Jock Itch: symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies

By Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta on November 20, 2017

What is Jock Itch?

Many men suffer from jock itch which is a common type of fungal infection. It is also known as ringworm of the groin area, groin rash or tinea cruris is a fungal skin infection. It causes intense itching along with the burning of the affected area.

What is Jock Itch

There is a misconception that jock itch affects only jocks or athletes, but this condition may affect any adolescent boy or men and in some cases even females. However, athletes are more prone to it as they sweat more and wear wet clothes over a more extended period. Obese people are more affected by it as the fungus finds the folds of skin an appropriate area to thrive.

What are the Common symptoms of jock itch

The typical symptoms of jock itch are persistent itching, redness, burning, odor, peeling and cracking of the skin. Symptoms are worse when there is sweating after some strenuous activity. Commonly affected body areas are inner thigh and groin, but it also may affect buttocks and abdomen. Scrotum, however, remains unaffected.

What Causes Jock Itch

Jock itch is caused by a group of fungi known as a dermatophyte. They usually are present on our skin and many times do not cause any problem. But long-term exposure to sweat-soaked clothes provides a very suitable environment to this microorganism, and they multiply very quickly.

How to Treat Jock Itch

Your doctor will give you some anti-fungal cream to treat jock itch, but you may also try home remedies for jock itch to ease the symptoms and treat your condition. Let’s have a look at the best home remedies for jock itch we have polled in this article that are effective and easy to use.

Home Remedies for Jock Itch

1.Apple cider vinegar

Being acidic apple cider is very effective against any fungal infection including jock itch. It kills them the finger by restricting their growth.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Dilute a cup of apple cider vinegar by adding an equal amount of water to it. Wash the affected area with this solution and then let it dry. Repeat this 3-time in a day.

2. Salt bath

Moisture and warmth is a suitable environment for fungi to grow. Salt absorbs the moisture or sweat and keeps the area dry.

Epsom salt bath

Applying salt directly to the affected part may cause burning and irritation. Better add 4 to 5 teaspoons of salt to your bathtub filled with water and soak yourself in it for 20minutes. This is followed by patting yourself dry with a towel. Repeat this two times in a day, and you will get a result in a few days.

3. Coconut oil

Being antibacterial and anti-fungal, excellent moisturizer and whitening agent coconut oil had been used since ages to treat some skin problems.

Coconut oil

Apply a few drops of coconut oil directly to the affected part evenly. Repeat this 3-4 times in a day, and you will find relieve the symptoms and soon will get rid of jock itch. Make a habit of applying coconut oil daily to prevent any skin infection.

4. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal and has been used since ages to treat any skin infections. It promotes healing and has deep cleansing properties. It eliminates inflammation and relieves itching.

Tea tree oil

Never use tea tree oil without diluting as it is very potent. Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to a teaspoon of jojoba oil and apply to the affected area. Repeat this two times in a day.

5. Garlic

The antifungal and antibacterial properties of garlic fights against all the infection including skin infection. It also relieves itching and reduces inflammation. Crush few cloves of garlic make a paste and apply it to jock itch. After a few minutes wash it off. Repeat this three times in a day.

Garlic

6. Onion

Onion is anti-microbial. It contains quercetin which is a powerful antibiotic. Crush an onion, make a paste and apply it to the affected part. Keep it for half an hour and then wash it off. Repeat this two times in a day.

Onion

7. Honey

Honey is soothing and relieves the itch. It is antimicrobial and kills the fungi. Apply honey directly to the affected. After few minutes rinse it off. Repeat this two times in a day.

Honey

8. Rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a drying agent. It keeps the area clean and dry; it prevents the growth if fungi and kills them. Soak a cotton ball with 90 percent isopropyl alcohol and apply to the area affected with jock itch. Repeat this three times in a day.

Rubbing Alcohol

Jock itch is very contagious. It spreads quickly when you come in contact with the infected person or their contaminated clothing. To prevent its spread avoid close contact with your partner and sharing your belongings such as towel, soap, bedding until you are treated.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta: Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.

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Jock Itch: symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies

What is Jock Itch?

What are the Common symptoms of jock itch

What Causes Jock Itch

How to Treat Jock Itch