From the Guidelines
Tinea cruris is a fungal infection that affects the groin area, inner thighs, and buttocks, and can be effectively treated with topical antifungal medications such as terbinafine 1% cream applied daily for 1 week, with a mycological cure rate of approximately 94% 1. The infection is caused by dermatophyte fungi, typically Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, or Epidermophyton floccosum. Some key points to note about Tinea cruris include:
- The characteristic symptoms include a red, itchy rash with a raised, scaly border that may blister and ooze
- The infection thrives in warm, moist environments, which is why it commonly affects athletes and overweight individuals
- To manage the condition, keep the affected area clean and dry, wear loose-fitting cotton underwear, change clothes after sweating, and avoid sharing personal items
- Oral antifungals like itraconazole (100 mg daily for 2 weeks or 200 mg daily for 1 week) can be effective in adults for treating T cruris, but are typically reserved for severe cases 1. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the fungal infection, reduce symptoms, and prevent recurrence, with a focus on improving quality of life and reducing morbidity.
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses • cures most athlete's foot (tinea pedis) • cures most jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm (tinea corporis) • relieves itching, burning, cracking and scaling which accompany these conditions Tinea cruris is also known as jock itch. It is a condition characterized by symptoms such as:
- Itching
- Burning
- Cracking
- Scaling 2
From the Research
Description of Tinea Cruris
- Tinea cruris, also known as jock itch, is a superficial fungal infection of the groin and adjacent skin 3.
- It is an intensely pruritic infection, meaning it causes intense itching 3.
- Tinea cruris is caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus that infects the skin 4, 5.
- The infection can be transmitted by human contact, from the soil, or by animal spread 5.
Clinical Features
- Tinea cruris typically presents as an erythematous, scaly eruption, which may or may not be itchy 5.
- Asymmetry is an important clinical clue to fungal infection, as is annular morphology 5.
- The infection usually affects the groin region and is more common in men than women 5.
- T. rubrum is the most common causative dermatophyte 5.
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis is usually based on history and clinical appearance plus direct microscopy of a potassium hydroxide preparation 4.
- Culture or histologic examination is rarely required for diagnosis 4.
- Examination under ultraviolet (Wood's light) can be helpful in diagnosing cutaneous fungal infections 5.
Treatment
- Topical antifungal agents are commonly used to treat tinea cruris 4, 6.
- Systemic antifungal agents may be required for extensive or resistant infections 4.
- Treatment options range from improving hygiene to topical antifungal agents and systemic antifungal agents 3.
- Oral terbinafine has been shown to be effective in treating tinea cruris, but higher doses may not be more effective than conventional doses 7.