Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Exam Prep 2025 – Complete Practice Resource

Tinea cruris is commonly known as jock itch. This condition is a fungal infection that affects the groin area, including the inner thighs and buttocks. It is characterized by an itchy, red rash that may have a distinct border and can sometimes be accompanied by flaking or peeling skin. The condition is more common in males because of the warm, moist environment in the groin created by clothing and sweat.

The association with the groin region is key to understanding the common name jock itch, which often relates to activities like sports that can lead to increased moisture in that area. While ringworm is a term that refers to various fungal infections, including tinea corporis, which is not specific to the groin region, and athlete's foot refers specifically to tinea pedis affecting the feet, these terms do not apply to tinea cruris. Similarly, scalp infection pertains to tinea capitis, which affects the scalp and not the groin.