Jock itch is called Tinea Crurisis and is a type of stinging rash that appears in the groin. If you do not treat it immediately, it can spread to the buttocks and your inner thighs. It is usually found in men but sometimes women also suffer from this condition.
Causes of Jock Itch:
This is most common in men and is an unpleasant rash that makes you want to scratch your groin in public. Some of the causes for this condition are:
- Tight underwear that is not skin friendly. So wear only cotton underwear.
- Fungal infections, mainly those by Trichophyton and Epidermophyton.
- Yeast infections: Candida.
- Bacterial infections: Corynebacterium
- Friction of the skin in thighs and groins.
- Due to sweat and warmth that build up in the groin.
- Tight jeans and pants.
If you leave it untreated, it can spread to other parts and also give rise to red raised spots that can be quite painful. So try some home remedies for this problem and get relief from jock itch.
Who are vulnerable to jock itch?
- Diabetics
- Weak immune system
- People who are undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
- People who are on immune system modifying medicines.
- Those living in hot and humid places.
- Athlete’s foot causing Tinea Pedis
- People who suffer from ringworms
- People who sweat excessively. Women with poor hygiene.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Jock Itch Completely:
Aloe Vera:
This is an excellent natural remedy for jock itch. You get aloe vera based creams, lotions, gels, body wash, soaps and ointments that are very effective for treating jock itch. Clean and dry the area before you apply aloe vera. You will get instant relief even from the worst of itches.
Baking soda:
Add water with baking soda to make a paste. Apply this on the affected area. Wash after 15 minutes and dry the area.
Coconut oil:
You get relief from rashes by applying pure coconut oil on the area. Coconut oil is great for soothing the rash naturally and it also prevents any moisture from reaching the affected area. You skin is made smooth with the application of this oil and so in future your skin is less susceptible to jock itch.
Clorox bleach:
Only highly diluted form of this bleach should be used to treat jock itch. Take a tub of tepid water and add 50 ml of Clorox beach. Soak in it for 20 minutes. This helps in getting you relief from itching and also prevents the spread of rashes. After soaking, you have to dry the area and apply a cream or powder.
Common salt:
Common salt has antibacterial and hygroscopic properties. So, it is good for treating jock itch. Soak in a tub of water to which 250 gm of common salt is added. You can also compress the area with saline solution using a clean wash cloth. The salt can soak the pus if you have painful blisters.
Garlic:
Crush some garlic cloves and mix it with honey. Applying thus on the affected area will get you relief from jock itch. Garlic has anti-fungal properties and honey helps in soothing and softening the skin.
Good hygiene:
Keeping a good hygiene is important for preventing as well to get relief for jock itch. it becomes itchier if the affected area is subjected to heat and sweat. So, you must take care to wash regularly with a pH balanced, non-soap cleanser. Do not use too hot water as it may make the area more irritated.
Never use fancy washing products:
The chemicals present in bleaches, fabric conditioners and detergents can increase jock itch. So try not to use them till the rashes are removed. You can use a mild formula if you wish so. If you have the habit of starching your clothes, try not to starch them for a week or two. Eliminate such products one by one till you can find out what actually causes the rashes and aggravate them. Once you come to know the causative agent, you can avoid it completely.
OTC medications:
You can treat jock itch by using drugs like hydrocortisone and clotrimazole. You get them in powered and ointment form. Apply them on the affected area a number of times a day. However, if abscesses are there, you must consult your doctor.
Skin friendly underwear:
The underwear you choose must be suitable for your skin and must not cause any allergies or rashes on the skin. So, do not run after branded products. Choose one that suits you. If you pick the wrong one looking at the fashion and trend, it may not serve the purpose you are wearing it for. It should be such that it protects your intimate part from dust, sweat and rough clothing that you wear. Cotton is the best fabric for underwear. It absorbs sweat, is organic, hypoallergenic and does not sag or shrink.
Tea tree oil:
Tea tree oil can sooth your skin from the burning sensation of the itch. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Apply directly on the affected area or mix with coconut oil and apply.
Try to be dry:
When the climate is hot and humid, jock itch becomes more irritable. So, if you sweat a lot, you must keep the groin area clean and dry by taking bath frequently and drying the area. Do not rub there with a towel. Just dab with the towel till dry. During night time, you can wear loose pajamas and avoid wearing underwear. This keeps the groin area dry and airy.
White vinegar:
Take vinegar and water in 1:4 ratios. Slightly heat the water and make sure that it is not too hot on the skin. Dip a clean and washed cotton cloth in this solution and apply it on the affected area two to three times a day. Each time let it remain on the affected area 5 to 10 minutes. Vinegar helps in drying the area naturally and it also has anti-fungal properties. Dry the area after applying the solution and apply the ointment mentioned above. You may also use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar.
