Tinea cruris
412768
224993103
2008-07-11T10:39:15Z
203.100.218.189
{{Infobox_Disease
| Name = Tinea cruris
| Image =
| Caption =
| DiseasesDB = 29140
| ICD10 = {{ICD10|B|35|6|b|35}}
| ICD9 = {{ICD9|110.3}}
| ICDO =
| OMIM =
| MedlinePlus = 000876
| eMedicineSubj = derm
| eMedicineTopic = 471
| MeshID =
}}
'''Tinea cruris''' is the scientific name for [[Mycosis|fungal infection]] of the [[groin]] region. Official alternative names include '''jock itch'''.
==Symptoms and signs==
As the common name for this condition implies, it causes [[itch]]ing or a burning sensation in the groin area, thigh [[skin fold]]s, or anus. It may involve the inner thighs and genital areas, as well as extending back to the [[perineum]] and perianal areas.
Affected areas may appear red, tan, or brown, with flaking, rippling, peeling, or cracking skin.[http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00490.html][http://www.med.nyu.edu/patientcare/library/article.html?ChunkIID=11736]
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 in no particular pattern. The rash appears as raised red plaques (platelike areas) and scaly patches with sharply defined borders that may blister and ooze.[http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000876.htm#Symptoms]
If the rash advances, it usually advances down the inner thigh. The advancing edge is redder and more raised than areas that have been infected longer. The advancing edge is usually scaly, and very easily distinguished or well demarcated.
The skin within the border turns a reddish-brown and loses much of its scale. The border may exhibit tiny [[pimple]]s or even [[pustule]]s, with central areas that are reddish and dry with small scales.[http://www.emedicinehealth.com/jock_itch/page3_em.htm][http://dermatology.about.com/cs/fungalinfections/a/jockitch.htm]
If infected with [[candidal]] organisms, the rash tends to be redder and wetter. The skin of the [[penis]] may be involved, whereas other organisms spare the penis.
==Causes==
[[Opportunistic infection]]s (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]]''.
==Treatment==
Tinea cruris is best treated with [[antifungal drug]]s applied topically. Traditionally creams containing [[tolnaftate]], [[clotrimazole]] or [[miconazole]] have been used, although newer agents such as [[butenafine]] are also used. These anti-fungal agents work by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called [[ergosterol]], which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. If ergosterol synthesis is completely or partially inhibited, the cell is no longer able to construct an intact cell membrane. This leads to death of the fungus.
If the skin inflammation causes discomfort and itching, [[glucocorticoid]] [[steroid]]s may be combined with the anti-fungal drug to help prevent further irritation due to the patient scratching the area. Apart from the quicker relief of symptoms, this also helps minimise the risk of secondary bacterial infection caused by the scratching. However, steroids may exacerbate the condition if used alone for fungal infections.
To cure the infection naturally, keep moist and warm areas of the body clean and dry. Change anything the fungus comes into contact with daily, like undergarments and towels. You can use [[talcum powder]] to help keep the area dry. Powders with [[menthol]] or [[zinc oxide]] may be used, like [[Gold Bond medicated powder]], to soothe the itch. Avoid the transmission of the fungus to other parts of the body when drying. You can use anti-dandruff shampoos on the infected skin as many contain anti-fungal chemical compounds such as [[pyrithione zinc]], [[selenium sulfide]], and [[ketoconazole]] (Nizoral). [[Tea tree oil]] can also be used since it is a natural anti-fungal.<ref>Shemesh, A., and W. L. Mayo. 1991. "Australian tea tree oil: a natural antiseptic and fungicidal agent." ''Aust. J. Pharm.'' 72:802-803</ref> [[Garlic]] is also known to have anti-fungal properties because it contains [[allicin]].
==See also==
*[[Antifungal drug]]s
*[[Pruritus ani]]
*[[Ringworm]]
*[[Tinea]]
== References ==
<references/>
==External links==
*[http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/17378-1.asp eMedicine Health]
*[http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=0956F75F-3368-42AA-A0AA438D4694B2A7&dsection=1 MayoClinic - jock itch]
*[http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/hardin/md/tineacruris.html Links to jock itch pictures (Hardin MD/Univ of Iowa)]
*[http://www.genekeyes.com/prevent_jock_itch.html How to Prevent Jock Itch with Rubbing Alcohol]
{{Mycoses}}
[[Category:Fungal diseases]]
[[Category:Infectious skin diseases]]
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