Will jock itch spread to other areas?

Jul 11, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have jock itch, and my friend said it can spread to other areas. Can jock itch spread to other parts of the body?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Tinea cruris (jock itch) can potentially spread to other parts of the body. Tinea cruris is a fungal skin infection that is contagious to some extent. It may self-infect the patient—for example, after prolonged contact with the affected area, fungi may adhere to the hands, and if the person frequently scratches other areas, the fungi may colonize locally and cause infections, leading to other dermatophytoses such as tinea manuum (hand癣). Additionally, tinea cruris can also be transmitted to others through direct or indirect contact, such as touching contaminated skin or objects. Therefore, once tinea cruris is detected, timely treatment and attention to personal hygiene are necessary to prevent further transmission.