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

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

• 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.

Last Reviewed: 05/01/2025

Last Revised: 01/25/2025

Copyright 2000-2025 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.