What is jock itch?
Jock itch clinically referred to as tinea cruris, or ringworm of the groin is an infection of the groin area caused by fungus and may be quite bothersome to anybody who has it. (1a) As the frequent name implies it causes an itching or a burning sensation in the groin region, thigh skin folds or anus. But, tinea cruris affected region might not impact the penis or scrotum although may entail the inner thighs and genital areas, as well as extend straight back into the perineum and perianal areas.
The genus of fungi is known as trichophyton, which includes the parasitic varieties which cause tinea cruris. Trichophyton fungi also include athlete’s foot, ringworm infections, and similar infections of the nail, beard, skin, and scalp. (1b) Tinea corporis is a genuine fungus infection that might affect the whole body.
Does jock itch occur in both males and females? Yes, even though it’s more often seen in males. It’s also known as:
- Crotch itch
- Crotch rot
- Dhobi itch
- Eczema marginatum
- Gym itch
- Jock rot
- Scrot rust
- Diseases of the groin
The fungus that causes jock itch thrives in hot, moist areas and occurs mostly in adult men and teenaged boys. It may be triggered by friction from clothes and prolonged wetness from the groin region, such as from sweating. Is jock itch contagious? Technically yes, as it could be passed from 1 person to the next by direct skin-to-skin touch or contact with unwashed clothes, such as bathing suits, which were touched or shared. In case you have athlete’s foot, then it may even be passed by touching your feet or socks, then touching your buttocks region.
Hot and humid weather may increase the cause. And individuals who have certain health conditions, such as obesity or obesity diseases that cause problems with the immune system, are more likely to develop it.
Jock itch is caused by several types of mold-like fungi called dermatophytes, such as Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and T. rubrum. Everybody has microscopic bacteria and parasites living in their bodies, and dermatophytes are one of them. Dermatophytes reside on the dead tissues of skin, hair, and nails and flourish in hot, moist areas such as the insides of their thighs. After the groin region gets sweaty and isn’t dried properly, it traps heat and moisture, providing a perfect setting for the parasites to grow and live.
Jock itch symptoms
Typical symptoms of jock itch include:
- Red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze and frequently have sharply defined edges
- Patches are often redder around the outside with normal skin tone at the Middle
- Abnormally dark or light skin, sometimes permanently
- Itching, chafing or burning at the stomach, thigh or rectal area
- Flaking, peeling or cracking skin
Cause of jock itch
The organisms which cause jock itch thrive in moist, close environments. Jock itch is caused by a fungus that spreads from person to person or by sharing contaminated towels or clothes. It’s often caused by exactly the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot. The disease often spreads from the toes into the groin because the fungus can travel in your hands or onto a towel.
Risk factors
You are at greater risk of jock itch if you:
- Are male
- Are a teenager or young adult
- Wear tight panties
- Are obese
- Sweat heavily
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have diabetes
How to heal jock itch?
Jock itch usually responds to self-care within a Few weeks by supplying some basic practices, such as:
- Keep the skin dry and clean in the groin region. When cleansing the region, dry with a towel. It’s vital that you don’t use the same towel on the rest of the physique. Use a separate, wash towel instead.
- Do not wear clothing that rubs and irritates the area.
- Shower immediately after sporting activities.
- Do not scratch!
- Wear loose-fitting underwear.
- Wash athletic supporters frequently.
- Change your clothes, especially undergarments, every day.
- Avoid heavily perfumed fabric conditioners and washing powders, as they may cause further irritation.
Heal any fungal infections you might have, such as athlete’s foot, because they’re similar and may cause the issue to linger, reoccur and spread if not treated.
Before attempting over-the-counter antifungal or drying powders, which may include lots of chemicals, try a natural remedy.
In case it doesn’t get better over a couple of weeks, you might have to see your physician discuss your options.
Traditional treatment includes using powder sprays, frequently containing the antifungal clotrimazole. Clotrimazole is also the principal antifungal and so-called”active ingredient” present from the newest Lotrimin®. Lotrimin® is offered in both powder and cream spray form. The most frequent side effects of clotrimazole include redness, irritation, burning, stinging, swelling, tenderness, pimple-like bumps or flaking of the medicated skin.
LamisilAT® is just another common conventional therapy but uses a unique antifungal called terbinafine. LamisilAT® is used more frequently to treat fungus which affects the fingernails or toenails (onychomycosis). Common side effects include stomach upset (diarrhea, gas, nausea, stomach pain), headache, dizziness, mild skin rash, itching or perhaps unpleasant/unusual taste or loss of taste in the mouth.
Apple cider vinegar for jock itch
Because the acids in apple cider vinegar behave as antibacterial agents, it can be a fantastic solution for treating bacterial jock itch. Additionally, the antifungal action of apple cider vinegar fights candida and fungus development, such as jock itch. (5)
Blend equal parts apple cider vinegar and water into a spray bottle. It is possible to put it in the fridge to deliver a cooling effect which will bring additional relief when applied to the inflamed skin.
For a much more complex jock itch home remedy, have a look at my soothing spray which uses essential oils as well as apple cider vinegar.
How to avoid jock itch
The very best thing you can do is have good hygiene. Listed below are a couple of important tips to help prevent jock itch:
Lower your risk of jock itch by taking these steps:
- Stay dry. Keep your groin area dry. Dry your genital area and inner thighs completely using a sterile towel after showering or exercising. Dry your toes last to prevent spreading athlete’s foot fungus to the groin region.
- Wear clean clothes. Change your underwear at least one time per day or more frequently in the event that you sweat a lot. It helps to wear panties made from cotton or other fabric that breathes and keeps the skin dryer. Wash workout clothes after every use.
- Locate the right fit. Be sure that your clothes fit properly, especially underwear, athletic supporters and sports uniforms. Keep away from tight-fitting clothes, which may rub and chafe your skin and put you at increased risk of jock itch. Consider wearing boxer shorts instead of briefs.
- Do not share personal items. Do not let others use your clothes, towels or other personal items. Do not borrow such items out of others.
- Treat or protect against athlete’s foot. Control any athlete’s foot disease to stop its spread into the groin. If you spend some time in moist general public areas, such as a health spa shower, sporting sandals can help prevent athlete’s foot.
- It’s very important to be aware that in the event that you’ve got a fungal disease somewhere else in your own bodies, such as athlete’s foot or ringworm, then make sure to deal with it to help stop the fungus from spreading into a groin region. There are some things you can do to avoid the spread. Be sure that you don’t touch or scratch your pubic region after touching your toes, for example.
- It’s very important to use a separate towel in your toes after showering or dry your stomach until your toes so that the towel doesn’t spread the disease. Set your socks on before your underwear to protect your own feet so the germs don’t get on your own panties.
