Ringworm of the groin (also called tinea cruris or jock itch) is a fungal infection of the skin forming a raised red, scaly, circular patch with a red, cracked, irritated, or clear center. In addition to the groin, this infection can also occur in the buttocks or inner thighs and even extends to the abdomen. Although itchy and uncomfortable, tinea cruris infection can actually be treated easily with over-the-counter medications such as Sudocrem. Containing antibacterial and antifungal ingredients, Sudocream is better known as a remedy for diaper rash and dermatitis, but is also often used to treat ringworm in the groin. If you have small children so Sudocrem is readily available at home, this cream may immediately help reduce itching due to ringworm in the groin.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Use Sudocrem
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms
Ringworm in the groin usually appears as a circular red rash under the groin, on the inner thighs and/or buttocks. This rash usually appears in areas that are easily damp due to sweat.
- This infection is also called jock itch because athletes often sweat in the groin area.
- Unfortunately, it's not just athletes who can get this infection. There are many studies showing that overweight patients sometimes also experience ringworm in the groin due to sweating in that area.
Step 2. Clean the infected area
If you find an irritated red rash on your skin, you may not want to clean it. However, before applying any ointment, you should clean the area. When bathing or bathing, apply a gentle, moisturizing cleanser to the area of the rash.
- Gently wipe the cleanser and wet the skin with your fingertips. Do not use thick washcloths or loofahs, as they can irritate the rash.
- Use a gentle, thick cleanser on the area of the rash, such as a bath soap containing milk or a facial cleanser. Gel-based cleansers may be too dry for rashes.
- If you use a bar of soap, you can also rub it directly onto your skin. Choose a soap for dry or sensitive skin so that the rash area doesn't get more irritated.
- Avoid using cleansers that contain exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide (usually found in acne cleansers). These ingredients can irritate the skin lining the rash even more.
- Don't shave around the rash area. Shaving will only cause painful irritation, as well as exposing the infected skin to bacteria from the razor.
- Make sure you rinse off all the soap suds from the rash area before stepping out of the shower.
Step 3. Dry the groin area
When you're done showering or bathing, make sure you dry the entire groin area with a clean towel. Gently pat the area with a towel. There is no need to rub the towel vigorously as this can make the pain worse.
- Make sure you use a clean, dry towel. Damp towels often harbor harmful bacteria, fungi, and molds that can further irritate the rash.
- If possible, wait a few minutes for the groin area to dry naturally to help maximize the effectiveness of Sudocrem when applied topically.
Part 2 of 3: Applying Sudocrem to Ringworm in the Groin
Step 1. Wash your hands
If after cleaning your groin you touch anything other than a clean towel, wash your hands again with warm water and antibacterial soap. After that, dry your hands with a clean towel. Don't forget to wash your hands again after applying Sudocream to your groin.
Step 2. Take a small amount of Sudocrem and place it on your fingertips
Sudocrem is available in tubes and small jars. If you have Sudoccream available at home in small jars, you may need to use a small plastic spatula to scoop it out and apply it to your fingertips. That way, you can reduce the risk of bacteria on your hands contaminating the cream inside.
Step 3. Gently massage Sudocrem into the skin surface
Apply this cream in a circle. Don't rub the cream too vigorously, but wait for it to slowly absorb into the skin.
Step 4. Apply a thin layer of Sudocrem on the skin
Use enough cream to cover the entire area of the rash. However, don't use too much as it will be sticky if you don't absorb it all.
- This cream should be absorbed into the skin so it doesn't look white anymore. If you can still see a thick white layer on your skin, then you have used too much cream.
- Wait a few minutes before putting on your underwear so that the cream is fully absorbed. This cream will create a layer between the rash and the clothes you are wearing.
Step 5. Choose loose, clean clothes
Be sure to wear clean clothes as soiled pants and underwear may be contaminated with bacteria, which can make the rash worse.
Be sure to choose underwear that is breathable and doesn't make the groin area sweat more easily. Avoid polyester and other tight materials. Choose cotton underwear or shorts instead
Step 6. Apply Sudocrem again at night before going to bed
If you sweat during the day, clean the groin area again at night before applying the cream.
Step 7. Repeat this treatment until the rash is gone
Most cases of ringworm in the groin will respond to over-the-counter drug treatments and go away within 10 days.
If the rash doesn't go away for more than 2 weeks, talk to your doctor about other treatment options. You may need a stronger, over-the-counter antifungal cream, or you may need to take an oral antifungal medication
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Ringworm in the Groin
Step 1. Put on clean clothes
Bacteria trapped in dirty pants, shorts, and underwear can cause fungal infections of the skin.
- Use a mild detergent to wash clothes manually or by machine. Avoid using harsh bleach or fabric softeners because they can irritate the skin.
- Be sure to wash your workout clothes often, as they can store sweat.
- Make sure to choose clothes that are comfortable and fit in size, especially underwear. Clothing that presses on or irritates the skin will make you more susceptible to infection.
- Do not share clothes with other people because the infection can be transmitted through clothing.
Step 2. Keep the groin area dry
Sweat trapped in the groin is the main cause of ringworm in this area. If you sweat a lot throughout the day, make sure to shower regularly.
- Always wear dry underwear and change clothes if they are sweaty or wet, such as after a workout. Damp and dark places can encourage mold growth.
- You may want to consider using antibacterial wet wipes that are formulated for the skin. Apply this tissue to your inner thighs and groin area during the day if you sweat a lot. Be sure to pat dry with a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture after wiping the wet wipes down.
- Another option is to apply a generous amount of talc-free powder to the groin area to keep it dry.
Step 3. Wash exercise equipment after each use
If you use sports underwear (jockstrap or athletic cups), be sure to clean and wash them frequently. Follow the instructions for use on the packaging to prevent the growth of infecting fungi.
Step 4. Use antifungal creams regularly
If you often have ringworm in your groin, consider applying an antifungal cream every day after bathing. Also, be sure to check with your doctor as there may be co-morbidities that make you more susceptible to yeast infections. If you want to try antifungals other than Sudocrem, try Lotrimin (or another cream containing clotrimazole) and Hydrocortisone. This medication is specially formulated to treat rashes and relieve irritation.
Step 5. Watch out for other infections
Ringworm of the groin is a skin disease caused by a type of fungal infection called tinea. Sometimes, ringworm in the groin is also accompanied by other tinea fungal infections such as fungal infections of the scalp or athlete's foot. If you are also experiencing this problem, consult your doctor to find out the best way to deal with it.
Tips
- If Sudocrem is not effective for ringworm of the groin, there are other topical antifungal medications that are also available over the counter.
- To treat itching symptoms, you can use over-the-counter steroid creams, such as 1% hydrocortisone. Apply this ointment to the itchy area 1-3 times a day.
