This condition is most clearly identified by the ring like rash which forms. It is typically a red or brown irritated patch of skin with clear rings from small size to large size. The infection causes itching or a burning sensation in the area which is affected. Most likely originating from the groin, thigh skin folds or anus. Infection may involve the inner thighs and genital areas, as well as extending back to the perineum and perianal areas, and the rash can spread to any part of the body and is considered highlycontagious. Affected areas may appear reddish, tan, or brown, with flaking, rippling, peeling, iridescence, or cracking skin. The acute infection begins with an area in the groin fold about a half-inch across, usually on both sides. The area may enlarge, and other sores may develop. The rash has sharply defined borders that may blister and ooze. Tinea cruris has similar symptoms to inverse psoriasis.
Causes
s are frequent. Fungus from an athlete's foot infection can spread to the groin through clothing. Tight, restrictive clothing, such as jockstraps, traps heat and moisture, providing an ideal environment for the fungus. The type of fungus involved is usually Trichophyton rubrum. Some other contributing fungi are Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum.
Diagnosis
Tinea cruris is similar to candidal intertrigo, which is an infection of the skin by Candida albicans. The latter is more specifically located between intertriginous folds of adjacent skin, which can be present in the groin or scrotum, and be indistinguishable from fungal infections caused by tinea. However, candidal infections tend to both appear, and with treatment, disappear more quickly.
Prevention
Medical professionalsrecommend a preventive approach of stopping fungus before it occurs. Prevention is preferable over a reactive treatment approach. The preventive approach involves removing heat and moisture from the groin area.
Treatment
cruris is best treated with topical antifungal medications of the allylamine or azole type. Studies suggest that allylamines are a quicker but more expensive form of treatment compared to azoles. The benefits of the use of topical steroids in addition to an antifungal is unclear. There might be a greater cure rate but no guidelines currently recommend its addition. The effect of Whitfield's ointment is also unclear.
