JOCK ITCH (Tinea Cruris) |
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JOCK ITCH (Tinea Cruris)
DESCRIPTIONJock itch is an infection of the skin in the groin with one of several fungus germs. These fungi thrive in the groin, where darkness, warmth, and moisture stimulate their growth. Jock itch is more likely to occur in males than females. It is contagious from person to person.
Appropriate health care includes:
Diagnosis and prescription of medications by a doctor.
Self-care after diagnosis.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Scaling patches on the skin of the child's groin, thighs, and buttocks. The patches have well-defined edges. Occasionally small, pus-filled blisters appear.
Itching of involved areas.
Pain (if the child's skin becomes secondarily infected with bacteria).
CAUSES
Athlete's foot, a fungus infection of the feet that can spread to the groin area.
Other fungus infections that spread to the groin.
RISK FACTORS
Contact with infected surfaces, such as towels or benches.
Hot, humid weather.
Excessive sweating.
Obesity, which fosters sweating.
Friction of skin against skin from constant movement.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCEInstructions for your child:
Dry thoroughly after bathing.
Don't sit around in a wet bathing suit.
Wear absorbent, loose, cotton underwear.
Wear clean, dry athletic supporters and underwear for each workout.
Use non-prescription tolnafate (Tinactin) after bathing if you have had jock itch. This powder discourages recurrence.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory studies, including microscopic examination of scraped-off scales suspended in potassium hydroxide liquid.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Contact or allergic dermatitis accompanying jock itch that requires additional treatment, usually with steroid topical applications.
Slow healing.
Secondary bacterial infection in the affected area.
Rash from an "id reaction" (allergic immunological response to the disorder) on the hands and face (rare).
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Your child's symptoms can be controlled in 2 to 3 weeks with treatment. Recurrences are common.
TREATMENT
HOME CAREInstructions for your child:
Bathe with clear water only. Don't use soaps until the skin clears completely. Soap irritates infected skin.
Wear loose cotton underwear.
Change to dry clothes immediately after swimming.
If you have an athlete's foot infection also, treat both areas with equal care.
MEDICATION
Your doctor may prescribe:
Topical treatment with anti-fungal medicines such as clotrimazole, haloprigin, or miconazole.
Oral anti-fungal medication, such as griseofulvin, if topical medication doesn't bring relief in 7 to 10 days.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions.
DIET & FLUIDS
No special diet.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?Yes, when condition and sense of well-being will allow.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your child has symptoms of jock itch that doesn't clear spontaneously in 5 days.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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