A group of fungi called dermatophytes cause jock itch. These fungi naturally live on your skin, hair, and nails and normally don’t cause problems.
However, these fungi multiply quickly when exposed to warmth and moisture over an extended period of time (for example, when you remain in sweat-soaked clothes after exercising).
This overgrowth of dermatophytes in the groin area causes the infection known as jock itch.
The fungus that causes jock itch is contagious. You can get it through close personal contact with an infected person or through skin-to-skin contact. Contact with an infected person’s unwashed clothing can also spread the fungus and cause an infection.
The same fungus that causes athlete’s foot often causes jock itch.
The infection often spreads from the feet to the groin because the fungus can travel on your hands or on a towel. You can also spread the infection by pulling up your underwear or pants if you have contaminated the waistband of your pants with the fungus from your feet.
Certain risk factors may make you more susceptible to jock itch:
- Being male
- Being a teen or young adult
- Wearing tight underwear, jeans or other clothing
- Having athlete’s foot
- Sweating heavily
- Having a weakened immune system
While jock itch is far more common among men, due to the proximity of the scrotum to the thigh and the resulting friction and susceptibility to moisture, women can also get jock itch.
People who are obese are at an increased risk for jock itch because of their moisture-trapping skinfolds.
If you have diabetes, your risk of jock itch increases in two ways: The excess blood sugar levels can promote fungi growth, and your immune system is not as strong in general, making you more at risk for common skin infections.
People with compromised immune systems, such as those who have HIV or cancer, are also more prone to jock itch.
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