time than other and they differ a great deal in cost as well.  If jock itch is very severe, the doctor may recommend prescription strength topical or even oral medications if the fungus doesn't go away with over the counter treatments.  Some people may have athlete's foot at the same time they have jock itch and they can be treated simultaneously. 

While treatment is a good option if you already have jock itch, it's better to never get it in the first place.  There are several things that can be done regularly to keep you from ever getting it.  One of the most obvious ways to prevent it is to simply stay clean and to bathe daily.  You should also bathe after you exercise or participate in any activity that makes you sweat a lot.  You should also make a special effort to keep your skin dry, especially in the groin areas.  Keeping yourself dry may be difficult while you are actually engaging in physical activity but you should make efforts to dry off after you shower.  Don't rush and assume that a casual toweling off is enough to keep you dry down there.  Make sure that you pay special attention to your groin and to dry it off as well as possible before you put clothing back on.  You should also change your underwear every day or more often if you need to in order to stay dry.  This sounds like a no brainer, but some people don't change their workout underwear every time or may "recycle" an athletic supporter to keep from having to take their gym bag home every day.  It is well worth the effort to clean it daily or to buy a few extra ones so that you never have to use one more than once without cleaning it.  Also make sure that they clothes you wear all day and while you exercise fit you properly.  Clothes that are too tight can start the problem in the first place and make it worse if it is already happening.  Don't share personal items with other people like towels and clothing.  Don't borrow them from other people either.  It's better to miss a workout than to use someone else's personal items and regret it later.  It is common for people that have athlete's foot to get jock itch and they often occur at the same time.  Many people know that they are similar fungi and assume that if you have one you are just more likely to get the other, but this is not necessarily true.  You don't get jock itch because you have athlete's foot and you don't get athlete's foot.  But athlete's foot can be spread very easily to the groin through the simple and routine activity of putting on underwear.  The fungus gets from the foot onto the fabric of your underwear and then transfers to your skin there where it can quickly and easily set in if the proper conditions are in place.  It is important to treat athlete's foot as soon as you know you have it and get it to go away as quickly as possible.  A great idea to keep it spreading is to put on your socks before you put on your underwear so that you feet are covered when your underwear passes over them.  Simple changes can really make a big difference and save you a lot of pain and trouble.