What is Jock Itch
Jock itch, medically known as tinea cruris, is a fungal infection that affects the skin around the genitals, inner thighs, and buttocks. A fungus is a form of ringworm. The infection manifests as an itchy red patch, often ring-shaped. Areas of the body that tend to sweat, remain warm and moist are prone to jock itch.
Athletes are most prone to jock itch because of the nature of their daily activity and clothing, which is actually where the name comes from. Jock itch, however, can affect anyone who sweats a lot, and also people who are overweight or people who have a skin condition called eczema. If you are affected by jock itch, It can be extremely uncomfortable and irritating.
If you’re wondering how to cure jock itch, it’s sometimes just a matter of keeping the affected area clean and dry (using antifungal powders can help) and maintaining good hygiene. Sometimes, however, medication might be needed, all options which we cover in this article.
How to Identify a Jock Itch
The symptoms of jock itch are pretty easy to detect. It starts with the reddening of the affected area (usually starting from the crease in the groin) and a mild itch (this is a jock itch rash). As it progresses, the infection spreads out to the inner thighs and buttocks or rash between legs, the outer regions of the jock rash can form raised blisters.
The itch tends to get worse and spreads with the rash, and in some cases, begins to burn. If you’re infected with jock itch, the skin around the rash can tend to get scaly or flaky and peel off. Avoiding medication will only tend to worsen the rash and increase the area of infection. Scratching the affected area will also worsen the condition and can lead to further infection.
[ Read: Home Remedies for Skin Rashes ]
Causes
One obvious cause of jock itch is sweat. When the areas of the groin and inner thighs sweat and remain moist, you tend to get jock itch. These areas also tend to rub against each other, resulting in friction, facilitating the cause.
Jock itch bumps also spreads from person to person and can also transfer on using clothing or towels used by someone who has jock itch. The fungus is similar to that which causes athlete’s foot, and can sometimes transfer from the feet to the groin.
In most cases, jock itch gets cured with home remedies or over the counter medication. In some cases, however, the itch and rash remain persistent.
If you’re unable to get relief from jock itch after two weeks of self-medication, it might be wise to visit a doctor for prescription medication. Wearing clean clothes and keeping areas prone to jock itch clean and dry is how you can prevent jock itch. Avoid sharing clothing and towels. Here are the nine natural remedies for jock itch.
CURE 1: Essential oils for Jock Itch
Essential oils are compounds extracted from naturally occurring herbs and plants. In most cases, essential oils are mixed with a carrier oil and used for its aromatic or medicinal benefits. Certain essential oils have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that help cure jock itch and other fungal infections.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of jock itch, essential oils are a very effective home remedy for jock itch.
1. Neem
Why does it work?
Jock itch is basically a fungal infection, and Neem leaf extract and seed oil have been used to cure and prevent fungal infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and yes, jock-itch. As a natural antihistamine, neem helps calm redness and itching. It has innate antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that clean, soothe, and restore skin.
Two compounds that are present in Neem oil, namely Gedunin and nimbidol, contain powerful antifungal properties that destroy the fungi that cause jock itch. If you haven’t got jock itch but want to prevent it, you can use neem leaf powder because it helps prevent humidity and moisture, which causes fungal infections. Neem is one of the best essential oils for jock itch.
How to use it?
Neem oil has multiple antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral benefits. Neem oil is pleasant on the skin and can be directly applied, without mixing any other herbs oils to it. You can also mix turmeric and neem oil and use the mixture for the added healing properties of turmeric.
How much to use?
You can mix 10 grams of turmeric powder in 100 ml of neem oil and apply the mixture over your skin lesions and let it sit for 30 minutes before bath, every day.
Since neem has nothing but benefits, you can apply neem oil to the affected area 2-3 times a day. You can also consider mixing neem oil with equal parts of Jojoba Oil and then apply it to the lesions.
Check out the best neem oil online.
[ Read: Neem Oil for Eczema ]
2. Black Pepper Oil
Why does it work?
Black pepper has always been used as a seasoning but did you know; it has several medicinal properties like it is a natural antioxidant? It helps boost the circulatory system and also naturally suppresses hunger. Black pepper also has antibacterial properties, which are effective in curing jock itch.
Black pepper contains a bioactive compound called piperine, which is an alkaloid and has shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. How to treat jock itch? Black pepper’s anti-inflammatory properties help lessen the lesions caused by jock itch.
How to use it?
Black pepper oil can be directly used as an antifungal topical oil. Apply it to the affected area.
How much to use?
