TINEA CRURIS AKA 'SWEETIE'

Tinea cruris, also known as crotch itch, jock itch, and commonly in our locality ‘SWEETIE’. It causes an irresistible itch sensation leading to recurrent scratching. This often times is a major cause of public embarrassment. It is the ringworm of the groin.

Similar infection can occur in other parts of the body e.g. head (tinea capitis); foot (tinea pedis or athletes foot), trunk (tinea coporis), nails (tinea unguium)

It is a fungal infection of the groin region and can occur in any sex, though more commonly occurs in males
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CAUSE.

 Some fungi are found on the skin causing no harm. However, if conditions are right they can 'invade' the skin, multiply and cause infection. These conditions are warm, moist and airless areas of skin, such as the groin or inner thigh.

 Other factors that increase the risk of developing this problem are being overweight, wearing tight underwear, excessive sweating and having a weakened immune system

It is mildly contagious, so do not share personal belongings with others

In different parts of the world, different species of fungi cause tinea cruris e.g Trichophyton rubrum, Epidermophyton floccosum etc. Infection may come from the feet (tinea pedis) or nails (tinea unguium) originally, spread by scratching or the use of an infected towel.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Tinea cruris typically affects the groin and inner thighs. It may spread to the  abdomen and buttocks, but the scrotum is usually not affected.

Symptoms of the condition include:

• persistent itching in the groin area
• burning sensation in the groin area
• affected areas may appear red, tan, or brown
• flaking, peeling, or cracking skin in the groin area
• rash may worsen with exercise or activity
• changes in skin color

The lesion may start small and gradually enlarge with sharply defined borders with central clearing that may blister and ooze.

Tinea cruris can be confused with other forms of intertrigo such as: Candida ,Erythrasma ,Psoriasis ,and Seborrhoeic dermatitis .

TREAMENT

Tinea cruris is best treated with topical antifungal medications with several types in the market (see your doctor).

Oral antifungal are also used especially when severe.

People tend to use various types of topical agents including steroid, their benefits are unclear. They tend to disfigure the lesion making diagnosis and treatment difficult.

PREVENTION

Tinea cruris quite often recurs after apparently successful treatment. The following tips may help to prevent/ reduce the chance of reinfection;

·       Wash your groin daily; then dry thoroughly.

·       Change underwear daily.

·       Check for athlete's foot (fungal infection of the feet) and treat if present.

·       Do not share towels, sheets or personal clothing.

·       Avoid wearing occlusive or synthetic clothing.

·       If you are overweight, try to lose weight to reduce chafing and sweating

·       Use talcum powder in areas more likely to become infected to keep them free of moisture.

APPRECIATION.

DermNet NZ

Medscape

Wikipedia

Mayo clinic