Overview

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.

Symptoms

Symptoms 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 doctor

See 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.

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.

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.

Causes

Jock 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 factors

You'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.

Prevention

Tips 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.

May 18, 2023
  1. AskMayoExpert. Superficial fungal infection. Mayo Clinic; 2021.
  2. Ferri FF. Tinea cruris. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2022. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 18, 2022.
  3. Thompson DA. Jock itch. Adult Telephone Protocols: Office Version. 5th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2022.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.