Natural Cures For Jock Itch

Itching in the groin area can be downright annoying. And, God forbid, if you get caught in public, it can become downright embarrassing too. No amount of twisting, turning or squirming is likely to bring relief; you’ve to reach out for your unmentionables. If it is any consolation, men are affected more than women. But, you don’t have to suffer this humiliation, since there are some natural remedies for jock itch available.

How do you get jock itch?

Jock itch is a fungal infection that thrives rather well in the warm and moist environment of the groin area. The culprit, Trichophyton rubrum that causes this condition, is quite capable of doing the same to your toes and body.

How does jock itch appear?

Most of you must be familiar with the jock itch symptom. It starts as a rash in the groin fold usually on both sides and, if left to itself, will usually advance down the inner thigh. The advancing edge is bright red, scaly and more raised than the skin already conquered by the fungus, which is usually reddish-brown and less scaly.

The good news for males is it spares the scrotum and penis. If they’re affected then, most probably, the culprit is Candida albicans, a type of yeast that causes vaginal yeast infections.

Preventing jock itch

The best home cure for jock itch is to not let it occur in the first place! So, take the following preventive measures on the first sign itself:

a. Shower:

Wash the suspected area thoroughly with an antibacterial soap and rinse well.

b. Keep area dry:

To prevent the fungus from spreading, keep the crotch area as dry as possible and don’t let the area collect sweat under any circumstances.

c. Use powder:

Powdering the area well will prevent the moisture from accumulating in the groin area. So, lightly dust the powder whenever you change your underwear.

d. Cotton clothing:

Wear loose fitting cotton clothing or synthetic materials designed to wick moisture away from the surface. Those wearing athletic supporters should put on a pair of clean, all-cotton shorts under it to prevent rubbing of skin and accumulation of perspiration.

e. Change sweaty clothes:

Sweat generally collects in the groin area despite best efforts. To keep it sweat-free, change your sweaty workout clothes and undergarments as frequently as possible. And please don’t put them back on without washing them first!

f. Avoid sharing clothes:

One of the sure shot ways of contracting jock itch is to share your clothing or towel. So, don’t borrow them and be firm about letting others use yours.

g. Shed extra weight:

If you’re on the heavier side you tend to have more skin folds that give a damp and moist environment to the fungus. So, shed those extra pounds.

Home remedy for jock itch

Before you reach out for over-the-counter creams, try some jock itch natural cures:

a. Salted bath:

Prepare a hot bath and sprinkle it with a generous amount of salt. Soak yourself in it for fifteen minutes to let the salt work on the affected areas. The salt draws the liquid from the blisters and dries them up. By repeating twice daily for two to three days you’ll find your jock itch disappear.

b. Washing:

To cure jock itch, wash the affected area in chlorine bleach or vinegar.

c. Tea tree oil:

Tea tree oil is a deep cleansing and stimulating oil with strong antibacterial properties. It helps relieve burning and itching, when it’s applied to the infected area.

d. Garlic:

Garlic has been used for jock itch treatment for a long time. You can either take it orally or make a compress by blending it with olive oil and apply it to the affected area.

Jock itch can make life a living hell. However, it doesn’t take much to cure the condition. Although over-the-counter creams are generally recommended, natural cures are as effective. However, let your physician decide what’s best for your condition.