Some people with jock itch develop blisters with a fungal rash. This can make the person question if they have genital herpes, but they are unrelated conditions.
In this article, we discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of jock itch, and how the condition differs from herpes.
Herpes vs. Jock Itch Blisters
While both genital herpes and jock itch can cause blisters in the groin area, they are different conditions with different characteristics.
Symptoms of Jock Itch Blisters
Jock itch typically causes red, raised, scaly patches that often have sharply defined edges. These patches can blister and ooze.
Symptoms of jock itch usually appear between four and 14 days after contact with the fungi.
Causes of Jock Itch Blisters
The fungus that causes jock itch thrives in moist environments. This includes areas of the body such as the creases of the thighs. It also includes showers and objects such as damp towels and clothing.
Jock itch can be contracted through direct skin contact with people who have this fungal infection or through contaminated objects.
It can also be spread from contact with athlete’s foot (fungal infection of the foot). This can happen through exposure to another person or contaminated objects. It can also be spread from the person’s own foot to their genital area, such as from pulling up pants or underwear that have touched the infected foot.
While jock itch is usually less severe than other fungal skin infections, it can last for weeks or even months if left untreated.
Ringworm (the family of fungal infections that jock itch belongs to) can be made worse by anti-itch creams containing corticosteroids. These creams can allow the infection to spread and cover larger areas of skin. Rarely, they can cause the fungus to go deeper into the skin, which makes it harder to treat.
Risk Factors for Jock Itch
While anyone can get jock itch, some factors can make someone more prone to it:
Being a teenage or adult person with a penisHeavy sweatingHaving large skin creases on the bodyWearing tight clothingWearing unwashed clothing, especially underwear or athletic supportersNot changing underwear often enoughInfrequent showeringSharing unwashed towels, clothing, or athletic supporters with other peopleUsing public showers or locker roomsHaving an immune system disorderEngaging in contact sports such as wrestling
Preventing Jock Itch
Strategies that lessen the chances of contracting jock itch include the following:
The jock itch hasn’t responded to home treatment within two weeks. Symptoms are getting worse or other symptoms are present. There are signs of infection such as increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness; red streaks leading from the rash; pus draining from the rash; fever.
Put on socks before putting on underwear, especially if you have athlete’s foot. Wash clothes (especially workout clothes, underwear, and socks) and towels after each use. Keep groin, inner thighs, and buttocks area clean and dry. Do not share clothing, sports equipment, towels, or sheets with other people. Wear footwear such as slippers, water shoes, or sandals in locker rooms, showers, and public bathing areas. Avoid tight-fitting clothing. Shower or bathe and thoroughly dry off regularly, particularly after sweating or exercising.
To help keep jock itch from worsening and to keep symptoms such as blisters to a minimum:
Wash the affected area with soap and water, then pat dry with a clean towel. Use antifungal medication as the package directs. Wash hands well after treating or touching the rash. Don’t scratch the rash. Keep the affected skin dry as much as possible. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing.
Treatment
In addition to keeping the area clean and dry, jock itch is usually treated with antifungal medications. These include:
Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams or drying powders that contain medication such as miconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine, or tolnaftatePrescription topical (applied to the skin) antifungal medicationsOral antifungal medications (usually for difficult-to-treat infections)Antibiotics (if a secondary bacterial infection occurs)
A Word From Verywell
Jock itch is a common fungal infection that affects the groin and buttocks area. It can cause unpleasant symptoms such as a rash that can blister.
Thankfully, jock itch usually responds well to treatments like antifungal creams, many of which are available over the counter.
If you have symptoms of jock itch such as blisters in the groin area that persist or suggest infection, be sure to see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment options.
