How to Get Rid of Jock Itch

The Symptoms of Jock Itch

Is your groin is burning, flaking, peeling, red, and itchy? Is it all over the wedding tackle, inner thighs, and your rear as well? You’ve got jock itch.

Jock itch is caused by fungi that live on your skin. They are neither plants nor animals. Among the larger fungi are mushrooms but, no, you don’t have to worry about mushrooms growing from your groin.

What Causes Jock Itch?

You stand a better chance of getting it, if you’re crazy enough to want it, wearing tight underwear or an athletic supporter that hasn’t been washed. Heavy sweating not only provides the moisture the fungi favor but also washes away oils that protect the skin from attack by these tiny organisms. Because obese people tend to sweat more (and have tighter shorts), they are therefore at higher risk of jock itch. Genetics also may play a role. Should you have the genetic condition, atopic dermatitis, you are also at greater risk for fungal infections, along with people with impaired immune systems such as diabetics and people with HIV/AIDS.

Jock itch is contagious, and you can pass it along to a partner during sexual intercourse assuming anyone is willing to come that close to your inflamed organ.

Jock Itch Cures

Jock itch usually responds well to over-the-counter creams like Lamisil AT, Naftin, Micatin, Monistat-Derm, or Lotrimin AF. If those don’t clear it up, you may need a higher strength prescription ointment like Econazole (Spectazole) pr Oxiconazole (Oxistat). Your physician might also prescribe oral Lamisil. Concurrently with treating the jock itch, treat any athlete’s foot you may have, as that may have been the source of the fungus that gave you the itch in the first place.

If you’re into home remedies, you can use antidandruff shampoo on the infected skin. Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal that can be applied to the infected skin. Some people say applying honey and garlic alternately to the affected area will clear it up. Others advise applying diluted vinegar and coconut oil. If you use a powder to keep your groin dry, avoid any that have a cornstarch base. Cornstarch only encourages the fungi.

Preventing Jock Itch

Once it’s cleared up, keep it from coming back again by bathing or showering regularly, wearing clothing appropriate to the weather, treating promptly any outbreaks of athlete’s foot, changing underwear frequently, avoiding tight-fitting clothing, and laundering any clothing you buy at a thrift store or lawn sale before you wear it. Like your mother always told you, you don’t know where it’s been.

Garlic is a common edible that seems to have powers to destroy free radicals in the blood while warding off all kinds of microorganisms and fungi, including those that cause athlete's foot and jock itch.

Jock Itch Advice for Jocks

When you work out at the gym, be sure to carry two towels to cut down on the spread of fungi and bacteria. Use the first to wipe off the equipment before and after you use it, and the other one to wipe the sweat from your skin. You don't want to use the same towel to wipe the equipment and your skin. And when you sit in the locker room, sauna, or steam room, sit on a clean towel. Damp benches can be playgrounds for bacteria and fungi that easily transfer themselves from Sam Slobb’s dirty butt to yours. In the locker room, it’s better to get dressed before you sit down to put on your socks and shoes.

Tags : Health And Beauty

Subscribe by Email

Follow Updates Articles from This Blog via Email