Jock itch, ringworm and athlete’s foot sound like three different problems, but they’re all caused by the same group of fungi, called dermatophytes. The name just changes with where the infection is on your body. The treatment is similar too.
How to tell them apart
- Ringworm (tinea corporis): a red, scaly, ring-shaped patch on the body, arms or legs, often clearer in the middle. Despite the name, no worm is involved.
- Jock itch (tinea cruris): an itchy red rash in the groin and inner thighs, with a sharp, raised edge. It usually spares the scrotum.
- Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis): itchy, peeling or cracked skin between the toes or on the soles.
The same fungus can spread from one area to another. Athlete’s foot often spreads to the groin on towels or underwear.
How to treat them
Over-the-counter antifungal creams work for most skin infections. Butenafine (Mentax) is one of the fastest options:
- Jock itch and ringworm: apply once a day for 2 weeks.
- Athlete’s foot: see our athlete’s foot guide.
- Spread the cream over the rash and about 2 cm (1 inch) of normal skin around it.
- Keep going for the full course, even if the rash fades sooner.
Avoid steroid creams on their own (like hydrocortisone). They can calm the redness but make a fungal infection spread and harder to treat.
Stop it spreading or coming back
- Keep the area clean and dry. Dry the groin and feet last, with a separate towel.
- Wear loose cotton underwear and change it daily.
- Put socks on before underwear, so fungus from your feet doesn’t reach the groin.
- Don’t share towels, clothes or sports gear.
- Pets can carry ringworm. If a pet has bald, scaly patches, take it to a vet.
When to see a doctor
- No improvement after 2 weeks of treatment
- Ringworm on the scalp or in a beard. These need tablets, not cream.
- The rash is spreading fast, very painful, oozing or blistered
- You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
More in our Skin and Fungal Infections guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label before using any medicine.