Jock Itch ... A serious hockey problem?

1. Jock itch is caused by a fungus

The condition, medically called tinea cruris, is a fungal infection of the skin in the groin, inner thighs, and sometimes buttocks.

The culprit is usually Trichophyton rubrum — the same type of fungus that causes athlete’s foot and ringworm.

2. Your jockstrap creates the perfect environment

A jockstrap itself doesn’t create the fungus — it just provides ideal conditions for it to grow if not kept clean.

Here’s how:

Warmth: The groin area is warm from body heat and trapped by layers of gear.

Moisture: Sweat builds up and can’t evaporate easily under tight fabrics.

Friction: Constant rubbing irritates the skin and weakens its protective barrier.

Contamination: If the jockstrap isn’t washed after use, fungi from your skin or other infected areas (like your feet) can survive in the fabric. When you wear it again, they multiply and infect the skin.

3. Cross-contamination is common

If you have athlete’s foot, you can easily spread the fungus to your groin by:

Pulling underwear or a jockstrap on after touching your feet or socks.

Reusing a towel or jockstrap that came in contact with infected areas.

4. Signs of jock itch

Itchy, red, scaly rash in the groin or upper thighs

Often forms a ring-like border with a clear center

May burn or sting, especially with sweating

5. Prevention tips

Wash your jockstrap after every use — hot water + full drying

Change out of wet gear immediately after games/practice

Use antifungal powder or spray if you’re prone to it

Dry your feet first, groin last when toweling off (to avoid spreading fungi upward)

Never share jocks, towels, or underwear

Would you like me to give you a short “locker-room hygiene checklist” for preventing jock itch and skin infections from gear? It’s something many trainers use with their teams.

Kill jock funk with ROCKET SPORT

Visit www.rocketsport.com