Why Jock Itch Is Common in Autumn—and How to Treat It

Some itches are easy to handle immediately. An itchy arm or scalp can be dealt with in seconds. But an itchy groin that appears during a work meeting, the school run or a supermarket queue calls for rather more restraint.

If that irritation keeps returning—especially alongside a rash spreading over the groin or inner thighs—jock itch could be the cause.

The name can be misleading. You do not have to be an athlete, own football boots or have recently visited a gym to develop the condition.

Jock itch, or Tinea cruris, is a common fungal infection that affects the groin, upper inner thighs and, in some cases, the buttocks.

It is more frequently seen in men, partly because of the anatomy of the groin, although women can also be affected.

The fungi that cause the infection thrive in warm, damp surroundings. Underwear, sweat, skin folds and friction can combine to create an ideal environment.

A hot day, an intense workout or several hours spent in damp gym clothes can make those conditions even more favourable for the fungus to grow.

How would you know if it’s jock itch?

The infection usually produces an itchy, scaly rash around the groin and upper inner thighs. Its border may be raised or clearly defined, with the rash spreading outward into a curved or ring-shaped pattern.

However, the appearance of a rash can vary significantly depending on a person’s skin tone.

On lighter skin, the inflamed area may appear pink or red. On brown or black skin, it may look dark brown, purple or grey—or simply stand out as a different colour from the surrounding skin.

Itching can be severe, while heat, exercise and perspiration often intensify the symptoms. People who work out regularly may be at greater risk, particularly if they remain in sweaty clothing afterwards, giving the fungus the moist conditions it needs.

Those with diabetes or a weakened immune system may also be more vulnerable to fungal infections of this kind.

Jock itch is caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that can spread from another infected area of the body, another person, contaminated items such as towels and clothing, or even infected animals. Once established in a suitable environment, the fungi infect the outermost layer of the skin.

The same types of fungi can cause athlete’s foot. That means an infection on the feet may reach the groin through the hands, towels or clothing—even when pulling underwear over infected feet.

So if an itchy groin occurs alongside peeling, cracked or itchy skin between the toes, do not focus only on the symptoms below the waist. The feet may require treatment as well.

The fungi behind jock itch can also pass through close skin-to-skin contact.

Infected skin can release microscopic fungal material, including spores, which may contaminate items such as towels and allow the infection to spread.

Jock itch is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). However, there is no single obvious sign that can always distinguish a fungal infection from an STI.

A fungal infection typically causes an itchy, scaly rash with a relatively clear border. But genital sores, blisters or ulcers, unusual discharge, pain when urinating or pelvic pain could point to another cause, including an STI—which can be identified through testing.

So how do you actually get rid of jock itch?

First, be mindful: while you have an active fungal infection, avoid sharing towels and wash underwear, towels, bedding and clothing regularly to avoid it spreading to others.

Once the rash has cleared and you have completed the recommended treatment, the risk of spreading it is much lower.

The good news is that most cases can be treated with an antifungal medicine available over-the-counter from a pharmacy.

Common treatments include antifungal creams containing clotrimazole or terbinafine, which essentially interfere with the fungus’ cell membrane, stopping it growing.

Exactly how often you use them and how long you need treatment for varies depending on the product, so follow the instructions carefully or ask your pharmacist for advice.

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One of the easiest mistakes to make is stopping treatment the moment the itching disappears.

Your skin feeling better does not necessarily mean the infection has completely cleared. Depending on the product, treatment may range from around one week to several weeks – and it’s important to complete the recommended course, even if things are looking considerably happier down there.

You also want to make the area much less appealing for fungi.

That means keeping the groin clean and dry, particularly after exercise or sweating; changing out of damp gym clothes as soon as possible; changing your underwear daily – and opting for loose-fitting, breathable clothing if you are prone to fungal infections.

If you also have athlete’s foot, treat that at the same time. Many of the same topical antifungals can be used for both (check with a pharmacist if you’re unsure).

Hot wash towels and underwear frequently, where the fabric allows it – regular laundering, thoroughly drying your clothes and towels and not sharing them while you have an active infection are the important bits.

And resist the temptation to rummage through the bathroom cabinet and apply whichever cream happens to be closest.

Steroid creams, which are commonly used to reduce inflammation in conditions such as eczema, can reduce redness and itching – this might give the impression that the problem is improving, but using a steroid alone on a fungal infection can alter its appearance and potentially allow it to spread, making it more difficult to recognise and treat.

The rash can become less scaly, lose its characteristic raised border and become more extensive. It may even develop pustules.

Doctors sometimes call this a steroid-modified fungal infection, or tinea incognito.

In certain circumstances a clinician may recommend a short course of a mild steroid alongside an antifungal – but the point is, do not self-treat an undiagnosed groin rash with steroid cream alone.

Another important point is that not every itchy groin is jock itch.

Eczema, psoriasis, irritation from soaps or other products, heat, sweating and friction can all cause rashes around the groin.

The yeast Candida can cause soreness and irritation too.

There can be considerable overlap, which is exactly why persistent or unusual rashes deserve a proper look.

A doctor can often diagnose the problem from its appearance and your history. If there is doubt, skin scrapings can be taken to look for fungus.

I would also want to know about a presumed fungal infection that keeps returning or simply refuses to clear despite appropriate treatment.

Also seek medical advice if the rash is severe, painful, blistering, weeping or rapidly spreading, if you develop sores or unusual genital symptoms, or if you are worried you may have been exposed to an STI.

If you have a compromised immune system or diabetes it is sensible to have a lower threshold for seeking medical advice about persistent or recurrent skin infections. Higher blood glucose levels can make certain infections more likely, while diabetes can also affect aspects of the body’s immune response.

Similarly, people whose immune systems are suppressed by an illness or medication may occasionally require different treatment, so it is worth getting medical advice rather than repeatedly treating the problem yourself.

Most cases of jock itch are very treatable. The key is recognising what you might be dealing with, treating it properly and removing some of the warm, damp conditions that allow fungus to flourish.

And if you are still not sure what is causing that persistent itch, get it checked.

Because while scratching might provide a few seconds of satisfaction, finding out what is actually causing it will give you considerably longer relief.

Dr Raj Arora is an NHS GP and TV medic