What is Jock itch?

Tinea cruris, also known as crotch itch, crotch rot, Dhobi itch, eczema marginatum, jock itch, jock rot, scrot rot and ringworm of the groin is a dermatophyte fungal infection of the groin region in any sex, though more often seen in males. In the German sprachraum this condition is called tinea inguinalis (from Latin inguen = groin) whereas tinea cruris is used there for a dermatophytosis of the lower leg (Latin crus).

Tinea cruris is similar to, but different from 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 tinia. However, candidal infections tend to both appear and with treatment disappear more quickly. It may also affect the scrotum.