Tinea Cruris
Tinea Cruris
Key points
Condition results in a groin infection caused by a dermatophyte fungus, commonly called ringworm.
Condition most commonly appears in adult men.
Condition is similar to common ringworm, resulting in a rash with an itchy, scaly, raised red border spreading through the groin area.
Tinea cruris is a groin infection caused by a dermatophyte fungus, more commonly known as ringworm. It is most often seen in adult men. Different fungi can cause Tinea cruris, including trichophyton rubrum and epidermophyton floccosum. Infection often comes from other tinea affected areas, including the feet or nails, spread through scratching or using an infected towel.
Tinea cruris is similar to common ringworm. The rash has a scaly raised red border that spreads down the inner thighs from the groin to or scrotum, and may form ring-like patterns on the buttocks and can be very itchy. It is not often seen on the penis or vulva or around the anus.
Differential Diagnosis (Other conditions with similar appearance)
Acanthosis nigricans
Erythrasma
Familial Benign Pemphigus (Hailey-Hailey disease)
Folliculitis
Intertrigo
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Diagnosis
Key Points
Diagnosis confirmed through clinical inspection and skin scraping cultures.
The diagnosis of tinea cruris is confirmed through clinical inspection by microscopy and culture of skin scrapings.
Treatment
Key Points
Most forms of tinea are treated with topical antifungal creams or antifungal medications.
If treatment is unsuccessful, consult your doctor as there may be additional causes.
* Lifestyle and diet changes are suggested to avoid re-infection.
Most forms of tinea are treated with topical antifungal creams or antifungal medications.
Recommend weight loss for patients who are obese and have tinea cruris, as well as lifestyle changes to avoid re-infection such as treating the feet if infected, drying the groin carefully after bathing using a separate towel, not sharing towels or sheets or personal clothing, and avoid wearing occlusive or synthetic clothing.