Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can affect various parts of the body. While often associated with circular rashes, this infection can occur in the genital area, including the penis. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments.
Identifying Genital Ringworm
When ringworm affects the groin area, including the penis, it is referred to as tinea cruris or “jock itch.” This infection presents as a reddish, itchy rash. The rash has a distinctive ring-shaped appearance with raised, scaly edges and a clearer area in the center. The affected skin may also show blistering, peeling, cracking, and intense itching. While the rash primarily affects the inner thighs and groin folds, it can extend onto the penis shaft or scrotum.
How Ringworm Spreads to the Genitals
Ringworm is contagious and spreads through several pathways. Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal is a common method of transmission, including close physical contact during activities like sports or even sexual contact. The fungi can also spread indirectly through contaminated objects like shared towels, clothing, bedding, or athletic gear, which can transfer fungal spores. Public spaces like locker rooms, communal showers, and gym floors, which tend to be warm and moist, can also harbor the fungi. Individuals can also spread the infection to their groin area from other infected body parts; for example, a fungal infection on the feet (athlete’s foot) or nails can be transmitted to the genitals through touch or by pulling clothing over the infected area.
Treating Genital Ringworm
Treatment for ringworm on the penis begins with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medications, available as creams, sprays, and powders, with common active ingredients like clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, and tolnaftate. For mild to moderate cases, apply these topical antifungals directly to the affected area, usually once or twice daily for two to four weeks. Continue treatment for the recommended duration, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection clears and prevent recurrence. If OTC treatments do not improve symptoms after a few weeks, or if the infection is severe, widespread, or persistent, prescription medication may be necessary, such as oral antifungals like fluconazole or terbinafine prescribed by a healthcare provider. Keeping the affected area clean and dry also aids healing.
Preventing Genital Ringworm
Preventing ringworm in the genital area involves good hygiene and clothing choices. Keep the groin area clean and thoroughly dry, especially after showering, bathing, or sweating. Drying the feet last, if you also have athlete’s foot, can help prevent self-transmission to the groin. Wearing clean, loose-fitting underwear made from breathable fabrics like cotton can help reduce moisture and friction to discourage fungal growth. Change out of wet or sweaty clothes promptly and avoid sharing personal items such as towels, clothing, and athletic gear. Promptly treat any existing fungal infections on other parts of the body, particularly athlete’s foot, as a preventive measure to avoid spreading fungi to the groin.