Print Overview Jock itch Enlarge image Close Jock itch Jock itch Illustration of jock itch on different skin colors. Jock itch is an itchy rash, often on the groin and inner thighs. Jock itch is a fungal skin infection that causes an itchy rash in warm, moist areas of the body. The rash often affects the groin and inner thighs and may be shaped like a ring. The condition is also called tinea cruris. Jock itch gets its name because it's common in athletes. It's also common in people who sweat a lot. The condition can range from mild to serious. It usually clears up in 1 to 3 weeks with antifungal creams and self care.Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health BookAnti-Itch Products Available at Mayo Clinic StoreNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic SymptomsSymptoms of jock itch are: A spreading rash that begins in the crease of the groin and moves down the upper thigh and buttocks. A rash whose center tends to clear as the rash spreads. A rash that may be full or partially ring shaped. A rash bordered with small blisters. Itchiness. Scaly skin. A rash that might be red, brown, purple or gray depending on your skin color. When to see a doctorSee your doctor if your rash is painful or you develop a fever. And seek medical care if the rash hasn't improved after a week of self-care with the type of antifungal product you can get without a prescription. Also seek medical care if the rash hasn't cleared up fully after three weeks of treatment. Request an appointment There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. 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Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry CausesJock itch is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist areas of the body. Jock itch is often caused by the same organism that causes athlete's foot. The rash can spread from person to person with skin contact or from sharing contaminated towels or clothing. You can also spread an infection from the foot to groin by way of the hands or a towel. Risk factorsYou're at greater risk of jock itch if you: Are male. Are a teen or young adult. Wear underwear, jeans or other clothing that's tight. Sweat heavily. Have a weak immune system. Have athlete's foot. PreventionTips for reducing the risk of jock itch include: Stay dry. Keep the groin area and inner thighs dry by drying with a clean towel after showering or exercising. Dry your feet last to avoid spreading athlete's foot to the groin area. Wear clean clothes. Change your underwear at least once a day or more often if you sweat a lot. It helps to wear underwear made of cotton or other fabric that breathes and keeps the skin drier. Wash workout clothes after each use. Find the correct fit. Choose underwear, athletic supporters and sports uniforms that fit well. Tight-fitting clothes can chafe your skin and up the risk of jock itch. Try wearing boxer shorts rather than briefs. Don't share personal items. Don't let others use your clothing, towels or other personal items. Don't borrow such items from others. Treat or prevent athlete's foot. Control athlete's foot to prevent its spread to the groin. Prevent athlete's foot by wearing waterproof footwear around public pools and in showers and locker rooms. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment May 18, 2023 Print Show references AskMayoExpert. Superficial fungal infection. Mayo Clinic; 2021. Ferri FF. Tinea cruris. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2022. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 18, 2022. Thompson DA. Jock itch. Adult Telephone Protocols: Office Version. 5th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2022. Kelly AP, et al., eds. Fungal and yeast infections. In: Taylor and Kelly's Dermatology for Skin of Color. 2nd ed. McGraw Hill; 2016. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Jan. 18, 2022. Trayes KP, et al. Annular lesions: Diagnosis and treatment. American Family Physician. 2018; https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0901/p283.html. Accessed Jan. 18, 2022. El-Gohary M, et al. Topical antifungal treatments for tinea cruris and tinea corporis (Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2014; doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009992.pub2. 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. 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There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. Email Address 1 ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry