ask your pharmacist

back to: pharmacy | ask your pharmacist

Are there any over-the-counter treatments for jock itch?

Jock itch is a fungal infection of the skin in the groin area and inner, upper region of the thighs. There are many over-the-counter products available for jock itch. All over-the-counter products are equally effective. Examples include clotrimazole (brand name Lotrimin AF), miconazole (Micatin), terbinafine (Lamisil) naftifine (Naftin), and tolnaftate (Tinactin).

These products come in a variety of forms, including creams, lotions, powders, and sprays. Powders are good for rashes in places where sweating is a constant problem. Sprays are the easiest to apply, but you may waste some of the product if it sprays further than the rash. Creams or lotions applied directly to the rash avoid waste, but some people find these messy to use.

Apply the medicine to the affected area following the directions on the package. Improvement is usually gradual and may take two to four weeks. Keep the skin area dry and clean.

Talk to your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or if they get worse.

Sources:
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
Drug Facts and Comparisons, Facts & Comparisons, 2007.
Diseases and Conditions, "Jock itch." http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 1/9/2007.
Medline Plus. Medline, 2007.

This answer prepared 1/29/2001.
This information updated 1/9/2007.