Difference between Ringworm and Jock Itch


What is Ringworm?

Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis, dermatophyte infection or tinea, is a fungal infection of skin spread either by skin-to-skin contact or by touching an infected animal or object. It is an itchy, circular rash, and the skin in the middle of the circular rash is usually clear. In children, ringworm is most common in scalp, which may cause bald patches. The various types of ringworms are

  • Tinea pedis or Athlete’s foot − Ringworm on feet.

  • Tinea cruris − Ringworm on inner thighs and buttocks.

  • Tinea faciei − Ringworm on beard.

  • Tinea manuum − Ringworm of hands.

  • Tinea capitis − Ringworm on scalp.

  • Tinea unguium − Ringworm on fingernails and toenails.

Ringworm’s symptoms depend on where the infection occurs. Some of the symptoms include −

  • Itchiness

  • Round, flat pitch on patchy skin

  • Hair loss

  • Overlapping rings

  • Patches, developing blisters or pustules

  • Plaques (itchy, scaly patches which are red, brown or raised areas of skin)

Ringworms of different body parts look different. Ringworm of body appears as patches and in round ring shape. Ringworm of scalp is often isolated scaling that develops into itchy, scaly bald patches. Ringworm of beard may look like acne.

Ringworm of hands may look like dry skin with deep cracks on palm. Ringworm around groin, inner thighs and buttocks is most common in men and adolescent boys. Ringworm of feet starts as dry scaly skin between toes and may spread to sole and heel.

Ringworm can be caused by about 40 different species of fungus. Most of which are Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton types. The fungi can spread in the following ways −

  • Human-to-human − Infection can spread by coming in contact of a person infected with ringworm, by sharing personal items like combs or towels.

  • Animal-to-human − Infection can spread by touching an infected animal or through items an infected animal comes in contact with.

  • Object-to-human − Infection can spread by coming in contact of an object or surface that has it, like telephone or floor pf public shower.

  • Soil-to-human − Infection can spread through direct contact with soil carrying the fungi.

The risk of ringworm increases due to −

  • Diabetes

  • Weak immune system

  • Excessive sweat

  • Obesity

  • Warm, humid environment or climate

What is Jock Itch?

It is an infection caused by fungus. It is a type of ringworm causing red and itchy rashes in warm and moist areas of our body. It is most common in groin and inner thighs and are commonly shaped like a ring. It is also known as "tinea cruris".

Typically harmless, jock itch can multiply quickly and cause infections if given warm environment. It is more prevalent in males particularly adolescents. It causes rashes that often gives a burning feeling. It is a mild infection, yet bothersome.

Its symptoms include −

  • Itching and burning sensation.

  • Red, scaly, circular rashes.

  • Cracking or peeling skin.

It can often be diagnosed by looking at the affected area and through symptoms. In some rare cases, doctors need to take a sample of skin. If not treated quickly, jock itch can last month. Medicine such as antifungals can treat it in a few weeks. We advise you to keep the affected area clean and dry.

To avoid getting infected with jock itch, take the following precautions −

  • Bathe daily and after working out or playing sports.

  • Do not share any of your personal item.

  • Keep groin area dry.

  • Always wear clean clothes. Change underwear every day.

  • Avoid wearing tight clothes.

Similarities between Ringworm and Jock Itch

Both are fungal infections and are collectively referred to as tinea. Both are caused by a fungus- dermatophytes. Both are a type of skin disease. In fact, jock itch is a sub- category of ringworm. Both have common modes of transmission.

Difference between Ringworm and Jock Itch

The following table highlights the major differences between Ringworm and Jock Itch −

Category

Ringworm

Jock Itch

Description

It is a cutaneous infection spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected human or animal, and item. When fungus develops and spreads all over the body, we call it ringworm.

When the fungus grows and spreads to the area of the groin, upper inner thighs, and buttocks, we call it jock itch. It is often an itch rash.

Symptoms

Ringworm is more prevalent in head, in case of youngsters which can lead to bald patches. It is a scaly infection.

It is a red, shield rash caused due to fungus in genital areas.

Medication

Self-care and antifungals can be used to treat it.

Some commonly used medicines to treat ringworm include −

  • Clotrimazole

  • Miconazole

  • Terbinafine

  • Tinactin

Keep the groin and genital area clean and dry. Apply tropical antimicrobial medicines.

Some commonly used medicines to treat jock itch include −

  • Econazole

  • Oxiconazole

  • Diflucan

  • Itraconazole

Prevention

  • Do not share any personal item.

  • Do not enter locker rooms or public bathrooms barefoot.

  • Take shower after contact sports.

  • Keep skin clean and dry.

  • Take your pets to veterinary if they have patches of missing hair.

  • Always keep groin area dry and clean.

  • Take shower every day.

  • Avoid using oily products in genital or groin areas.

Other names

Also known as "tineas corporis".

Also known as "tinea cruris".

Conclusion

Ringworm is not a worm. It is a parasite. Fungi growing on the dead tissues of skin, hair and nails cause it. It can occur at any part of our body unlike jock itch which is limited to genital area, groin area, inner thighs and buttocks.

Updated on: 31-Jan-2023

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