Can you use athlete's foot cream for jock itch?

Why can the same cream treat both?

Athlete's foot and jock itch are forms of tinea, a fungal skin infection. Athlete's foot affects the feet, while jock itch affects the groin. Antifungal creams can clear many infections in either area, although some cases need prescription medicine. A cream's listed uses matter more than the largest word on the carton, which has already had enough attention.3

How should you use the cream for jock itch?

1. 1Check the cream's listed uses and directions. If jock itch is not listed or you are unsure about using it on the groin, ask a pharmacist before applying it.
2. 2Keep the affected skin clean and dry. Warm, moist skin under tight clothing helps the fungus thrive.
3. 3Apply the cream using the frequency and course stated for that product and body area. Ketoconazole cream is usually used once or twice daily for most infections.
4. 4Change underwear every day and do not share towels. Avoid skin contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has known or suspected ringworm.

Ketoconazole usually works within 2 to 3 weeks for most fungal infections, but athlete's foot can take 6 weeks to get better. Those timings belong to ketoconazole, not every cream sold for athlete's foot. Irritated skin is its most common side effect; ask a pharmacist or doctor about irritation during treatment rather than assuming it means the cream is working.1

When should you get the rash checked?

Groin itching is not always jock itch. Irritation, allergic reactions and other skin conditions can look or feel similar, so get an uncertain rash checked rather than repeatedly trying antifungal creams. A clinician can take a small skin scraping to test for fungus. See a doctor if keeping the area dry and using a jock itch treatment does not clear it. Severe infections and infections resistant to antifungal medicines also occur.245

Do not use steroid creams on a rash that could be ringworm, because steroids can make the infection worse. Ask a pharmacist before choosing athlete's foot treatment if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating someone under 16. People with weakened immune systems can have more difficulty fighting ringworm and should seek medical advice.26

How do you use athlete's foot cream?

For the feet, wash daily with soap and dry between the toes using a clean towel. Apply the antifungal as directed and wash your hands with soap and water afterwards. Wear clean socks daily, avoid sharing towels or shoes, and wear protective footwear in communal showers. Do not scratch the infection, because scratching can spread it to other body areas.67

General athlete's foot care includes continuing antifungal treatment until symptoms disappear and for 2 weeks afterwards to help prevent recurrence. Confirm the course for your chosen medicine with its directions or a pharmacist; do not transfer that foot schedule to groin treatment.6

What cream should you use for athlete's foot?

Terbinafine, including Lamisil cream, is an option for athlete's foot. Ketoconazole cream treats both athlete's foot and jock itch. If you want one cream for both areas, ask a pharmacist to confirm that the particular product is suitable and explain each treatment course.16

What is the best athlete's foot cream?

Choose an antifungal appropriate for the affected area and the severity of the infection, rather than a 'best' badge, which is not an application instruction. Most athlete's foot cases can be treated with pharmacy antifungals; more serious infections need prescription treatment.27