Tinea cruris (jock itch, groin ringwom) can affect any person of any age. The fungus is then spread from the pet to a person who is in close contact with the animal. Most are specific for human skin and therefore spread from person to person but some may also infect animals like dogs and cats. There are many different species of dermatophytes that may cause jock itch. Jock itch is easily spread with sharing towels or sportswear and other personal items. The fungus is carried on the fingers to any part of the body although the feet, groin and scalp are the most commonly affected areas. Either the foot or groin infection may arise first and it is often spread from one area to the other by scratching. This foot infection is also known as athlete’s feet. In addition, jock itch often occurs along with another fungal infection of the skin elsewhere on the body like tinea pedis (foot ringworm). ![]() A break in the skin increases the chance of the fungi infecting the area. It is more likely to occur under certain circumstances and mainly by close contact with people who are infected with this species of fungi. However, this does not mean that every person will contract jock itch. The fungi therefore thrive in this region. The groin region is prone to these infections because it is warm, moist and dark. It only infects and consumes these outer layers where it can thrive for months, years and even decades. Dermatophytes have the ability to digest the hardy protein known as keratin which is in the outermost layer of skin. These fungi are known as dermatophytes and are distinctly different from yeasts. Jock itch is caused by fungi that have a predilection for human skin. Jock itch with hyperpigmentation (source: Samuel Freire da Silva, M.D.) Jock itch – Tinea cruris (source: Samuel Freire da Silva, M.D., atlasdermatologico) This is more likely to be worsened by vigorously scratching that leads to breaks in the skin which may then become infected with bacteria. In addition, tiny blisters form which may burst and ooze. Many people with jock itch report moisture in the affected area which has a must odor. Excessive scratching also contributes to it. The skin appears dark brown in color and this hyperpigmentation is usually irreversible. Darkeningĭarkening of the skin is more likely to occur with long term tinea cruris, particularly when treatment is delayed or the infection is recurrent. ![]() Sratching the area may cause sloughed off skin cells to fall off as tiny sand-like particles. The itch tends to worsen when the area is covered and during hot and humid weather. ![]() Itching is also quite pronounced with tinea cruris, hence the term jock itch. Usually the edge of the rash has a raised red border. However, in the groin region this typical appearance may not always be present. The skin at the center of the rash may be normal or dry and scaly. The rash, as described, is typically a red ring-like lesion. The signs and symptoms of jock itch include a rash, itching, hyperpigmentation and sometimes oozing of the skin. However, there is no actual parasitic worm involved in the infection. Jock itch like many fungal infections of the skin is due to a fungus that causes a red ring-like lesion on the skin which is said to resemble a curled worm. ![]() Other regional names for tinea cruris includes ‘ dhobi’s itch‘ in India because it is commonly seen among clothese washers (dhobis). Any person can develop jock itch, including children and women. Despite the term, tinea cruris (jock itch) does not only affect athletes or males for that matter. It is also known as groin ringworm, groin fungus and scrot rot. The term ‘jock itch’ is derived from this condition occurring frequently in athletes (also referred to colloquially as jocks) and that it presents with significant itching. Jock itch is a fungal infection of the groin area that is medically known as tinea cruris.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |