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Cases of rare jock itch, a fungal infection linked to sexual activity, rise in the US; How does it affect humans?
A rare and highly contagious fungus called ‘jock itch’, which causes rashes around the genital area, has emerged in New York. The US CDC has so far reported four cases since it was first diagnosed in June this year. According to experts, this highly contagious disease causes itchy and scaly lesions on the torso, groin, genitals or face. Some patients also experience swelling or a painful rash which may further lead to bacterial infection. Read on to know more.
The rare fungus that causes the infection is also known as Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII.
There has been a significant increase in cases in New York of a rare ‘jock itch’ fungus, which causes a highly contagious but rare rash around the genital area. The fungus causing the infection, known as Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII), was identified as the first sexually transmitted case in the country in June this year, according to a US health report.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), four new cases have been reported since then. “All four patients were cisgender men aged 30-39 who reported recent sexual contact with other men,” the US health agency said in a statement. Patients A and D reported sexual contact with each other; Patients B and C had no known epidemiological link to anyone with known TMVII infection,” the statement said.
“Patient D was a sex worker. Patient B reported travel to Europe; Other patients reported no recent international travel history. Each patient was tested for other concomitant sexually transmitted infections and received negative test results.
What is jock itch?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, TMVII or Jock Itch is a recently emerged dermatophyte that is closely related to T. indotinae, formerly known as T. mentagrophytes Eighth type. Doctors say the infection spreads between people and can be transmitted through sexual contact, including in specific patient populations such as men who have sex with men or those traveling to Southeast Asia for sex tourism. Person
It causes extremely itchy but scaly lesions on the trunk, groin, genitals or face. Some patients also experience swelling or a painful rash which may further lead to bacterial infection.
Jock itch gets its name because it is common among athletes as well as people who sweat a lot. The condition ranges from mild to severe. The US CDC says it is concerned that this infectious disease can spread easily and, therefore, has alerted dermatologists to be vigilant about TMVII because it is an emerging infection that can spread through sex. .
How can the infection be treated?
Experts say the infection can be treated with antifungal drugs and may take several months to heal. You may be prescribed antifungal creams, ointments, or powders that can reduce itching and redness – the main symptoms of the rash – for between 2 and 4 weeks. However, in some cases, long-term treatment is required.
When should you see a doctor?
If your rash becomes too painful or you develop a fever, experts recommend visiting a doctor. If the rash does not improve after a week of taking care of yourself with antifungal products you can get over-the-counter, always seek medical care.
Also, if the rash does not completely clear up despite three weeks of treatment, seek medical care.
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