Jock Itch Home Remedy

This page describes jock itch home remedy and tips, the symptoms, causes, and how to prevent getting jock itch.

What is jock itch?

Jock itch, also known as tinea cruris, is a skin infection caused by a fungus called Tricophyton rubrum. This fungus grows in warm and moist parts of the body, like skin in the genitals, inner thighs, groin area, and buttocks. And although it is not a serious infection, it can cause a lot of irritation and discomfort.

What are the symptoms of jock itch?

• Red, itchy, ring-shaped rashes. If the affected area is not treated, it can lead to damage/breakage of the skin - skin will appear more raised and scaly (blister-like).
• Peeling or cracking of the skin
• Burning sensation or chafing (especially in the groin area)

What causes jock itch?

• When moist areas of the body become too warm and start sweating, the fungus that causes jock itch can begin to develop. This is found to be more common among people who are overweight or sweat profusely.
• Sweaty workout garments or damp towels are one of the best places for the fungi to grow. So avoid these! Change out of your sweaty workout clothes or bathing suit as soon as you're done.
• Tight undergarments or tight clothes may aggravate and worsen the symptoms of jock itch.
• People with weaker immune systems are more susceptible to jock itch, like those with AIDS or diabetes.
• Because jock itch is mildly contagious, you can get it from an infected person. So avoid sharing personal belongings.
• Other fungal infections, like athlete's foot, may also cause jock itch. If you have athlete's foot, you must treat both the feet and the groin. Pulling clothes up from your feet to your groin area can cause the fungus to spread resulting in jock itch.

Dr. Will Kirby, a board certified dermatologist at Kirby Dermatology, helps to diagnose and explain an otherwise embarrassing infection, jock itch, on The Doctors tv show. See video on jock itch home remedy below.

Jock Itch Home Remedy and Tips:

• Keep moist and warm areas of the body clean and dry. You can even use a blow dryer - just make sure to keep it on the cool setting. And make sure the area is dry before putting on clothes.
• Change your undergarments daily.
• If you have athlete's foot, you must treat the feet to prevent fungus from spreading to the groin area, which can occur when pulling clothes (pants) up.
• Avoid refined carbohydrates, sugar (including alcohol which is converted to sugar in the body), greasy, fried, and processed foods in your diet.
• Eat more fruits and leafy green vegetables.

Jock Itch Home Remedy:

• Use anti-dandruff shampoo on the infected skin
• Apply tea tree oil on the infected skin, it is a natural anti-fungal treatment
• Apply honey and garlic to the infected skin. Garlic has anti-fungal qualities and including it in your diet can help the infection and your overall immune system health.
• Apply OTC (over the counter) anti-fungal cream, like miconazole (Micatin), clotrimazole (Lotrimin), or tolnaftate (Tinactin). Remember to always follow the package instructions, but it is recommended that you use the cream for at least 2 weeks and apply enough to cover an inch beyond the borders of the rash.

As always, if symptoms persist and do not improve after trying the above home remedies for jock itch, contact your doctor as needed.