Is it inverse psoriasis or jock itch?

Psoriasis and jock itch

Inverse psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that affects folds in the skin. It affects between 3% and 7% of all people with psoriasis and can play a role in genital psoriasis.

People with inverse or genital psoriasis develop redness or other color changes and painful areas of skin in the folds of the body, especially areas that experience sweat or skin-on-skin friction, such as:

• armpits
• groin
• under the breasts

Jock itch, on the other hand, is not caused by an autoimmune disease, but by a fungus known as tinea cruris.

Jock itch causes an itchy, round-shaped rash near the groin area, on the buttocks, and the inner thighs. Similarly to inverse psoriasis, sweat and friction can contribute to jock itch.

People are more likely to develop jock itch when they sweat a lot, making this a very common problem for athletes.

Symptoms of psoriasis and jock itch

Inverse psoriasis and jock itch can have very similar symptoms. Both can cause itchy, inflamed skin in the groin area. But some nuances help tell the two conditions apart.

Whereas a rash caused by inverse psoriasis will be smooth and often shiny, one caused by jock itch is typically accompanied by scaly, peeling, or flaking skin.

Symptoms of inverse psoriasis include:

• smooth or shiny areas of redness or other color changes in the groin, armpits, or under breasts
• tenderness and pain
• patches of inflamed skin in the skin folds, without flaking

Symptoms of jock itch are similar to those of inverse psoriasis, and include:

• circular or half-moon shaped areas of redness or other color changes, primarily in the creases of the groin, which may spread outwards
• skin flaking or peeling
• cracked skin
• itching, burning, or stinging

Triggers

Different factors trigger inverse psoriasis flares and jock itch outbreaks.

Triggers for an inverse psoriasis flare vary from person to person. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, these triggers may include:

• infections
• stress
• certain medications
• starting and stopping medications
• skin injuries
• alcohol or tobacco use
• friction on deep folds in the skin

While science does not prove it, some people with inverse psoriasis suspect allergies and diet may also trigger psoriasis flares.

Unlike inverse psoriasis, a fungus that lives on the skin causes jock itch. Therefore, anything that gives the fungus a better environment to multiply may trigger jock itch.

These triggers may include:

• heavy sweating from exercise, sports, or hot weather
• friction from tight clothing or skin rubbing against skin
• moist skin or skin that a person has not dried properly
• sharing clothing, towels, or exercise equipment with others

Inverse psoriasis and jock itch also share some common triggers.

Both conditions are more likely to develop in areas that are sweaty or experience friction.

In some cases, weather can trigger a flare of inverse psoriasis or make a person more likely to develop jock itch.

When to see a doctor

People who know they have either inverse psoriasis or jock itch may not need to see a healthcare professional each time they have a flare of psoriasis or an outbreak of jock itch.

But people should talk with their doctor any time they experience skin changes that they have never had before, when home treatments do not work, or if they suspect an infection.

Treatment and remedies

Treating both inverse psoriasis and jock itch involves managing delicate skin in sensitive areas of the body.

Gentle treatment options include home remedies and both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications.

Practicing regular personal hygiene can help with both conditions. Take daily showers with warm water and gentle soap. After a shower, people should dry their skin thoroughly with a clean towel.

People with inverse psoriasis may benefit from the following home remedies:

• avoiding and managing stress
• noting and avoiding any trigger foods or allergens
• taking baths in lukewarm water and using mild soap
• moisturizing regularly with a gentle moisturizer
• getting exposure to sunlight each day
• maintaining a healthy weight
• quitting smoking, if applicable
• limiting alcohol consumption

People who experience frequent jock itch outbreaks can try the following home remedies:

• showering immediately after exercise or sports
• changing clothing after sweating
• wearing clean underwear every day
• keeping the groin, buttocks, and thigh area clean and dry
• using powder in the groin area to absorb extra moisture
• treating any other fungal infections on the body, such as athlete’s foot
• not sharing clothes or sports equipment with others
• wiping down athletic equipment after use
• avoiding tight-fitting clothing

In the case of psoriasis, if home remedies do not help, a doctor may recommend the following treatments:

• steroid creams and ointments
• other topical medications
• phototherapy
• oral medications, such as retinoids
• biologics, such as etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximab (Remicade)

Doctors may recommend OTC antifungal creams, sprays, or powders to treat jock itch. In severe cases, they may prescribe prescription-strength antifungal medication.

People with inverse psoriasis flares can also develop a fungal infection around the groin. Doctors may recommend an antifungal medication as part of the treatment.

Summary

Inverse psoriasis is a skin condition that causes a rash with redness or other color changes in the skin folds, often around the groin. Doctors may associate it with genital psoriasis. Jock itch causes a similar rash around the crotch, so people may confuse the two conditions.

People can manage both inverse psoriasis and jock itch with specific lifestyle changes and treatments.

Discovering the proper treatment for inverse psoriasis can take some trial and error. People should consult with their doctor to find what works for them.

Cases of jock itch are generally mild to moderate. When necessary, doctors usually treat jock itch with antifungal medications.