What is the difference between tinea corporis and tinea cruris?
Disease description:
My son is 12 years old. Recently, he developed patches on his skin accompanied by scaling and some itching. I suspected it might be jock itch, but after examination by a doctor, he was diagnosed with ringworm of the body (tinea corporis). I would like to know the difference between tinea corporis and jock itch (tinea cruris).
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
The main differences between tinea corporis (ringworm of the body) and tinea cruris (jock itch) lie in the affected areas, symptoms, contagiousness, and causes. Tinea corporis primarily affects superficial skin areas other than the scalp, hair, palms, soles, nails, and groin region, such as the trunk and limbs. It presents as papules, vesicles, or papulovesicles, accompanied by scaling and varying degrees of itching. In contrast, tinea cruris specifically refers to a fungal infection occurring on the inner side of the groin (the perineal and perianal skin), representing a special type of tinea corporis affecting the genital and groin area. Symptoms include annular or semicircular patches, scaling, papules, vesicles, itching, and sometimes a burning sensation. Both conditions are contagious to some extent, but tinea cruris may spread more easily due to its location in a more concealed and moist area. Treatment for both generally involves topical antifungal medications, with oral antifungal agents added if necessary; however, specific treatment should follow medical advice.
