Jock itch

Tinea cruris is a, a type of of the  region in either sex, though more often seen in s.

Signs and symptoms
This condition is most clearly identified by the ring like rash which forms. It is typically a red or brown irritated patch of skin with clear rings. The infection causes ing or a burning sensation in the area which is affected. Most likely originating from the groin, thigh s or. Infection may involve the inner thighs and genital areas, as well as extending back to the and perianal areas, and the rash can spread to any part of the body and is considered highly contagious.

Affected areas may appear reddish, tan, or brown, with flaking, rippling, peeling, iridescence, or cracking skin. The acute infection begins with an area in the groin fold about a half-inch across, usually on both sides. The area may enlarge, and other sores may develop. The rash has sharply defined borders that may blister and ooze.

Tinea cruris has similar symptoms to.

Causes
s (infections that are caused by a diminished ) are frequent. from an infection can spread to the groin through clothing. Tight, restrictive clothing, such as s, traps heat and moisture, providing an ideal environment for the fungus.

The type of fungus involved is usually . Some other contributing fungi are ' and '.

Diagnosis
Tinea cruris is similar to, which is an infection of the skin by . The latter is more specifically located between folds of adjacent skin, which can be present in the groin or, and be indistinguishable from fungal infections caused by . However, candidal infections tend to both appear, and with treatment, disappear more quickly.

Prevention
Medical professionals recommend a preventative based approach of stopping fungus before it occurs. Prevention is preferable over a reactive treatment approach. The preventative based approach involves removing heat and moisture from the groin area.

Treatment
cruris is best treated with topical s of the or  type. Studies suggest that allylamines (naftifine and terbinafine) are a quicker but more expensive form of treatment compared to azoles (clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, oxiconazole, miconazole, sulconazole).

The benefits of the use of in addition to an antifungal is unclear. There might be a greater cure rate but no guidelines currently recommend its addition. The effect of is also unclear.