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Inguinal mycosis is an erythematous skin lesion in the groin with itching of varying severity. The ailment is much more common in men than in women. Most patients with jock itch suffer from athlete’s foot at the same time. Infection occurs through indirect contact (e.g. a towel) or direct contact.
What is inguinal mycosis?
Inguinal mycosis is an infectious disease that occurs more often in men than in women. It is a troublesome intimate ailment, the development of which (as in the case of most mycoses) is influenced by high temperature in the groin area and humidity. Most patients with jock itch also develop tinea pedis. Incidence occurs among people who wear tight and windproof underwear. Any movement of the lower limbs in patients causes the groin rubbing and sweating in this area, which increases the risk of developing an infection or enlargement of the disease. Inability to scratch the groin and the discomfort associated with it, severely hinders everyday functioning. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to serious consequences, e.g. fungal infection of the penis.
Inguinal mycosis rarely occurs in children.
The causes of inguinal mycosis
Inguinal mycosis infections occur through direct or indirect contact – through towels, sponges, underwear. The fungus can spread from person to person. The disease does not develop in a healthy body! Factors causing distortions play an important role, i.e .:
- obesity,
- excessive sweating,
- insufficient personal hygiene,
- tight clothing made of synthetic materials,
- diabetes.
In the case of hyperhidrosis, which can lead to mycosis, it is important to start using appropriate cosmetics as soon as possible. We recommend, for example:
- EPTA DEO sweat-regulating cleansing gel,
- EPTA DEO hyperhidrosis body cream,
- EPTA DEO body spray that eliminates excessive sweating and the unpleasant smell of sweat.
The cream and spray can also be purchased at Medonet Market in a special, promotional EPTA DEO Hyperhidrosis Body Kit.
Inguinal mycosis is most often caused by the following fungi: Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitale. They tend to occupy the hair, nails and skin. The groin area is an excellent environment for the development of mycosis – there is increased heat and humidity.
It is worth remembering that inguinal mycosis is not the primary ailment, but it develops from a different disease site (most often it is transmitted from the feet).
Symptoms of jock itch
The lesions are located in the groin area (usually symmetrically in both groin). They resemble round and festoon-shaped primary lesions, erythematous with a distinct inflammatory reaction with exfoliation on the shaft-like lofty rim, often with papules and pustules, sharply demarcating from healthy skin, appearing on the upper part of the inner skin of the thigh, at the site of contact with the scrotum.
A characteristic symptom is a gradation of the color of the eruptions – from originally red to dark brown with possible brightening in the central part. Then it peels off.
The lesions may extend to the perineum, the perianal area, between the buttocks, and rarely to the scrotum. They can also be asymmetrical. In addition, they are very itchy, which causes scratching, cross-hairs, oozing and scabs.
For the care of skin with fungal lesions, we recommend the Blue Cap Body Spray for skin inflammation, which you can buy at a favorable price on Medonet Market.
Inguinal mycosis diagnosis
The diagnosis of inguinal mycosis is based on the existing symptoms in the groin area or on the inside of the thighs. In addition, cultivation is performed – in this case, a culture is taken from the affected area in order to successively grow the pathogen and implement targeted treatment. In addition, skin scales are collected and subsequent microscopic examination (a wet preparation with potassium hydroxide is tested).
It is also important differentiation of inguinal mycosis from other diseases with similar symptoms, including:
- erythematous dandruff,
- psoriasis,
- displacement,
- candidiasis,
- chafing,
- atopic dermatitis,
- seborrheic dermatitis,
- Hailey-Hailey disease.
How to treat groin mycosis?
Most of the well-diagnosed mycoses of the groin resolve after modern topical treatment antifungal preparations (imidazole derivatives) within 2-4 weeks of treatment. In the case of long-lasting infections affecting large areas of the skin, oral treatment with azole preparations (econazole, ketoconazole, clotrimazole, fluconazole) is recommended. In addition, the antifungal terbinafine is used.
That is why it is worth visiting a doctor as soon as possible when disturbing symptoms appear. Thanks to this, it is possible to quickly diagnose and apply appropriate treatment.
The treatment also includes preparations to reduce excessive sweating of the groin, e.g. absorbing powder. Thanks to him, the fungi have worse conditions for development, which prevents them from spreading to other parts of the body.
IMPORTANT! In the treatment of inguinal mycosis, the patient should not be treated with glucocorticosteroids and agents combined with an antifungal drug and a steroid. This is dangerous as it can lead to side effects.
As an auxiliary in treatment, it is worth using Zabłocka brine soap for skin problems (dandruff, mycosis, eczema, psoriasis), which can currently be purchased at a favorable price on the Medonet Market.
DIG. G-16. Mycosis of the groin.
How can ringworm of the groin be prevented?
Mycoses are characterized by the fact that they like to come back, so instead of curing it is better to prevent. It is important in prevention acquiring resistance to fungal infectionthis can be done in several ways:
- by taking care of the hygiene of intimate areas (for this purpose, use the intimate hygiene preparations available on Medonet Market),
- wearing underwear containing natural fibers,
- wearing clean underwear,
- by using powders that reduce friction in the groin area (try also Anka Dziedzic abrasion cream),
- by following all medical recommendations, especially by those who have tendency to recurrent mycoses and weakened immunity,
- by avoiding public places such as swimming pools, saunas and solariums.