Tinea cruris (Jock Itch) vs pubic lice (crabs)
Tinea cruris (Jock Itch) vs pubic lice (crabs)
Tinea cruris otherwise known as Jock Itch is not exclusive to the groin. It can be found on the upper thigh and buttock regions. It is a fungal infection; massage therapist should avoid them carefully. Some controversy exists over the skin around the groin and the relationship between tinea cruris and tinea candidiasis, better known as a yeast infection. Body lice or most specifically pubic lice in comparison are an animal infestation or a parasitic infestation. Pubic lice, which is closely related to head lice and is dealt with in the same manner as head lice is also massage contraindicated.
Tinea cruris otherwise known as jock itch and pubic lice has similarities in that they will both make the patient itch in the groin area to temporarily relieve the symptom of pain that is caused by the fungus or parasite. The itching though can cause the condition to worsen. Jock itch since it is a fungal pathology can be spread through contact with other parts of the body. Just the same as public lice (crabs) can be spread from one part of the body to anther through contact.
Treatment of tinea cruris (jock itch) can be frustrating. Topical applications of fungicidal cream or powder are the normal treatment, but oral medications are recommended for stubborn or hard to reach infections. Athlete’s foot which is the same strain as tinea cruris can be difficult to treat because it likes dark, warm, and moist areas of the body in which to thrive. It should be treated with an antifungal cream or powder not to forget the toenails and fingernails of the patient which may be hard to reach but can be carriers of the fungal growth.
The treatment of public lice (crabs) is similar to head lice and should use the same treatment protocol. The sheets of any massage client suspected of a crab infestation should be isolated from all others and disinfected as soon as possible. Massage is contraindicated in this case. Parasitic infestation carries a powerful social stigma that is negatively associated with poor hygiene or poverty. However, because anybody can have this problem, and people in touch professions are in a position to cause a lot more damage with it than anyone else the therapist should be respectful and remember that it could happen to anyone.
Signs and symptoms of pubic lice (crabs) are tiny white crabs about 1mm in diameter. They also leave nits, but they are so small that they are barely visible without magnification. The Primary symptom is itching uncontrollable itching. The patient may not even be conscious that they are itching. Compared to tinea cruris infections vary considerably depending on the causative agent and where they appear the patient may have lesions and be unaware of them. Massage therapist should avoid them cautiously. Some suggest that when the scrotum as well as the skin around the groin is infected. The likely cause is an imbalance in the internal yeast imbalance. When the infection spares the scrotum the cause is an agent typical of Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, or Microsporum.
Massage is contraindicated for infections locally in every phase. But a small infestation can be considered safe to work with as long as lesions are treated and covered. For clients with in Florida the Genitals are to be covered at all time anyhow, but special care should be taken if you need to work on the adductors, gluteal region, hamstrings, or quadriceps.
