What is the medical term for jock itch?

Medical Term for Jock Itch

The medical term for jock itch is tinea cruris 1, 2.

Definition and Causative Organisms

• Tinea cruris is a dermatophyte fungal infection of the groin and adjacent skin, also colloquially known as "crotch rot" or "jock itch" 3.

• The infection is caused by dermatophytic fungi, most commonly species from the genera Trichophyton (particularly T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes) and Epidermophyton floccosum 1, 4.

Clinical Presentation

• Tinea cruris presents as an intensely pruritic (itchy) eruption in the groin area with characteristic features 3, 5.

• The infection typically manifests as erythematous (red), scaly patches or plaques that may have well-defined borders and can spread to adjacent skin 4, 5.

• Common symptoms include itching, burning, and scaling in the affected areas 2, 6.

Predisposing Factors

• Heat, humidity, and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) are major predisposing factors, making this condition particularly common in athletes 3, 1.

• Obesity and diabetes mellitus are additional risk factors for developing tinea cruris 3.

• The infection affects men more than women and is prevalent in warm, moist environments 1.

Relationship to Other Tinea Infections

• Tinea cruris can spread from tinea pedis (athlete's foot), so covering active foot lesions with socks before wearing underwear may reduce direct contamination 1.

• The same dermatophyte species that cause tinea corporis (ringworm of the body) and tinea pedis can also cause tinea cruris 4, 7.