Jock Itch Research Paper

Is Jock Itch Contagious?

Jock itch (or tinea cruris) is a type of fungal infection that affects the skin in the genitals, buttocks, and inner thighs. It causes you to have an itchy, red, rash that is often ring-shaped, in the warm and moist areas of the body. It is often bothersome, but jock itch is not usually serious. Is jock itch contagious? Find out if this fungal infection is contagious, and how to control and avoid spreading it.

Part 1: Is Jock Itch Contagious?

Jock itch is a contagious fungal skin infection that can spread from one person to another in different ways. The primary method of spread is by skin to skin contact, which is often through sexual activity. Fungus likes to grow in moist, warm places in the body and sexual activity

Yes, and you can also get tinea cruris infection from handling objects that have been used by an infected person. These include chairs and exercise equipment like bicycle seats. People who have athlete’s foot (or tinea pedis) can also get jock itch, so it is always best to wear slippers when using pools and public showers.

Part 2: How Would I Know If I Got Jock Itch?

Symptoms

It is easy to diagnose jock itch just by looking at the location and appearance of the rash. It usually begins with mild itching in your groin, which gets worse and sometimes unbearable when you are in a warm and humid environment. The rash usually affects both sides, especially on the skin folds.

The jock itch rash may become rough, dry, and bumpy. It can develop bumps with pus and then start oozing. Sometimes, the itchy, red rash spreads to the thighs, the genitals, including your labia, vagina, or scrotum, and penis, as well as the anus.

Women may develop white vaginal discharge and yeast infection. Men who are not circumcised may develop infection on the head of their penis.

In severe infections, you may be very uncomfortable. You can also develop complications such as skin breaks, ulcers, open sores, and cellulitis

Be sure to continue treatment for the whole amount of time recommended, even if your symptoms improve immediately to prevent recurrence of the infection.

• Change clothes, including your underwear and socks every day.

• Treat other fungal infections like athlete's foot.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or worsen or last longer than two weeks. He may heed to prescribe stronger antifungal medications to control the infection. These include:

• topical antifungal medications like econazole or oxiconazole

• oral antifungal medications like fluconazole, itraconazole, or terbinafine

Oral medications may have unpleasant side effects such as headache, upset stomach, and decreased liver function. If you get any of these side effects, call your doctor. It is also important to tell your doctor if you are taking other medications or supplements that may interact with your antifungal medications.

Part 4: Preventing Jock Itch

To prevent jock itch or its recurrence after it improves, here are some preventive tips:

• Wash workout clothes after every use.

• Do not store damp clothes and towels in lockers or duffel bags.

• Change your socks and underwear daily, or more often if you engage in heavy activities that make you