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Living with an uncomfortable skin condition can be tough, even when you know exactly what it is. But when symptoms look similar, doctors may misdiagnose one condition for another. An incorrect diagnosis can delay the right treatment and relief.
This can happen with inverse psoriasis and jock itch (a fungal infection also called tinea cruris), which often appear alike.
Inverse psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that affects skin folds, such as under the breasts, in the groin, or between the buttocks. Jock itch, on the other hand, develops when fungus grows in warm, moist areas of the body, such as the inner thigh and groin area.
Because these two conditions cause similar symptoms, it’s not unusual for them to be confused with one another.
Getting an accurate diagnosis from a dermatologist or other healthcare provider is key to finding the right treatment. Below, learn more about how to tell the difference between fungal jock itch and inverse psoriasis.
Jock itch, also called tinea cruris, is a common fungal skin infection. According to DermNet, it occurs in males three times as often as in females. Teens and young adults are at a higher risk of developing it.
Jock itch is a form of dermatophytosis, a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes. These organisms normally live on the skin but can overgrow in warm, moist areas such as the groin, inner thighs, or buttocks. Because these areas have natural skin folds that trap heat and sweat, they provide the perfect environment for fungal growth.
This type of fungal infection is also known as ringworm. Despite the name, it’s not caused by an actual worm. Instead, the infection often causes ring-shaped rashes on the skin.
Symptoms of jock itch may include:
Jock itch isn’t usually serious. With consistent self-care, it often clears up in a few weeks. Most people improve with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, sprays, or powders, along with good daily hygiene.
Unlike jock itch, which is a temporary infection, inverse psoriasis is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory skin condition. It can last a lifetime, with periods of flare-ups and remissions.
Inverse psoriasis is one of several types of psoriasis and affects about 25 percent of people living with psoriasis. It’s also known as intertriginous psoriasis or flexural psoriasis.
Inverse psoriasis usually appears as smooth, shiny lesions that may look bright red on lighter skin and purple or brown on darker skin. These patches often feel sore or irritated.
The lesions form in areas where skin folds and rubs together — such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts. Because these are the same warm, moist areas where fungal infections like jock itch develop, the two conditions can sometimes be confused.
Jock itch and inverse psoriasis are sometimes mistaken for each other because their symptoms and appearances overlap. Both can cause discolored patches, itching, and discomfort in skin folds such as the groin, buttocks, and inner thighs.
The confusion is made worse by the fact that inverse psoriasis doesn’t always look like other forms of psoriasis. The most common type, plaque psoriasis, usually appears as raised, well-defined plaques — patches of skin covered with silvery-white or gray scales. Inverse psoriasis patches, by contrast, tend to be smooth and shiny. Because they develop in moist areas, they often lack the thick scaling that characterizes plaque psoriasis.
If someone with inverse psoriasis develops patches in an area often affected by jock itch, it’s easy to mistake the condition for a fungal infection. However, only a healthcare professional can make the correct diagnosis. A dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin conditions, can help you tell the difference between psoriasis and a fungal infection.
When diagnosing a skin condition, doctors usually begin by visually examining the affected area. In some cases, they may also perform a skin biopsy — removing a small sample of skin to look at under a microscope.
Doctors may check for other skin changes as well. People with inverse psoriasis often have another type of psoriasis elsewhere on the body. For example, finding a plaque or pustules (small bumps filled with pus) can give doctors clues that a rash is psoriasis rather than jock itch.
Yes. Jock itch and inverse psoriasis are different conditions with their own causes and triggers, so it’s entirely possible to have both at once. For example, a fungal infection can develop on top of psoriasis, especially in areas that stay warm and moist.
Moisture increases the risk of fungal growth, which can make managing inverse psoriasis even more challenging.
“I have a fungal infection on top of inverse psoriasis, and so my day has not been good,” shared one MyPsoriasisTeam member.
Inverse psoriasis and jock itch may have similar symptoms and appear in the same places, but they’re distinct conditions with different causes.
Jock itch is caused by dermatophytosis, an overgrowth of dermatophyte fungi in warm, moist areas of the body. The same variety of fungus can also cause athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). The fungi can transfer from one area of the body to another via contaminated towels or clothing. It can also be easy to transfer fungus from the foot to the groin area when you put on pants. Your waistband, for example, may touch your feet then other parts of your body as you pull up your pants.
According to Mayo Clinic, risk factors for developing jock itch include:
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, which means the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. T cells are a type of white blood cell that normally fight infections. In psoriasis, the T cells attack healthy skin cells instead. These misdirected attacks cause skin cells to multiply too quickly, leading to patches of discolored, sore skin that may also develop scaling or pustules.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition, which means it typically lasts a lifetime and may require ongoing management. Flare-ups come and go, often triggered by environmental or lifestyle factors such as:
Fungal infections, like jock itch, may also trigger inverse or worsen inverse psoriasis.
The treatments for jock itch and inverse psoriasis are different, just like their causes. Before trying any treatment, talk with your doctor.
Typically, jock itch resolves with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, lotions, ointments, or sprays. Common OTC antifungal treatments include:
Prescription-strength topical treatments or pills are also available to treat more severe cases. Commonly prescribed topical treatment options include:
If you have athlete’s foot as well as jock itch, your doctor will likely treat both to prevent the fungus from continuing to spread. The skin rash typically improves after one week and resolves after three weeks of treatment. For recurrent or chronic fungal infections, your doctor may prescribe terbinafine or itraconazole in pill form.
Simple lifestyle changes can all help prevent future infections, including:
Inverse psoriasis can be more challenging to treat than jock itch. Because it’s a chronic autoimmune disease, there’s no permanent cure. However, many people find ways to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life with treatment.
Common treatment options include:
If you have inverse psoriasis and jock itch at the same time, consult with your doctor about how to balance treatments for each condition. Some prescription creams combine antifungal ingredients with topical steroids to reduce both fungal overgrowth and inflammation.
One MyPsoriasisTeam member shared advice about managing skin symptoms. “You can get some hydrocortisone cream to stop the itch, or, if you think it’s a fungal issue, something with an antifungal in it, too,” they wrote. “My problems have been so severe that I am presently taking antibiotic and antifungal tablets from my general practitioner.”
The medications and treatments you use will depend on your symptoms, overall health, and the severity of your case. Sometimes, it takes trying more than one option to find what works best. Your doctor is your best guide and can help you create a long-term management plan.
On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Have you had jock itch or another fungal infection with psoriasis? Let others know in the comments below.
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Please note Terbinafine (lamisil) cream seems to aggravate my psoriasis. So maybe use a different anti fungal treatment if you also have ringworm/jock itch/athlete foot etc.
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