Apply black pepper oil to the affected area two to three times a day
You can also find black paper oil online
[ Read: Essential Oils for Skin ]
3. Geranium Essential Oil
Why does it work?
Leaves of Pelargonium graveolens, a plant species native to South Africa, are steam distilled to produce Geranium Essential Oil. Geranium essential oil is a delightfully aromatic oil and is commonly used in aromatherapy. Its rose-like scent is the reason why it is added as an ingredient to many perfumes.
Geranium essential oil is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antifungal properties and can be used to cure jock itch on thigh and other parts of the groin.
How to use it?
Geranium oil can be used to treat jock itch by adding four to five drops of it to water before washing the affected area with the mixture, or you can directly apply the oil to the affected area twice daily. If you’re applying it directly, make sure to dilute it first with a carrier oil like sesame oil.
How much to use?
For adults, you can mix fifteen drops of geranium essential oil for every six teaspoons of carrier oil. For children, mix three to six drops of geranium essential oil for every six teaspoons of carrier oil.
You can also find geranium essential oil online
CURE 2: Supplements
Along with topical treatments (like the essential oils we just mentioned, or other ointments), taking supplements can also help cure jock itch and other fungal infections. For example, an acidophilus supplement can help boost the immune system and strengthen the body’s resistance to fungal infections. You can get these nutrients naturally from food or through supplements and rid yourself of chronic jock itch.
1. Vitamin B2
Why does it work?
Vitamin B3, also known as riboflavin, is an important nutrient that the body needs for proper functioning. It is one of eight B vitamins. You need to consume vitamin B2 every day because the body’s ability to store it is very poor. Vitamin B2 can help the body war of fungal infections.
How to use it?
The following foods give you vitamin b2 naturally:
| Fish, meat, and poultry. | Cayenne |
| Eggs | Mushrooms |
| Dairy products | Nuts |
| Asparagus | Pumpkins |
| Avocados | Sweet potatoes |
But since you might be able to consume this every day, and your body needs vitamin supply daily, you can consider taking supplements. You can get vitamin b2 supplements online or over the counter at a drugstore. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before you start any kind of oral medication.
How much to use?
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin b2 for adults is 1. 1 mg – 1. 3 mg per day. If you’re taking oral supplements, ask your doctor for the right dosage.
Find the best Vitamin B2 supplements online
[ Read: Vitamins for Treating Eczema ]
2. Vitamin B5
Why does it work?
Vitamin B5 is also known as Pantothenic acid. It is one of eight B vitamins. Vitamin b5 is essential for the body to be able to use carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids properly. This is essential to maintain healthy skin and avoid fungal infections like jock itch.
Pantothenic acid (vitamin b5) also has anti-inflammatory properties that facilitate the skin’s healing process and alleviates jock itch. Vitamin b5 also absorbs moisture rapidly and helps keep affected areas dry without any skin flaking.
How to use it?
The following foods give you vitamin b5 naturally:
- Meat: Pork, chicken, turkey duck, beef, and especially animal organs such as liver and kidney
- Fish: Salmon, lobster, and shellfish.
- Grains: Whole-grain bread and cereals. Whole grains are a good source of vitamin B5, but milling can remove up to 75% of the B5 content.
- Dairy products: Egg yolk, milk, yogurt, and milk products.
- Legumes: Lentils, split peas, and soybeans.
- Vegetables: Mushrooms, avocado, broccoli, sweet potatoes, corn, cauliflower, kale, and tomatoes.
If you are not able to consume this every day, you can consider taking supplements. You can get vitamin b5 supplements online or over the counter at a drugstore. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before you start any kind of oral medication.
How much to use?
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin b5 for adults is 5 mg per day. In the case of oral supplements, ask your doctor for the correct dosage.
CURE 3: Home remedies for jock itch
There are some commonly found foods that can help cure jock itch and other fungal infections. These are commonly found in every household, making them easy and cheap to use.
1. Aloe Vera
Why does it work?
Aloe Vera is popularly used around the world for its medicinal benefits. It can be consumed or applied topically. It helps boost the immune system, can be used to treat gastrointestinal issues, stomach ulcers, and also has antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, one leaf of the aloe vera plant is known to contain at least 240 medicinal and nutritional components.
The antifungal and -anti-inflammatory properties of aloe gel help cure jock itch. Aloe vera gel also helps keep the affected area dry and removing moisture helps prevent the rash from aggravating and gives you jock itch relief.
How to use it?
The gel of the aloe vera leaf can be directly applied to the affected area. The gel soothes the skin, reduces itchiness, reduces inflammation, and dries up the affected area. Applying aloe gel on unaffected skin around the rach will help prevent it from spreading.
