Tinea Cruris (Dhobi's Itch) - Treatment, Picture and Symptoms of Tinea Cruris

Tinea cruris, also known as crotch itch, crotch rot, eczema marginatum, gym itch, jock itch, and ringworm of the groin.

Tinea Cruris is most prevalent in the summer months. It is commonly caused by the epidermophyton and trichophyton from infected toes or nails; fungus may also be conveyed by infected lavatory seats (most commonly in public lavatories) and by laundry clothes. Infection can also be transmitted during sexual intercourse.

Affection occurs on the inner sides of the upper part of the thighs, spreading to adjoining parts of the scrotum, and perineum and later to the buttocks and trunk. Intense itching is the characteristic symptom. It starts as small circinate lesions.

Typically, it is seen as well-defined patch or patches of scaling, vesicles and pustules with inflammation most marked at the periphery of the lesions.

Who's At Risk

Jock itch is very common around the world and is more of a problem in warm, moist regions, as the fungus thrives in these conditions.

People who wear tight clothing for extended periods, share clothing, participate in athletics, or are overweight or diabetic are more often affected with jock itch. It is common in adult men.

Symptoms and signs of Tinea Cruris

• The infection often takes the form of a fairly large, scaly, red-brown patch on the groin and may extend down the inner thigh or onto the belly or buttocks areas.
• Burning sensation in affected areas
• The disease is most active at the edges of the patch
  

Causes of Tinea Cruris

Opportunistic infections (infections that are caused by a diminished immune system) are frequent. Fungus from other parts of the body (commonly tinea pedis or 'athlete's foot') can contribute to jock itch. A warm, damp environment allowing the fungus to cultivate greatly contributes; especially with tight, sweaty or rubbing clothing such as a jockstrap.

The type of fungus that most commonly causes tinea cruris is called Trichophyton rubrum. Some other contributing fungi are Candida albicans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum.

Prevention of Tinea Cruris

• Dry the groin carefully after bathing using a separate towel.
• Avoid strong or deodorant soaps as they can be irritating.
• Bathe or shower regularly and rinse completely.

Differential diagnosis of Tinea Cruris

Tinea Cruris is made from intertrigo, infective eczema and flexural psoriasis. The first two always start at the inguinal cleft which is usually cracked. Inflammation is more marked towards the centre than the periphery. Moreover, the demonstration of fungus clinches the diagnosis of tinea cruris. Flexural psoriasis has no real resemblance to tinea cruris, except that it occurs on the same site; lesions of psoriasis are present on other areas of the body as well.

What can be done at home?

Good general hygiene is vital in order to prevent tinea cruris. Wash every day and dry your skin carefully. Change clothes daily, especially underwear.

Exams and Tests

Your doctor will usually diagnose jock itch based on the appearance of the skin. Tests are usually not necessary. If tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis, either a culture or a skin lesion biopsy may show the fungus that causes jock itch.

Tinea Cruris in Men

As many as one in five Americans has a dermatophyte infection at any particular time. There is widespread agreement that males are the most common victims of tinea cruris infection.

The value of epidemiological factors in tinea cruris is to demonstrate those groups who are most prone to develop a condition. However, in the case of tinea cruris, such epidemiological factors as age and gender tell only part of the story. Other factors predispose the older male patient to tinea cruris.

Prognosis of Tinea Cruris

Tinea Cruris is good if the treatment is persisted with the newer fungicidal agents and the predisposing causes are corrected.

Treatment of Tinea Cruris

It is the same as in tinea corporis. Under-clothing must be washed daily.

Toes and nails, if infected, must be treated at the same time. Patients should be advised against the use of public lavatories. The infected part must be kept cool and dry. Griseofulvin should only be used as a last resort in extensive and resistant cases.

You can buy an antifungal cream from pharmacies, or get one on prescription. There are various types and brands. For example; terbinafine, clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, and sulconazole. Apply the cream to the surrounding 4-6 cm of normal skin in addition to the rash.

An antifungal medicine taken by mouth is sometimes prescribed if the infection is widespread or severe. For example, terbinafine, griseofulvin, or itraconazole tablets.

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