Contagion
Fortunately, tinea cruris is not contagious. Direct person-to-person spreading
is not a problem. The patient’s own case of athlete’s foot is the usual
source of infection and reinfection of the groin.
Treatment
Tinea cruris is treated by applying antifungal medicine thinly with your fingertips,
as directed. Spread the medicine on sparingly and massage it in gently
until it disappears. To prevent recurrences, continue the antifungal medicine
for two weeks after the rash has cleared up.
Apply nothing else to your groin except water. Cleanse your groin with
plain water, since soap aggravates groin rashes. Dry the area
thoroughly after bathing.
Tinea cruris usually clears up promptly with antifungal medicines applied to the skin.
Tinea cruris is only one cause of groin itching. If your rash does not improve, please return for further evaluation.
Prevention
Tinea cruris often comes back. Warmth and moisture encourage the fungus
to grow. You can help prevent recurrences by drying thoroughly after bathing,
wearing loose cotton underwear, and dusting a bland powder on your groin once
or twice daily. After swimming, put on dry clothes right away; don’t stay
long in a wet swimsuit.