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If your groin or inner thighs continue to be itchy and red, you may suffer from Jock Itch. This condition, also known as Tinea Cruris, is a fungal infection in your skin. Dermatophytes are mold-like fungi that can cause Jock Itch. Belonging to tinea, a group of fungal skin infections, Jock Itch, caused by dermatophytes, is a microscopic fungus that can live in your nails, hair, and skin.
Despite being harmless, they can cause infections and multiply quickly when allowed to thrive in moist and warm areas. Which is why the skin around the buttocks, groin, and thighs is where Jock Itch usually develops. This condition is most common in people in their adolescent stage and when assigned male at birth. The infection often burns and itches because it causes a rash. You need to find ways to remove the itchy and burning sensation in your skin because it can be a huge distraction to accomplish activities. So it’s important to know that there are effective treatments to say goodbye to your Jock Itch.
Washing clothes and towels frequently
Use tea tree oil
According to Dr. Axe, the Co-Founder of ANCIENT NUTRITION, tea tree oil has powerful antifungal qualities, making it a great way to treat conditions like Jock Itch. Tea tree oil also has disinfectants and natural antiseptic that can help reduce inflammation and itchiness of the skin. Some studies show that tea tree oil can help fight Jock Itch fungus and possesses antifungal activity when it is tested at various concentrations.
To apply tea tree oil, combine three to four drops with one ounce of coconut or olive oil. Be sure to use this in the area twice daily. After that, allow it to soak into your skin. But make sure to dilute tea tree oil with the base oils first because it can sting a bit.
Apply a cool compress
This can help relieve inflammation and itching when applied to the affected area. Cold temperatures can reduce the itching sensation and can help numb the affected area. To begin applying cold compress, use a reusable gel pack that has been chilled in the refrigerator or wrap a few ice cubes in a clean towel.
Then, be sure to place the cold compress on the affected area several times a day as needed for 10 to 15 minutes. To avoid further damage and irritation to the skin, make sure not to apply the ice directly to the skin. But discontinue using cold compress and talk to your doctor if you experience any discomfort or the symptoms continue to worsen despite using a cold compress.
Avoid tight-fitting clothing
Wearing tight-fitting underwear and clothes can chafe and rub your skin, which will make you more prone to getting Jock Itch. You may consider switching to boxers if you frequently wear briefs. It’s recommendable to wear loose-fitting clothing during humid and hot weather. This will prevent sweat from creating a moist and warm environment where the fungus is active.
Avoiding tight-fitting clothing can prevent symptoms from exacerbating, making it more difficult for the condition to heal. You can also wear clothing with natural, breathable fibers and made of cotton as loose-fitting clothing. Moreover, for extended periods, avoid wearing the same clothing and to change out to damp or sweaty clothing as soon as possible.
Prescription antifungal medication
For more severe and persistent cases, prescription antifungal medications are a common treatment option for Jock Itch. In both topical and oral forms, these medications are available because they work by stopping the spread and growth of the fungus that’s the primary cause of the infection.
Topical antifungal medications may be in the form of sprays, ointments, and creams, and they’re often applied directly to the affected area. On the other hand, oral antifungal medications are often reserved for more severe or widespread infections and are usually taken by mouth. Fluconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine, and itraconazole are examples of commonly prescribed antifungal medications for Jock Itch.
Keep the affected area clean and dry
Keeping the affected area clean and dry is beneficial for preventing the spread and growth of the fungus that causes the infection. You must first wash the area with soap and warm water daily to keep the affected area clean. But please be careful not to scrub too hard, for it can further irritate the skin.
The area is allowed to air dry before putting the clothing, and the area should be thoroughly dried with a clean towel after washing. While meds may ease a fungal infection for short-term purposes, keeping the affected area clean and dry will now be a part of your daily routine. Recurrences of the condition may happen if you don’t prioritize keeping the affected area clean and dry by relying on medications.
Over-the-counter antifungal creams
Antifungal creams are medications that are beneficial in treating fungal infections on the skin, according to GoodRx Health. Aside from Jock Itch, antifungal creams are used to treat ringworm, tinea versicolor, yeast infections, and athlete’s foot. Antifungal creams kill the fungus to prevent them from maturing. Some antifungal creams, such as clotrimazole, miconazole, and terbinafine, are available over-the-counter.
To apply clotrimazole, use it twice daily for 2 weeks. Within one week of applying this medication, your symptoms should improve. But to ensure the infection is completely eradicated, be sure to treat the area for 2 weeks full. When you use miconazole, apply this twice daily as well for 2 weeks. If your symptoms don’t improve after 2 weeks of treatment, contact your healthcare provider. Lastly, for terbinafine, you’ll only apply this once daily for 1 week.
Use a medicated powder
Often formulated with drying and antifungal agents, like clotrimazole or miconazole, can help promote healing by relieving irritation and itching. To apply a medicated powder, make sure to first clean and dry the affected area thoroughly. Once the affected area is clean and dry, apply a light dusting powder to the affected area. This must make sure that all affected areas of the skin are covered.
But keep in mind to not apply too much powder, for it can be more difficult for the skin to breathe and can cause caking. Although medicated powders can be used several times as needed in a day, it’s important to follow the product’s instructions as well as your healthcare provider.
Improve hygiene practices
Make sure to keep your skin clean and dry, particularly around your groin area. Practicing good hygiene is one of the most common and beneficial treatments for Jock Itch. Your chances of getting this condition may be reduced when you wash your hands regularly.
When you come into contact with someone infected, remember to wash your hands thoroughly. With the use of antifungal shampoo like selenium sulfide or ketoconazole, wash the groin twice daily if you have severe fungal or yeast Jock Itch. Moreover, use antibacterial skin washes like chlorhexidine soap for severe bacterial Jock Itch twice daily.
Avoid scratching
By avoiding scratching, you’re helping in healing the affected area and preventing the growth of the condition. Scratching will only increase the risk of infection or spread the infection to other areas of the body, which can further irritate the skin and worsen the symptoms of Jock Itch. Which is why it’s important to apply topical treatments or medicated powders to keep the affected area clean and dry from the recommendation of your healthcare provider.
But if there are instances when you’re having trouble resisting the scratch, talk to your healthcare provider immediately. Thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap if you must scratch an infected area before touching other parts of your body.
