Print DiagnosisYour doctor will likely be able to diagnose jock itch by looking at the rash. If the diagnosis isn't certain, your doctor may take a skin scraping from the affected area for testing in a lab. TreatmentFor mild jock itch, your doctor may suggest using an antifungal ointment, cream or gel that you can get without a prescription. Continue to apply the medicine for at least a week after the rash clears up. Severe jock itch or a rash that doesn't improve with nonprescription medicine may need prescription-strength creams, ointments or pills, or a combination of these products. If you also have athlete's foot, it's usually treated at the same time as jock itch to reduce the risk of either rash coming back. Request an appointment Preparing for your appointmentYour primary care provider or a skin specialist (dermatologist) can diagnose jock itch. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your appointment. What you can doBefore your appointment, you might want to list of questions to ask your doctor. Examples include: What's the most likely cause of my symptoms? Are tests needed to confirm the diagnosis? What treatments are available? Is this condition temporary or long lasting? Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing? What can I do to prevent the infection from spreading? What skin care routines do you recommend while the condition heals? What to expect from your doctorYour health care provider is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as: When did you first notice your symptoms? What did the rash look like when it first started? Have you had this type of rash in the past? Is the rash painful or itchy? Have you used any medications on it already? If so, what? By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Symptoms & causes March 21, 2025 Print Show references Ely JW, et al. Diagnosis and management of tinea infections. American Family Physician. 2014;90:702. Ferri FF. Tinea cruris. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2016. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed June 3, 2016. Goldstein AO, et al. Dermatophyte (tinea) infections. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed June 3, 2016. Papadakis MA, et al., eds. Dermatologic disorders. In: Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2016. 55th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2016. http://www.accessmedicine.com. Accessed June 3, 2016. Fungal infections. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/. Accessed June 3, 2016. El-Gohary M, et al. Topical antifungal treatments for tinea cruris and tinea corporis (Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25090020. Accessed June 3, 2016. Related Jock itch Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Anti-Itch Products Available at Mayo Clinic Store Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Jock itchSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatment Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. NEW: Mayo Clinic Guide to Better Sleep Listen to Health Matters Podcast Mayo Clinic on Incontinence The Essential Diabetes Book FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20193990 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Jock itch