Tinea Cruris

Tinea is a group of fungal infections caused by fungus of
different varieties. Particular varieties of fungus have a
preference for specific areas of the body. Tinea cruris is usually
found in the crotch, or warm, moist areas of the body.

DESCRIPTION

Commonly known as jock itch this type of Tinea is actually a
ringworm infection of the groin which is most commonly caused by a
yeast infection. The problem is more common in men than women and
may be found on both of the upper inner thighs. Tinea cruris is
most commonly caused by Epidermophyton floccosum or T.
rubrum. 

The ailment typically has a ringed lesion clearly visible on the
skin with raised edges and may spread backwards to the anal area.
Both sides of the groin may be affected. Sometimes the rash is
further complicated by an infection caused by bacteria or candida.
This also has to be treated.

Jock itch as the name suggests is usually very itchy and can
re-occur particularly in summer when the patient perspires more
easily. Inflammation, softening of the skin and in some cases
scaling are factors to be considered with Tinea cruris. The patient
may cause a form of dermatitis because of continually scratching
the rash. 

People who wear tight fitting clothing and who are over-weight
seem to be more susceptible to the infection.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to
diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest
advice on this ailment.

DIET HINTS

• It is important to always have a healthy diet which is high in
  wholesome foods such as fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, lean
  protein etc., and low in fatty, sugary foods which are generally
  high in calories and low in nutritional value.
• Some dietary measures can be taken to minimise the growth of
  yeast in the bowel which, in turn, reduces the likelihood of yeast
  infections such as Tinea cruris.
• Sugar provides the right environment in the bowel for candida
  albicans to thrive. If a person has a yeast infection it is
  advisable to avoid sugary foods including honey, soft drinks,
  lollies, chocolates, sweet desserts, cakes, biscuits etc.
• Eat acidophilus yoghurt regularly and take a course of
  acidophilus capsules after a course of antibiotics to help
  eradicate yeast organisms and re-establish a healthy balance of
  organisms in the bowel.
• The diet should be high in foods which are good sources of
  fibre such as wholegrain cereals, fruits and vegetables. Eating
  only 2-3 pieces of fruit daily due to the high sugar content.
• Garlic has been shown to have anti-fungal activity and can be
  included in the diet every day. It is best to have garlic at a
  separate time to acidophilus as the antibiotic activity of garlic
  may interfere with the acidophilus organism.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Supplements may only be of value if dietary intake is
inadequate. 

• The essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) exhibits
  broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
• Applying tea tree oil directly to the skin or diluted in a
  sorbolene cream base may help to destroy Tinea cruris. It is
  advisable to first apply a single drop of tea tree oil to a patch
  of skin to determine sensitivity. A slight stinging sensation is to
  be expected. Do not take tea tree oil internally.
• Probiotic supplements containing acidophilus and bifidus
  cultures help to restore the normal, healthy flora in the bowel
  that form a barrier to harmful bacteria. An acidophilus supplement
  may help to boost the immune system and improve the body’s
  resistance to fungal infections.
• Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil and flaxseed oil) and
  Omega-6 fatty acids (found in evening primrose oil and starflower
  oil) are thought to have anti-inflammatory effects. This may be
  beneficial in cases of Tinea cruris, particularly if dermatitis has
  also occurred due to scratching.
• Fungal infections may indicate low immune function and an
  oversupply of harmful molecules (free radicals) may be present in
  the body. Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E, zinc, grape seed
  extract, coenzyme Q10 and selenium help to reduce the number of
  free radicals in the body.
• Vitamin E and vitamin C play important roles in maintaining the
  health of the skin. These vitamins strengthen the integrity of
  skin, promote the regeneration of damaged skin cells and help to
  prevent scarring. Vitamin C may be taken internally and vitamin E
  may also be taken internally and applied directly to unbroken
  skin.
• Calendula is a herb with anti-inflammatory properties. This
  herb may be used internally or externally as a sterile, cool
  compress to relieve soreness and inflammation of the skin or in the
  form of a cream to by used only on unbroken skin.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

1. Always wear cotton underpants to allow the skin to
   breathe.
2. Use a powder after bathing to help keep the area dry. Your
   Pharmacist may recommend an antifungal powder.
3. Antifungal creams and lotions are also available.
4. Follow the Diet Hints. 
5. If the diet is inadequate consider some nutritional
   supplements.