Tinea Cruris
Tinea Cruris is a fungal infection affecting the groin area. It is also called crotch itch or jock itch. People with this condition frequently scratch their crotches. It is quite embarrassing for them, but they can’t help but scratching. Later on, this becomes a habit, that this person might do it unknowingly.
Tinea cruris or jock itch or crotch itch starts of as a rash in the groin area, but spreads to other surrounding areas as well. Its spreading pattern follows no particular direction. Thus, jock itch can start from one point and end-up affecting your anal region as well.
The types of fungi that are involved are called Trichophyton rubrum, Candida albicans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum.
This itch comes about by giving optimum condition for the fungus to breed. That is why it is so important to wash your underwear frequently. Sweating in the groin region can give the fungi an optimum environment to breed. Also scratching the skin, or any cut on the skin will abet the fungal infection. Even wearing tight clothing will create this condition.
Causes of Tinea Cruris or jock itch or crotch itch Unhygienic groin habits. Wearing tight underwear. Abrasion on the groin region, leading to a fungal infection.
It could also come about when the immune system is not strong enough to ward of infections. It can also come to people with athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection in the feet. The fungus from this region can spread to the crotch region.
Since tinea cruris or jock itch or crotch itch is contagious, it can be passed on from one person to another person. This condition does not get on to the reproductive organs though.
Prevention of Tinea Cruris or jock itch or crotch itch Make sure you keep your groin area always dry. This will prevent the fungus from getting a wet environment to thrive. When you are exercising, wash off the sweat of your groin area with a good soap. Always dry your groin area.
Another way to kill fungus is to expose your groin area to sunlight. Sunlight is effective in killing fungi that cause tinea cruris.
Don’t wear tight clothing. Don’t scratch the area frequently. Get a physician’s consultation, and get a good anti-fungal ointment or topical cream, to apply over your groin area.
