Tinea cruris is a skin condition caused by fungal growth in the groin area, inner thighs and buttocks. Common symptoms include a red rash, itching, and scaly skin on the infected area. Although it is more common in men who frequently sweat in the groin area, women are also at risk of developing this condition.
For further information regarding the causes, symptoms and treatment of tinea cruris, please see the review below.
What is Tinea Cruris?
Tinea cruris which is better known as jock itch is a fungal infection that attacks the skin around the genital area, anus and buttocks. This infection is caused by dermatophyte fungi which thrives in warm and humid environments. This disease often causes intense itching, redness, and a scaly rash on the affected area.
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The risk of developing tinea cruris is higher if you are male, obese, or often wear tight underwear that is not washed after use. In addition, the risk also increases if you frequently sweat excessively, which creates an ideal environment for fungal growth. Other factors that may increase risk include having an immune system disorder and certain skin diseases.
To avoid this disease, keeping the groin area dry is very important. After showering or exercising, make sure to wipe the groin area with a clean, dry towel. Moisture left on the skin can become a breeding ground for fungus, so this step is very crucial.
Apart from that, wear underwear that is clean and not too tight. Loose underwear allows better air circulation and reduces moisture in the groin area. Also avoid exchanging personal items such as underwear or towels with other people. Exchanging personal items can increase the risk of transmitting fungal infections.
Causes of Tinea Cruris
The main cause of tinea cruris is jamur Trichophyton rubrum. This fungus grows and develops in the groin area or thigh crease, which causes itching in the groin. The growth of this fungus is often triggered by several factors, including:
1. Water Fleas
One of the triggering factors is athlete's foot which spreads to the groin. Water fleas can move from the feet to the groin through direct or indirect contact. Apart from that, friction between the skin of the groin and fabric, such as tight trousers, can also cause fungus in the groin. This friction can damage the protective layer of skin, making it easier for fungi to grow and develop.
2. Moist Skin
Another influencing factor is the condition of the groin skin which is too moist due to sweat. Excessive moisture in the groin area creates an ideal environment for fungal growth. This dampness can be caused by intense physical activity or hot and humid weather. Therefore, keeping the groin area clean and dry is very important to prevent fungal growth.
3. Exposure to Other People
Apart from that, having direct physical contact with an infected person can also cause tinea cruris. This physical contact can occur through skin touching or sharing personal items with the sufferer, such as clothes, towels or personal hygiene items. Therefore, it is important to avoid sharing personal items with an infected person to prevent the spread of the fungus.
By understanding the causes of tinea cruris, preventative steps can be taken to reduce the risk of infection. Maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding damp conditions in the groin area, and avoiding physical contact with infected people are some steps that can be taken. This prevention not only helps prevent fungal infection, but also maintain overall skin health.
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Symptoms of Tinea Cruris
The main symptom of tinea cruris is itching in the groin which gets worse during activity or exercise. This itching often becomes very annoying and can affect the comfort and productivity of the individual who experiences it.
Apart from intense itching, there are several changes in the skin in the groin area that are indications of tinea cruris, namely:
1. Red Rash Appears
The first change that is often observed is the appearance of a reddish rash with a circular, ring-like shape. This rash usually has more prominent edges and often has small blisters at the edges. This distinctive shape of the rash makes it easier to identify tinea cruris as the cause of skin problems in the groin area.
2. Itching in the Genital Area
Apart from rashes, another symptom that often appears is itching on the penis or vagina. This itching can be very annoying and affect daily activities. The skin in the affected area also often becomes scaly, cracked, and peels. This condition can worsen discomfort and increase the risk of secondary infection due to excessive scratching.
3. Changes in Skin Color
The skin color in the infected area may also become lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. This color change is often accompanied by a change in skin texture, making the area appear different and more clearly visible.
4. Itching and Burning in the Groin Area
Skin in the groin area that is infected with tinea cruris can also experience blisters and feel sore like burning. This burning sensation is usually caused by peeling skin due to repeated scratching. These blisters and soreness not only add to discomfort, but can also slow the healing process and increase the risk of further infection.
Tinea Cruris Risk Factors
Tinea cruris caused by the fungus Trichophyton rubrum often occurs on moist skin areas. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of experiencing tinea cruris. These factors need to be taken into account to reduce the chances of getting this infection.
1. Frequent Sweating
The first factor is frequent sweating. Excessive sweating can create a moist environment, which is highly favored by the fungus that causes tinea cruris.
2. Obesity
Apart from that, being overweight or obese is also a risk factor. People who are overweight tend to have more skin folds, which can become a breeding ground for fungus.
3. Humid Environment
Environments with humid and hot air can also increase the risk. Humid and hot air creates ideal conditions for mold growth.
4. Weak Immune System
Having a weak immune system is also a risk factor. A weak immune system is unable to fight infections effectively, making it easier for fungi to reproduce.
5. Paying Less Attention to Body Hygiene
Lastly, not maintaining body hygiene, for example rarely bathing, can increase the risk. Poor body hygiene can create an ideal environment for fungal growth. Therefore, maintaining body hygiene is very important to prevent tinea cruris.
Learn more in this video about “TINEA CRURIS: Definition, causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention”
How to Treat Tinea Cruris
Tinea cruris can be treated using over-the-counter medications, such as powder, ointment, spray and anti-fungal lotion. The aim of using these drugs is so that the rash can disappear quickly. Powder and anti-fungal ointment often used to reduce itching and irritation of the skin. Sprays and lotions are also effective in treating fungal infections in larger areas.
However, to prevent tinea cruris from recurring, it is important to continue treatment twice daily for at least ten days. Consistency in treatment is very important to ensure that the fungal infection is completely gone and does not return. Additionally, keeping the affected area clean and dry is also highly recommended to prevent further fungal development.
If treatment with over-the-counter medicines cannot overcome it, or if the tinea cruris you suffer from is severe, immediately see a doctor for further examination and to get prescription medication. The doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the severity of the infection and provide appropriate treatment recommendations.
By following the doctor's instructions and carrying out treatment with discipline, tinea cruris can be treated effectively. Don't forget to always maintain personal hygiene and the surrounding environment to prevent this fungal infection from appearing again.
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Preventive Steps So That Tinea Cruris Doesn't Appear Again
Tinea cruris is a skin infection that can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle. The following are several preventive steps that can be taken to prevent tinea cruris:
- Maintaining Body Hygiene: Shower regularly, especially after exercising or doing activities that produce a lot of sweat. Make sure to clean the entire body, including folded areas such as the groin.
- Not Sharing Personal Items: Avoid sharing personal items such as underwear or towels with other people. This habit can reduce the risk of fungal transmission.
- Dry the Body Well: After showering, make sure your body is completely dry before wearing clothes. Special attention needs to be paid to areas of body folds that tend to be damp, such as the groin.
- Avoid Wet Clothes: Don't wear wet clothes for a long time. Moisture can become a breeding ground for mold.
- Clothes Storage: Avoid storing damp clothes in cupboards or lockers. Make sure clothes are completely dry before storing to prevent mold growth.
- Choosing the Right Clothing Material: Wear underwear made of soft, absorbent material, such as cotton. This material helps keep the groin area dry and comfortable.
If symptoms do not show improvement after the treatment efforts that have been made, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe antifungal medication in tablet form, such as itraconazole or fluconazole, which can help treat the infection more effectively.
References:
https://www.siloamhospitals.com/informasi-siloam/artikel/apa-itu-tinea-cruris
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