Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a surface (superficial) fungal infection of the skin on either side of the body where the thigh joins the abdomen, known as the groin. It is often spread to the groin from tinea infection on the feet (tinea pedis or athlete's feet).

As the name implies, jock itch typically affects athletes because of how much they sweat and how much time they spend in locker rooms, where fungi flourish. The rash is red bumps, sometimes with cracking or peeling skin, but constantly itchy.

Fungi thrive in warm, moist areas such as steamy shower rooms, damp towels, sweaty workout clothes, and wet floors. Since a jock itch occurs in a dark, warm area of the body, there is no question why a jock itch is so familiar and spreads so quickly. In addition to the discomfort caused by this fungus, it is crucial to begin effective treatment as soon as possible to avoid spreading the rash to other areas of your body and possibly others.

The same fungus causes an athlete's foot to a jock itch, so getting an athlete's foot and jock itch is easy. Suppose your foot touches the area infected with a jock itch, or you walk around barefoot in a steamy shower room. In that case, you will most likely acquire an athlete's foot. The groin area is also prone to heavy sweating, which washes away fungus-killing oils. This encourages the fungus to spread more quickly, just as it would between the toes.

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