Tinea Cruris in Female Genital Dermatoses: Clinical Insights and Dermoscopic Correlates

Dermatophytosis is one of the most common superficial fungal infections worldwide, affecting keratinized tissues such as skin, hair, and nails. Tinea cruris, also known as “jock itch,” typically involves the groin, perineum, and adjacent thigh regions. Although traditionally more prevalent in males due to anatomical and environmental factors, increasing incidence among females has been reported in recent years.

 Female genital dermatoses encompass a wide spectrum of conditions including infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune disorders. Conditions such as candidiasis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and lichen simplex chronicus may clinically mimic tinea cruris, making accurate diagnosis challenging.

 Dermoscopy, a non-invasive diagnostic technique, has recently gained importance in the evaluation of inflammatory and infectious dermatoses. In dermatophytosis, dermoscopy may demonstrate features such as peripheral white scales, erythema, broken hairs, and follicular involvement, which help distinguish it from other conditions.

Early diagnosis is important to prevent chronicity, recurrence, and transmission. However, limited literature exists regarding dermoscopic findings of tinea cruris specifically in female genital dermatoses.

 Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the clinical features and dermoscopic patterns of tinea cruris in female patients presenting with genital dermatoses.

This is a Prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology at a tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of 12 months.

 Sample Size

120 patients.

 Inclusion Criteria

•              Female patients aged ≥18 years

•              Patients presenting with groin or genital lesions suggestive of fungal infection

•              Patients who provided informed consent.

 Exclusion Criteria

•              Patients on systemic antifungal therapy within the previous 4 weeks

•              Patients with immunosuppressive disorders

•              Pregnant women with severe dermatological conditions requiring systemic therapy

 Data Collection

Detailed information was recorded including:

•              Age

•              Occupation

•              Personal hygiene practices

•              Clinical symptoms

•              Duration of disease

•              Associated systemic diseases

 Clinical Examination

Each patient underwent complete dermatological examination focusing on:

•              Site of involvement

•              Lesion morphology

•              Presence of scaling, erythema, or central clearing

 Dermoscopy

Dermoscopy was performed using a handheld dermoscope (10× magnification). Observed features included:

•              Peripheral scaling

•              Erythema

•              Broken hairs

•              Follicular pustules

•              Background pigmentation

 Laboratory Investigation

Skin scrapings from the active margin were examined using 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy to confirm dermatophyte infection.

 Statistical Analysis

Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results were expressed as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

Table 1: Age Distribution of Patients

 

Table 2: Clinical Symptoms

 

Table 3: Risk Factors Associated with Tinea Cruris

 

Table 4: Dermoscopic Findings

 

Table 5: KOH Microscopy Results

 

 

Dermatophytosis remains a common dermatological problem in tropical and subtropical countries, including India. The warm and humid climate contributes significantly to the spread of fungal infections.

In the present study, tinea cruris accounted for 56.7% of female genital dermatoses, indicating that dermatophyte infections are a major cause of genital complaints among females.

 The majority of affected patients belonged to the 21–40 years age group, which is consistent with previous studies that reported higher prevalence among young and middle-aged adults due to increased physical activity and sweating.

Pruritus was the most common symptom (82.3%), similar to findings reported by Singh et al., where itching was the predominant complaint in dermatophytosis.

 Dermoscopy revealed several characteristic findings. Peripheral scaling was the most frequent feature observed, reflecting active fungal growth at the advancing margin. Broken hairs and erythematous background were also commonly seen, indicating follicular involvement and inflammatory changes.

Follicular micropustules were observed in approximately one-third of cases, suggesting deeper follicular invasion in some patients. These dermoscopic findings are valuable in differentiating dermatophytosis from other genital dermatoses such as candidiasis or eczema.

 KOH microscopy confirmed dermatophyte infection in 89.7% of cases, highlighting its importance as a diagnostic tool.

The integration of clinical examination, dermoscopy, and laboratory confirmation enhances diagnostic accuracy and helps initiate appropriate treatment early.

Tinea cruris is an important and often underrecognized cause of female genital dermatoses. The condition commonly presents with pruritic erythematous lesions with scaling in the groin region. Dermoscopy provides useful diagnostic clues such as peripheral scaling, erythematous background, and broken hairs, aiding in differentiation from other dermatoses.

Early diagnosis using dermoscopy and KOH microscopy can facilitate prompt treatment and reduce complications and recurrence.

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