Jock itch how long does it take to go away

How can you care for yourself at home? Wash the rash with soap and water. Pat the skin dry. Put a cool compress on the skin to relieve itching. Spread antifungal cream over and around the entire edge of the rash. Follow the directions on the package.

To avoid spreading it, wash your hands well after treating or touching the rash. If your doctor prescribed medicine, take it exactly as directed. Call your doctor or nurse call line if you have any problems with your medicine. Try not to scratch the rash. Shower or bathe daily and after you exercise. Keep your skin dry as much as possible to allow it to heal. Until your jock itch is cured, wear loose-fitting cotton clothing.

Avoid tight underwear, pants, and tights. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools.

Jock Itch. Reviewed: January 22, Medically Reviewed. Jock itch is a type of fungal infection that affects the groin area, inner thighs, and buttocks. It's also known as tinea cruris or ringworm of the groin tinea is the medical term for ringworm , according to MedlinePlus.

While jock itch is far much more common among men, due to the proximity of the scrotum to the thigh and the resulting friction and susceptibility to moisture, women can also be affected, notes the Merck Manual. Symptoms typically appear between 4 and 14 days after the skin comes in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC. It often spreads to the upper thigh in a half-moon shape.

The rash may be ring-shaped and bordered with a line of small blisters. It may burn or feel itchy, and the skin may be flaky or scaly, notes the Mayo Clinic. Jock itch is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. This overgrowth of dermatophytes in the groin area causes the infection known as jock itch. Jock itch is often caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot. Certain risk factors may make you more susceptible to jock itch. These include:. Your child should:.

Jock itch is usually less severe than other tinea infections. If it's not treated, though, it can last for weeks or months. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Jock Itch? What Causes Jock Itch? Is Jock Itch Contagious? Who Gets Jock Itch? Things that can make jock itch more likely include: lots of sweating while playing sports hot and humid weather friction from wearing tight clothes like bathing suits for long periods sharing clothes or towels with others not drying the skin well after sweating, bathing, or swimming some health conditions such as diabetes, obesity , or immune system problems How Is Jock Itch Diagnosed?

How Is Jock Itch Treated? Your child should: Wash and then dry the area with a clean towel. A separate clean towel should be used for the rest of the body. Some things can trigger or make someone more susceptible to developing jock itch, including:.

Jock itch occurs mostly in males, but females can still develop jock itch. For example, a male can pass the infection to a female through intercourse.

Females can also develop jock itch if they come into contact with contaminated clothing. If a female has athlete's foot, the infection can also spread to the groin area through touching or contact with clothing that touched their feet. Jock itch is contagious. It can spread easily from person to person, and from one body part to another.

Jock itch may spread to near the anus, causing anal itching and discomfort. In some cases, the spores of the fungus causing the infection can live on bedding, towels, or other soft surfaces for up to a year if they are not washed properly.

Because of this, jock itch can be spread for quite some time even after you have treated the infection. Symptoms of jock itch go away in a few weeks with treatment. In some cases, using the wrong treatment or participating in activities that worsen the infection can lead to more severe or long-lasting symptoms. The things that can make jock itch worse include:. The first-line treatment for jock itch is an antifungal cream.

These can be purchased over-the-counter, but sometimes a prescription-strength cream may be required. In some cases, an oral antifungal medication and antifungal creams are both needed. Antifungal treatment typically lasts two to four weeks. Other possible remedies for jock itch include:.

To avoid spreading jock itch, you can:. Jock itch is a contagious fungal infection that affects the upper thighs, genitals, and buttocks. It causes a red, itchy, and ring-shaped rash.

The fungus that causes the infection thrives on warm and moist skin covered by tight-fitting clothing. To avoid spreading the infection, avoid sharing clothing that has come in contact with the infection with others and be sure to treat other fungal infections you may have, such as athlete's foot.