Answer to Q1

The rash is caused by Tinea cruris.

The exact incidence of Tinea cruris is difficult to determine but its prevalence is common. It is not a notifiable disease and patients are able to recognise and treat it until it is cured. In terms of its epidemiology, it is less common in some groups but common in older male patients and prepubertal children. Climates where humidity is high and temperatures are higher exhibit increased rates of Tinea cruris. Chronic Tinea cruris in immunosuppresed individual with herpes, may be characterized by scaling, vesicles or pustules, excoriations and erosion in the folds of the groin. Also, people with immunocompromise, i.e. diabetes, chemotherapy, HIV or hepatitis are very vulnerable.

The main symptoms are scaly red rash spreading down from groin to upper thighs, buttocks and perineum. It does not usually involve penis or scrotum. It causes itching or a burning sensation in the groin area, thigh skin folds or anus. It may involve the inner thighs and genital areas, as well as extending back to the perineum and peri-anal areas. Affected areas may appear red, tan or brown with flaking, peeling or cracking skin which may exhibit tiny pimples or pustules. If infected with candidal organisms, the rash tends to be redder and wetter and have a stronger, yeast-like smell. The skin of the penis may be involved, whereas other organisms spare the penis

Poor blood circulation and low blood oxygen can also contribute to the fungus growth. Tinea cruris is not often considered to be a sexually transmitted disease, but skin-to-skin genital contact could lead to inoculation in the partner’s groin. While the condition is not as common in females, it can occur due to sexual transfer, and simultaneous treatment for the male partner should also be recommended to prevent reinoculation. In addition, sharing towels, clothing, swimsuits or not washing your hands after contact with the infected area will spread this fungus. If one goes to the public pool or gym often, it is better to get a shower before and after visiting.

Question 2: What is the differential diagnosis and what other investigations would you do to confirm the diagnosis?

Answer to Q3

Non-prescription treatment is relatively simple and provides a complete cure when products are used as directed. If the rash doesn’t improve with topical therapy, systemic medication may be required.

• Antifungal medications of the allylamine or azole type (Butenafine hydrochloride 1% in Lotrimin ultra cream) are recommended. These are effective against Tinea cruris but not against Candida albicans. Apply topical antifungal; cream such as 1% clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF cream and solution) to groin area for several weeks.
• 1% hydrocortisone, a glucocorticoid steroid may be applied to prevent skin inflammation which cause discomfort resulting in scratching due to itching. These steroids may exacerbate the condition if used alone for fungal infections because they may hinder the body’s immune system.
• Rash may be treated or minimised by minimising warm, dark, damp conditions where fungi thrive. Tinea pedis (athletes’ foot) should also be treated simultaneously with antifungal cream (Terbinafine hydrochloride 1% as LAMISIL cream).
• To avoid reinfection which is common, avoid tight synthetic clothing, wear shower shoes in public showers and use antifungal powders on feet and groin area (Miconazole nitrate 1%).
• If the patient is overweight, encourage to try to lose weight in order to reduce chafing and sweating.

Outcomes

The patient returned two weeks after the initiation of antifungal treatment, the lesions had subsided and was encouraged to complete the treatment even though the lesions seemed better. He was given health education in terms of personal hygiene which included the prevention of further infection, which may be related to auto-inoculation.

Further Reading

1. David L Horn. Jock itch. 2013 NYU Langone medical center
2. Jock itch. www.Dematology.about.com and www.Emedicinehealth.com
3. Causes of Jock itch. 2013.01.06 ; www.CrutchfieldDermatology.com
4. Jock itch causes, symptoms and treatment March 15 2011; Everydayhealth, www.healthhouse.org
5. Dermatophytosis in Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Holmes, Sparling, Mardh (Third Edition) McCraw –Hill Companies 1999; 882-883.
6. Atlas of STD & AIDS. (2nd Edition) 1996. Stephen A Morse, Adde A Moreland, King K Holmes.
7. Nadalo D, Montoya C, Hunter-Smith D. (2006). “What is the best way to treat Tinea cruris?” The Journal of Family Practice 55 (3): 256-258.