Professional Documents
Culture Documents
cracking skin.[4]
The acute infection begins with an area in the groin fold about a half-inch across, usually on
both sides. The area may enlarge, and other sores may develop. The rash has sharply defined
borders that may blister and ooze.[5]
Causes
Opportunistic infections (infections that are caused by a diminished immune system) are
frequent. Fungus from an athlete's foot infection can spread to the groin through clothing.
Tight, restrictive clothing, such as jockstraps, traps heat and moisture, providing an ideal
environment for the fungus.[6]
The type of fungus involved is usually Trichophyton rubrum. Some other contributing fungi
are Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum.
Diagnosis
Tinea cruris is similar to 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 tinea. However, candidal infections tend to both appear, and with treatment,
disappear more quickly.[2]:309
Prevention
Medical professionals recommend a preventative based approach of stopping fungus before it
occurs. Prevention is preferable over a reactive treatment approach. The preventative based
approach involves removing heat and moisture from the groin area.[7]