There are some itches you can deal with immediately.
asserted
you → be → ?
An itchy groin that suddenly announces itself halfway through a work meeting, on the school run or standing in the supermarket queue?
asserted
that → announce → queue
That requires considerably more self-control.
asserted
That → require → control
And when the itching keeps coming back, particularly if you have noticed a rash spreading across the groin or inner thighs, one possible culprit is jock itch.
asserted
culprit → keep → groin
Despite the name, you do not need to be a jock, own a pair of football boots or have stepped inside a gym recently to get it.
Jock itch, medically known as Tinea cruris, is a common fungal skin infection affecting the groin, inner thighs and sometimes the buttocks.
It is more common in men, partly because of the anatomy of the groin, but women can get it too.
asserted
women → need → it
Unfortunately, a combination of underwear, sweat, skin folds and friction can provide exactly that.
asserted
combination → provide → that
When itching keeps coming back, particularly if you have noticed a rash spreading across the groin or inner thighs, one possible culprit is jock itch
asserted
culprit → keep → groin
Add a hot day, a workout or a few hours sitting around in damp gym clothes and you have created rather comfortable living conditions for an unwanted guest.
asserted
you → add → guest
How would you know if it’s jock itch?
asserted
it → know → ?
Jock itch typically causes an itchy, scaly rash around the groin and upper inner thighs.
asserted
itch → cause → groin
It may have a more obvious raised or defined edge and can spread outwards, sometimes creating a curved or ring-like shape.
uncertain
It → have → shape
And remember that rashes do not look the same on every skin tone.
asserted
rashes → remember → tone
On lighter skin, the affected inflamed area may look pink or red.
uncertain
area → affect → skin
On brown or black skin, it may be darker brown, purple, grey or simply noticeably different from the surrounding skin.
uncertain
it → surround → skin
The itching can be intense and heat, exercise and sweating may make symptoms considerably worse.
uncertain
symptoms → make → ?
People who exercise frequently can be more susceptible, particularly if they stay in their sweaty workout clothes afterwards because this creates an environment where fungi thrive.
asserted
fungi → exercise → environment
And if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, you may be more susceptible to these fungal infections.
uncertain
you → have → infections
The infection is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes.
asserted
infection → cause → fungi
These can be picked up from another infected area of your own body, another person, contaminated objects such as towels and clothing – and even from infected animals.
asserted
These → pick → animals
Once they reach the right environment, they infect the outermost layer of the skin.
asserted
they → reach → skin
In fact, these are the same types of fungi responsible for athlete’s foot – so if you already have athlete’s foot, the fungus can be transferred from your feet to your groin (via hands, towels or clothing – even as you pull underwear over infected feet).
asserted
you → have → feet
That’s important to remember: if you have an itchy groin alongside peeling, cracked or itchy skin between your toes, do not concentrate solely on what is happening right below the waist.
asserted
what → ’ → waist
Your feet may need treating, too.
uncertain
feet → need → ?
The fungi responsible for jock itch can spread through close skin-to-skin contact, too.
asserted
fungi → spread → contact
Infected skin can shed microscopic fungal material, including spores, which can contaminate these objects such as towels and help spread the infection.
asserted
which → shed → infection
Jock itch is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) – but there is also no obvious sign that can reliably distinguish an STI from a fungal infection.
asserted
that → transmit → infection
But while a fungal infection would present as an itchy, scaly rash with a relatively well-defined edge, if a patient also had genital sores, blisters or ulcers, unusual discharge, pain when passing urine or pelvic pain, I’d consider other causes, including an STI (which can be identified with testing).
asserted
which → present → testing
So how do you actually get rid of jock itch?
asserted
you → rid → itch
First, be mindful: while you have an active fungal infection, avoid sharing towels and wash underwear, towels, bedding and clothing regularly to avoid it spreading to others.
asserted
it → have → others
Once the rash has cleared and you have completed the recommended treatment, the risk of spreading it is much lower.
asserted
risk → clear → it
The good news is that most cases can be treated with an antifungal medicine available over-the-counter from a pharmacy.
asserted
cases → treat → pharmacy
Common treatments include antifungal creams containing clotrimazole or terbinafine, which essentially interfere with the fungus’ cell membrane, stopping it growing.
asserted
it → include → membrane
Exactly how often you use them and how long you need treatment for varies depending on the product, so follow the instructions carefully or ask your pharmacist for advice.
asserted
you → use → advice
One of the easiest mistakes to make is stopping treatment the moment the itching disappears.
asserted
itching → make → treatment
Your skin feeling better does not necessarily mean the infection has completely cleared.
asserted
infection → feel → ?
Depending on the product, treatment may range from around one week to several weeks – and it’s important to complete the recommended course, even if things are looking considerably happier down there.
uncertain
things → depend → course
You also want to make the area much less appealing for fungi.
asserted
area → want → fungi
Dr Raj Arora, NHS GP and TV medic, says: 'If a patient also had genital sores, blisters or ulcers, unusual discharge, I’d consider other causes, including an STI'
That means keeping the groin clean and dry, particularly after exercise or sweating; changing out of damp gym clothes as soon as possible; changing your underwear daily – and opting for loose-fitting, breathable clothing if you are prone to fungal infections.
If you also have athlete’s foot, treat that at the same time.
asserted
you → say → time
Many of the same topical antifungals can be used for both (check with a pharmacist if you’re unsure).
asserted
you → use → pharmacist
Hot wash towels and underwear frequently, where the fabric allows it – regular laundering, thoroughly drying your clothes and towels and not sharing them while you have an active infection are the important bits.
And resist the temptation to rummage through the bathroom cabinet and apply whichever cream happens to be closest.
asserted
cream → wash → cabinet
…and 18 more, not listed.
The Aporia
