Jock itch cream
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- Lotrimin Ultra Jock Itch Cream. Best for: Once-daily cream for 2 weeks. See options on Amazon
- Terbinafine 1% antifungal cream. Best for: The shortest label course. See options on Amazon
- Lotrimin AF Jock Itch Powder. Best for: Keeping a sweaty groin dry. See options on Amazon
What jock itch is
MedlinePlus explains that jock itch happens when a fungus grows and spreads in the groin. The fungus thrives in warm, moist areas, and friction from clothes and sweating can trigger it. It can spread from the feet to the groin when pulling up pants, and from person to person by skin contact or unwashed clothing. It usually stays around the creases of the upper thigh and does not involve the scrotum or penis, and it causes red, raised, scaly patches with sharp edges.
Many people with jock itch also have athlete's foot; see our antifungal foot cream guide and treat both at the same time.
Comparing the label directions
| Product label | Active ingredient | Jock itch directions |
|---|---|---|
| Terbinafine cream | Terbinafine 1% | Once a day for 1 week; ages 12 and older |
| Lotrimin Ultra Jock Itch | Butenafine 1% | Once a day for 2 weeks; ages 12 and older |
| Lotrimin AF Jock Itch powder | Miconazole nitrate 2% | Twice a day for 2 weeks; not under 2 unless a doctor directs |
Details are from each product's Drug Facts label on DailyMed. The same terbinafine label also covers athlete's foot: twice a day for 1 week between the toes, or twice a day for 2 weeks on the bottom or sides of the foot, so one tube can treat both if you have them together. MedlinePlus lists miconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine and tolnaftate among over-the-counter antifungal creams or powders that can help.
How to apply
- Wash and dry first. The cream labels say to wash the affected skin with soap and water and dry completely before applying.
- Apply a thin layer over the affected area, as the miconazole powder label directs.
- Stick to the full course. Keep going for the whole label duration, even if the itch eases earlier.
- Wash your hands after each use, as the butenafine and terbinafine labels say.
- Cream or powder. Powders like Lotrimin AF Jock Itch are sprinkled on and help keep skin dry; creams are rubbed in.
Label warnings
- External use only. Keep these products away from the eyes and mouth.
- Not for nails, scalp or vaginal yeast infections, the butenafine and terbinafine labels say; the miconazole powder label says it is not effective on the scalp or nails.
- Stop and ask a doctor if irritation becomes too much or gets worse, or, per the miconazole label, if there is no improvement within 2 weeks.
- Children. The cream labels say ask a doctor for children under 12; the powder label says do not use on children under 2 unless directed.
- Keep out of reach of children, and get medical help or call Poison Control if swallowed.
Habits that help
MedlinePlus says jock itch usually responds to self-care within a couple of weeks. Keep the groin clean and dry, avoid clothing that rubs and irritates, wear loose-fitting underwear, and wash athletic supporters often. If you tend to get jock itch, MedlinePlus suggests continuing to apply antifungal medicine after bathing even when you do not have it, and notes that losing weight may help prevent it from coming back in people with deep, moist skin folds.
When to see a doctor
MedlinePlus says to contact your provider if jock itch does not respond to home care after 2 weeks, is severe, keeps coming back, or you have other symptoms. A provider may prescribe stronger topical or oral antifungal medicines, or antibiotics if scratching led to a bacterial infection. A rash on the scrotum or penis, or one that oozes and spreads quickly, also needs a check, since jock itch usually spares those areas.
What to look for when you buy
Lotrimin Ultra Jock Itch Cream
Best for: Once-daily cream for 2 weeks
Its label lists butenafine hydrochloride 1%, applied once a day for 2 weeks for ages 12 and older.
Watch out: Not for nails, scalp, mouth, eyes or vaginal yeast infections.
See options on AmazonTerbinafine 1% antifungal cream
Best for: The shortest label course
A terbinafine 1% label lists once a day for 1 week for jock itch.
Watch out: Ask a doctor for children under 12.
See options on AmazonLotrimin AF Jock Itch Powder
Best for: Keeping a sweaty groin dry
Its label lists miconazole nitrate 2% powder, sprinkled on twice a day for 2 weeks.
Watch out: Avoid the eyes; ask a doctor if no improvement in 2 weeks.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is the best cream for jock itch?
- Terbinafine, butenafine, miconazole and clotrimazole all treat it; terbinafine's label has the shortest course, 1 week.
- How long does jock itch cream take?
- Label courses run 1 to 2 weeks; MedlinePlus says it usually responds within a couple of weeks.
- Can I use athlete's foot cream for jock itch?
- Terbinafine labels cover both athlete's foot and jock itch; check your product's Uses section.
- Should I use cream or powder?
- Creams are rubbed in; powders like miconazole 2% also help keep a sweaty groin dry.
- When should I see a doctor for jock itch?
- If it is not better after 2 weeks, is severe or keeps coming back, per MedlinePlus.
Sources
- Jock itch (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- Lotrimin Ultra Jock Itch (butenafine hydrochloride) cream label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Terbinafine hydrochloride cream 1% label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Lotrimin AF Jock Itch (miconazole nitrate) powder label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine