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Jock itch

An itchy, red fungal rash in the groin. Common and quick to treat.

Speak to a GP about jock itchFrom £79

In short

Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a common fungal infection of the groin that responds quickly to antifungal treatment. Keeping the area dry and treating any athlete's foot stops it coming back.

Overview

What is jock itch?

Jock itch is a fungal skin infection of the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks, caused by the same group of fungi (dermatophytes) that cause athlete's foot and ringworm. Warmth, sweat, and friction encourage it, so it's more common in hot weather, in athletes, and with tight clothing. It's harmless but itchy, and easy to treat.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • An itchy, red or brownish rash in the groin, inner thighs, or buttocks
  • A raised, scaly border with clearer skin in the middle
  • Burning or soreness in the affected area
  • Flaking or cracking skin
  • Worse with heat, sweat, and tight clothing

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if an over-the-counter antifungal hasn't cleared it within two weeks, the rash is spreading, you're getting it repeatedly, or you're not sure what the rash is.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Spreading redness with fever or feeling unwell (possible bacterial infection)
  • Weeping, pus, or rapidly worsening skin
  • A rash that doesn't improve after 2 weeks of antifungal treatment (may not be fungal)

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • Diagnosis from your description and, in person, examination of the rash
  • Prescription of a topical antifungal cream (e.g. clotrimazole, terbinafine) where needed
  • Oral antifungal treatment for widespread or stubborn cases
  • Advice to treat athlete's foot at the same time, as it is a common source
  • Practical prevention advice (keeping the area dry, loose cotton clothing, separate towels)
  • Review if the rash doesn't settle, to reconsider the diagnosis

What we don't do

  • Treatment of complex or recurrent skin disease needing dermatology
  • Diagnosis of genital rashes that may be a sexually transmitted infection (we can refer to sexual health services)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about jock itch starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about jock itch

Is jock itch contagious?
Yes, the fungus can spread through skin contact and shared towels or clothing. It often spreads from athlete's foot on the same person, so it's worth treating both.
How long does treatment take?
Most cases improve within 1-2 weeks of antifungal cream. Keep applying it for a week or two after the rash clears to prevent it returning.
Can I prevent it coming back?
Keep the groin clean and dry, change out of sweaty clothing promptly, wear loose cotton underwear, and treat any athlete's foot.
Is it an STI?
No. Jock itch is a common skin fungal infection, not a sexually transmitted infection. If you're unsure what a genital rash is, a GP can help tell them apart.
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Ready to talk to a GP about jock itch?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

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