Experts fear the contagious infection could be silently spreading across the UK – with patients developing an unpleasant rash caused by the same fungus responsible for the norotious ringworm
Millions of Brits are at risk of developing a horrid “crotch rot” infection by making one simple error when putting on their underwear, a doctor has warned.
The contagious infection, which experts fear could be silently spreading across the UK, is caused by the same fungus responsible for the norotious ringworm – tinea corporis. It thrives in warm, moist environments and can bring on painful and unpleasant rashes, turning the skin red, scaly and itchy. Dr Samuel Choudhury – a leading GP specialising in skincare – recently sounded the alarm on TikTok, saying those who put their underwear on wrong are at risk of contracting the gruesome infection. He explained how crotch rot, also known as jock itch, often spreads to the genital area through the feet. In a video shared to his 450,000 TikTok followers, Dr Choudhury warned foot ringworm is incredibly common, with 70% of people getting it “at least once in their life” – and around 20% suffering the same infection in the groin area.
He warned that putting underpants on with bare feet could put millions at risk of developing crotch rot, becuase when underwear comes into contact with the fungal spores on the feet, it can carry the bacteria up to the groin area. Dr Choudhury added: “So this is what you need to do to avoid jock itch [crotch infection]. Not wearing underwear is not the solution, but wearing your socks first is. It acts as a barrier so you contain the infection.” He said those who repeatedly develop crotch itch should “think about” the state of their feet.
Dr Choudhury’s advice has been backed up by NHS guidance, which says fungal groin infections are typically triggered by reinfection from other parts of the body, like the hands or feet. Young men are most vulnerable, along with individuals who work in hot, humid envrionments, wear tight clothing, or struggle with obesity. The fungi naturally lives on our skin and typically don’t cause problems, but it thrives in conditions most people experience daily. Sweat-soaked clothes after exercising, constant exposure to moisture, and poor hygeine can all contribute to an outbreak.
It also remains contagious for as long as the fungal spores are living on the skin. These spores can also linger on surfaces like bedding and towels for over a year if not properly washed. Those who develop the infection are advised to wash the affected skin areas daily, before drying them thoroughly, and to avoid scratching.
If symptoms persist, doctors will typically prescribe an anti- fungal cream such as hydrocortisone and/or an oral anti-fungal.