Tinea Cruris

Tinea cruris, also known as Jock itch, is a fungal skin infection of the groin. The fungus which causes jock itch flourishes in warm, moist areas. An infection of the groin is generally caused by anthropophile fungi. The most common variety are Epidermophyton floccosum and Tricophyton rubrum. Tinea cruris occurs almost solely in adult men. It can occassionally accompany athlete's foot and ringworm. Tinea cruris occurs when a specific kind of fungus grows and doubles in the groin area.

Tinea cruris can occur when tight garments trap moisture and fervor. This produces an environment in which fungi multiply and thrive. Athletes frequently get jock itch. Both direct contact between infected individuals and indirect contact with non-living contaminated objects (towels, clothing, bed linens, urinals, and bed pans) are method of transmission. The jock itch fungus may cause a rash on the upper and inner thighs, the armpits, and the area just under the breasts. Some people with tinea cruris also have athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is called tinea pedis.

Tinea cruris occurs more commonly in men, but can affect women as well. Tinea cruris presents with sharply demarcated lesions with a raised erythematous margin and thin dry epidermal scaling. Papulovesicular lesions may also be present but pustules such as those caused by Candida are very unusual. Some types of fungus germs (fungi) are commonly found on human skin. They usually do no harm. Fungal infections do not usually go deeper than the skin into the body, and are not usually serious.

Jock itch can be triggered by friction from clothes and prolonged wetness in the groin area (such as from sweating). Fungal scalp infection may be endemic, sporadic or epidemic, where involvement of large number of school children or in crowded low hygiene refugee camps is not uncommon. Jock itch can spread to the pubic and genital regions and sometimes to the buttocks. Keeping your groin area clean and dry and applying topical antifungal medications are usually sufficient to treat the problem.

Causes of Tinea cruris

The common causes and risk factor's of Tinea cruris include the following:

• Fungi called dermatophytes.
• When a specific type of fungus grows and multiplies in the groin area.
• Tinea cruris can be foccussed by friction from clothes and prolonged wetness in the groin area (such as from sweating).
• Chemical irritation.
• Tinea cruris can be passed circuitously from person to person, via damp towels for instance.

Symptoms of Tinea cruris

Some sign and symptoms related to Tinea cruris are as follows:

• Itching in groin, thigh skin folds, or anus.
• Acutely demarcated lesions with a raised erythematous margin and thin dry epidermal scaling.
• Abnormally dark or light skin.
• Papulovesicular lesions may also be available
• Burning sensation in affected areas.
• Skin redness or inflammation.
• Dry or scaly blisters, occasionally oozing or crusting.

Treatment of Tinea cruris

Here is list of the techniques for treating Tinea cruris:

• An anti-fungal medicine taken by mouth is sometimes suggested if the rash does not clear with a cream, or if the rash is in many portions on the skin in addition to the groin.
• Antibiotics may be required to treat bacterial infections which occur in summation to the fungus.
• Use an absorbent powder if you perspire easily.
• Apply topical over-the-counter antifungal or drying powders, such as those which have miconazole, clotrimazole, or tolnaftate.
• Keep the skin clean and dry.
• Taking other medications, such as antacid therapies for ulcer disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease, may interfere with the absorption of these drugs.

If you like this page, please post it on: