Red ring around the anus

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have recently started football and for a month now I've noticed that around my anus there is a red itchy ring. I was afraid it was pinworm but didn't find a single worm. What can this be??

Dear Hunter: You may be suffering from tinea cruris or jock itch which a fungal infection. The infection usually starts by causing a red, itchy rash in the groin, the crease where the leg meets the trunk. From there, it can spread onto the thighs and toward the buttocks or anus.

Most cases of tinea cruris can be successfully treated with an antifungal cream/lotion/gel, some of which are available without a prescription. The treatment is usually applied once or twice per day for three to four weeks. During treatment, avoid tight-fitting clothes.