Jock itch is caused by the same fungus that causes ringworm (tinea cruris). Jock itch is much more common in men than in women and develops most frequently in warm weather.
The infection begins in the skinfolds of the genital area and can spread to the buttocks, upper inner thighs, armpits and underneath the breasts.
Usually the scrotum is not involved (unlike in yeast infection).
Anyone can get jock itch. Jock itch named because it is usually athletes who get it, but it can affect anyone who tend to be overweight or sweat a lot.
The itch may appear as a little bit of redness anywhere on the genitals but can advance to more serious inflammation, with scabs and scaling or tender, moist spots where skin has peeled away.
In humans, as the fungus grows, it spreads to surrounding tissues in a circular fashion, with the skin in the middle returning to a normal appearance.
The borders of the affected area may look red and scaly, and the individual may complain of intense itching and/or burning.
Because the borders develop a raised appearance, there may appear to be a worm beneath the skin and be referred to as ringworm.
