Jock Itch
Is this your child's symptom?
- Rash of the groin and inner, upper thighs caused by a fungus
- Much more common in males than females
- If NOT, try one of these:
- Rash or Redness - Localized
Symptoms
- Pink-red, scaly rash on inner thighs near groin. Often, starts in the groin crease. Then, spreads slowly downward.
- In boys, the rash does not involve the penis or scrotum.
- Rash is most often the same on both inner thighs.
- Rash is itchy, but not painful.
Cause
- Jock itch is caused by a fungus. Often, this is the same fungus that causes athlete's foot.
- It can come from a towel used to dry the feet and then the groin.
- The fungus can only grow in warm, damp skin. Sweating a lot and wearing damp underwear raises the chance of getting it.
- Called 'jock itch' because it occurs mostly in teen males who play sports.
How to Prevent Jock Itch From Coming Back
- Keep the groin area clean and dry. Reason: the fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin.
- Change to dry underwear after playing sports.
- Also, avoid wearing underwear that is too tight.
- Bring gym clothes home. Wash at least weekly.
- If you have athlete's foot, use a separate towel for the feet.
When to Call for Jock Itch
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now
|
Contact Doctor During Office Hours
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Self Care at Home
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Call Doctor or Seek Care Now
- Rash is very painful to touch
- Your child looks or acts very sick
- You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent
Contact Doctor During Office Hours
- Female
- Rash is mainly on the penis or scrotum
- Pus is draining from the rash
- Rash keeps spreading after 1 week on treatment
- Rash is not gone after 4 weeks on treatment
- You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent
- You have other questions or concerns
Self Care at Home
- Jock itch rash
Care Advice for Jock Itch
What You Should Know About Jock Itch:
- Jock itch is common in teens. It is harmless.
- It's caused by a fungus that grows best on warm, damp skin.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
Antifungal Cream:
- Use an antifungal cream 2 times per day.
- Some brand names are Lamisil, Micatin or Lotrimin cream. No prescription is needed.
- Put it on the rash and 1 inch beyond its borders. Make sure you put it on in all the creases.
- Keep using the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is gone.
Keep Area Dry:
- Jock itch will heal faster if the groin area is kept dry.
- Wash the rash area once a day with plain water. Dry it with care. Do not use soap on the rash.
- Wear loosely fitting cotton underwear. Wash gym shorts and jockstraps after each use.
Try Not to Scratch:
- Avoid scratching the area. Reason: Scratching will delay the cure.
What to Expect:
- Rash stops spreading after treated for 2-3 days.
- With proper treatment, rash goes away in 2-3 weeks.
Return to School:
- Children with jock itch do not need to miss any school. Your child may take gym and play sports.
- Jock itch is not easily spread to others. The fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin.
Check for Athlete's Foot:
- If also has itchy rash of toes or feet, see Athlete's Foot care guide.
- Until gone, use a separate towel to dry the feet.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Rash is not better after 1 week on treatment
- Rash is not gone after 4 weeks on treatment
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse
Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.
Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.
Copyright 2000-2025 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.
Reviewed: 5/1/2025 Updated: 1/25/2025
