Jock Itch and Athlete's Foot

Both athletes' foot and jock itch are fungal infections often caused by the same fungi called dermatophytes. Fungal infections are contagious and can occur by coming in contact with another person currently infected. As most fungi live on damp surfaces, floors in public showers or locker rooms are also places where some catch a fungus infection. The different types of fungal infections are named for the part of the body they infect.

Tinea pedis is the medical term for "athlete's foot" as the word pedis is Latin for foot. The moist skin between your toes is an ideal place for fungus to grow. When an infection manifests, the skin may become itchy and red, with a white wet surface. Athlete’s Foot is not, as its name suggest, a condition which solely affects the physically energetic. This is an uncomfortable condition on your feet caused by a fungal infection just below the skin which thrives in moist environments. It can be recognized by an initial scaling of the skin between the toes, this skin then becomes moist or soggy. The skin may then flake, and peel and small blisters may appear. The new skin underneath infected areas may look red, sore, and inflamed.

It is important to follow guidelines for treatment carefully since the infecting fungus is quite hardy and often very difficult to kill which is why many remedies do not work. Following the course of treatment with a proper antifungal remedy however ensure eradication of the fungus and help eliminate further recurrence.

Jock itch is also a common fungal infection but affects the groin and inner thighs and often experienced by athletes. However, you can get itchy, uncomfortable jock itch whether you are an athlete or not. Learning about this fungal infection can help you prevent and treat it. Jock itch develops when moisture and heat are trapped by tight garments, which creates an environment in which fungi multiply and flourish. It occurs more in men but may affect women as well. The jock itch fungus also may cause a rash on the upper and inner thighs, the armpits, the area just underneath the breasts and the feet. Many patients develop athlete's foot, and the fungus then spreads from the feet to the groin. Therefore, we have one remedy to treat both areas.

You probably know the symptoms: chafed, itchy, or irritated skin in the groin, inner thighs, pubic or anal areas. A flat, red, itchy rash first appears high on the inner aspect of one or both thighs. It spreads outward in a ring-like circular pattern while the center partially clears. The change in skin tone is clearly defined, slightly raised and often beefy red in color. You may have it at the same time you have athletes’ foot. It usually occurs when you have been perspiring heavily, such as when playing sports or exposure to hot, humid weather.