From yeast infections to bacterial vaginosis, there are many conditions that can cause an itchy groin area in females. If you’re experiencing a rash, dry flaky skin in the pubic area and female itching, you might be wondering can women get jock itch? While this condition is most common in men, jock itch in women does occur. Here’s how to know if jock itch is the cause of your discomfort and how your doctor can help.
What is Jock Itch?
Jock itch is a fungal infection of the skin of the groin and the inner thighs. Even though jock itch is uncomfortable, it isn’t dangerous. But without treatment it can last for months.
Causes of Jock Itch in Women
Jock itch is caused by a fungus called tinea, from the same family of fungi responsible for ring worm and athlete’s foot. What causes this fungal infection of the groin in females? Tinea likes to live in hot, moist environments. That’s why it spreads easily in places like locker rooms and public showers and can readily be passed by sharing contaminated towels or gym clothes. Wearing tight clothes, especially underwear, exercise clothes and bathing suits also encourages its growth.
Risk Factors
Some people are especially prone to jock itch, such as:
- Athletes and people who exercise frequently
- People with weakened immune systems
- Having athlete’s foot, which can spread to the groin
- People with diabetes
- Living with a pet that has ringworm
- People who are overweight
Symptoms of Jock Itch
A red ring-shaped rash on the inner thigh near the groin in females is often one of the first signs of jock itch. It is usually dry and flaky and can also contain small, red fluid-filled blisters that may ooze.
Other telltale signs to be on the lookout for include:
- Redness of the skin surrounding the groin, thighs or anus
- Itchy, burning skin
- Dry, flaky or peeling skin
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your doctor can usually diagnose jock itch by examining the affected area. In some cases, such as infection that doesn’t respond to treatment, your doctor may additionally want to take a small sample of cells to view under a microscope or to send to a lab for closer analysis.
Treatment generally consists of over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions or gels for roughly 10 days to two weeks. Stubborn infections that don’t respond to these remedies may require stronger treatment with prescription creams, ointments or pills.
Prevention
Once you’ve had jock itch, you’re more likely to get it again. Whether you’re experiencing jock itch for the first time or you’re prone to it, keeping your skin clean and dry is the first line of defense.
- Dry off thoroughly after showering or bathing
- Don’t share towels or clothes with others
- Wash bed linens and towels in hot water and detergent
- Change into clean, dry clothes and socks after exercise or swimming
- Protect your feet from athlete’s foot by wearing shoes or sandals in public places
- Avoid public showers, if possible
Is it Jock Itch or Something Else?
It can be helpful to know that jock itch isn’t the only cause of an itchy groin or itchy inner thighs in females. In fact, there are many other conditions responsible for feminine itching.
Here are the most common ones to know about and how they differ from jock itch:
- Genital psoriasis. This usually occurs in people who have psoriasis on other body parts. However, it may be less scaly than other forms of psoriasis.
- Vulvar irritation. Scented soaps, bubble baths and pantyliners as well as douches and personal hygiene sprays may all cause stinging and burning of the outer covering of your sex organs, called the vulva.
- Latex condoms, spermicides, fragrances, lubricants, tea tree oil and antibiotic ointments can trigger allergic reactions in the vulvar region.
- This infection is characterized by severe itching in the anus, especially at night.
- Yeast infection. Is usually accompanied by a thick vaginal discharge.
- Bacterial vaginosis. This imbalance of bacteria in the vagina often causes a thin vaginal discharge with a fishy-smelling odor.
Feminine itching is a common complaint, but it doesn’t have to disrupt your life. If you have a rash on the inner thigh or if female itching is a problem, your doctor can help. Call us at 678-201-1283 or schedule an appointment online at www.advancedgynecology.com.