Aloe juice can be consumed to strengthen the digestive system, help in eliminating wastes and toxins, improve blood circulation, and as a source of antioxidant vitamins C and E. This boosts your immunity and rids your body of toxins, which helps ward of fungal infections.
How much to use?
Aloe vera is an all-natural treatment with no known side effects. You can apply aloe gel to the affected area three times a day.
[Read: Aloe Vera for Skin]
2. Garlic
Why does it work?
Garlic is a herb and is used around the world for its many healing properties. It helps with heart diseases, lowers cholesterol, helps treat problems in the colon, earaches, liver disease, the list goes on. Garlic contains a chemical called allicin, which actually gives it its smell.
Allicin is what seems to give garlic its healing properties. Allicin also has a variety of antimicrobial benefits, and that is why it is used as a topical treatment for fungal infections, including jock itch.
How to use it?
You can crush garlic and apply it on the area affected by the rash. Keep it on for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off and pat the skin dry. Keep the area dry and clean post-treatment.
Add honey to the mixture before applying it to reduce the sting of garlic, and to reap the benefits of honey. This mixture of garlic and honey also soothes the area and relieves the itchy sensation.
How much to use?
One or two garlic cloves and one tablespoon honey. You can increase the cloves and honey depending on your need, but maintain the ratio of one tablespoon of honey for every one or two cloves of garlic.
[ Read: Garlic for Infection ]
3. Honey
Why does it work?
Honey is known to have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antioxidant, anti-allergen, antitoxic, healing and cleansing (external and internal), sedative, laxative, anti anaemic, and moisturizing properties.
Honey has always been used on the skin to treat acne, signs of ageing, and to clean pores. The antibacterial properties of honey also help against fungal infections and help soothe itching caused by jock itch. Manuka honey, in particular, is considered to possess antifungal agents and also contains antiseptic properties.
How to use it?
You can directly apply to the affected area, let it sit for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off and pat the skin dry. Keep the area dry and clean post-treatment. You can also crush and add a few cloves of garlic to the mixture before applying it. If the garlic causes a sting, rinse immediately and try with only honey.
How much to use?
You can apply as much honey as needed. If you’re using cloves of garlic to make a mixture, crush and add one or two cloves of garlic for every tablespoon of honey.
[ Read: Smooth Skin with Manuka Honey ]
4. Oatmeal
Why does it work?
Everyone is aware of the benefits of oatmeal as a power breakfast. Did you know, oatmeal has a host of benefits when applied externally to the skin too? Oats have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin rejuvenating. properties. The saponin in oats works as a natural skin cleanser.
Oats are known to be great as an exfoliating scrub. Along with all these properties, oats also have -anti-inflammatory properties and help soothe itching inflammation caused by jock itch fungus. When used in a bath, oats help relieve the itchiness caused by the rash and also helps cure jock itch.
How to use it?
The best way to use oats for jock itch is as a bath. While only oatmeal is enough, you can add Epsom salt and lavender oil to alleviate the itch and rash. Add two cups of oatmeal along with a cup of Epsom salt and 10-12 drops of lavender essential oil to a bathtub filled with warm water. Soak yourself in this bath for about 20 minutes. Gently massage the affected area.
How much to use?
Draw a bath with two cups of oatmeal along with one cup of Epsom salt and 10-12 drops of lavender essential oil and bathe this way once every day.
[ Read: Oatmeal Bath for Eczema Treatment ]
5. Epsom Salts
Why does it work?
Epsom salts are a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of sulfate and magnesium. Both sulphate and magnesium are known to have natural healing properties and are widely used on the skin for beautification. Epsom salt is hygroscopic in nature, which means that it helps absorb excess moisture from the area where it is applied.
As moisture is one reason for jock itch fungus, Epsom salts help prevent it. Epsom salt is also antifungal in nature, which is what helps cure jock itch.
How to use it?
Epsom salt is used by adding it to bathwater. You can add two cups of Epsom salt to a bathtub of warm water, soak yourself in it for about 20 minutes, then rinse with clean water and dry yourself. Make sure to pat dry the affected area. You can also add uncooked oatmeal (in a ratio of two cups oatmeal for every one cup Epsom salt) to the bath.
How much to use?
Two cups of Epsom salt to a bathtub of warm water, once or twice a day.
[Read: Benefits of Epsom Salt Detox]
6. Apple cider vinegar for jock itch
Why does it work?
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties that help cure fungal infections. Apple cider vinegar for jock itch is a simple and effective jock itch remedy.
How to use it?
Mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of water. Dip cotton into this mixture and apply to the affected area for 5-10 minutes.
How much to use?
Half a cup of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of water applied for 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times a day will help get rid of jock itch rash.
[ Read: Apple Cider Vinegar for Eczema ]
7. White Vinegar for jock itch
Why does it work?
Just like apple cider vinegar, you can use regular vinegar for jock itch. Vinegar has antibacterial properties that help cure the rash.
How to use it?
Dilute vinegar in water and apply to the affected area with cotton for 5-10 minutes then wash thoroughly.
How much to use?
1 part vinegar to 4 parts of water.
8. Tea tree oil for jock itch
Why does it work?
Tea tree oil is a great remedy for jock itch. It has antifungal properties that kills jock itch fungus, and other fungal infections like ringworm. It also gives relief from jock itch blisters.
How to use it?
Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to the affected area with cotton. Cover the entire area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
How much to use?
Few drops if tea tree oil and equal amounts of carrier oil.
There is an excellent selection online with thousands of customer reviews if you want to buy tea tree oil online here
[Read: Tea Tree Oil for Jock Itch]
9. Coconut oil for jock itch
Why does it work?
Coconut oil has many health benefits and healing properties, one of which is healing jock itch. Coconut oil has strong antifungal benefits, that come from lauric acid and antimicrobial lipid present in it, which can be used to kill fungal infections.
How to use it?
Coconut oil for jock itch is a simple remedy to use. Clean the affected area and apply coconut oil to it with a cotton swab. You can leave it on as long as it is comfortable for you.
How much to use?
5-6 times a day.
[Read: Coconut Oil for Vaginal Itching]
Precautions
1. Keep the affected area clean and free from friction
Jock itch aggravates through sweat and friction. Keeping the affected area dry and clean is extremely important if you want to cure it. Wash the affected area once or twice a day (preferably with oils, bath salts, or other remedies we mentioned in this article), and always pat dry once done.
Powder the area or moisturize with a gel (petroleum jelly, aloe vera, etc. ) to keep the area from rubbing against clothing or other areas of your body. Rubbing will cause friction and might lead the skin to peel, and the itching to aggravate. This is also why you should pat dry the affected area after a bath.
If you go swimming, make sure you wear clothing to cover the affected area and not expose it to chlorine water. This is important to help you cure jock itch, and also to prevent it from spreading. Once you are done with your swim, clean the area thoroughly, then pat dry.
2. Wear loose clothing
Tight clothing will increase the chances of sweat, especially in the groin region, which is most susceptible to jock itch. Tight clothes also rub against your skin, causing friction to scratch at the jock itch blisters. It can also rub off any medication you have applied.
Loose clothing will allow air circulation and keep the affected area cool and dry. Also, remember to wear materials like cotton that do not cause you to sweat or the affected areas from getting warm.
[ Read: Natural Remedies for Heat Rash ]
3. Prevent it From Spreading
Jock itch is contagious through touch. Avoid giving it to someone else by never sharing clothes or towels. Keep the affected area covered to prevent risking the fungus from touching any exposed areas.
If you cannot avoid it touching an external area (like a bathtub or toilet for example), make sure you clean the exposed area before someone else uses it. Refrain from having sexual intercourse as chronic jock itch can easily be transferred to your partner.
4. Start Treatment
Although mild jock itch can heal itself in a few days, it is best to start treatment before it spreads. You can apply the home remedies we mentioned and use the cleaning methods we have advised.
With proper treatment, you will be completely cured of jock itch in a few weeks. If your condition doesn’t completely cure or at least improve in 3- weeks, consider visiting a doctor or a dermatologist.
The condition could be something else that needs prescribed medication. Decide on a treatment depending on the condition of the rash. If it has spread and is extremely uncomfortable, go for more aggressive treatments like antifungal creams along with herbal baths.
5. Wash your Clothes Daily
As you continue treatment, your jock itch will heal and be completely eradicated within a few weeks, but you need to ensure it never comes back. Wash all your clothing items every day and also clean surfaces that the rash comes in contact with. It is important to wash the clothes you wear on a regular basis when you have jock itch to ensure it doesn’t occur again.
[Read: Natural Remedies for Poison Ivy Rash ]
How to Prevent Jock Itch?
Now that you know what jock itch is and what a nuisance it can be, it’s best to take precautionary methods for jock itch prevention. Prevention, after all, is better than cure (which we have anyway supplied in this article). Chronic jock itch is contagious and transfers through contact, but can be easily avoided.
You can also contract it directly because of sweat. If you had contracted jock itch and got it cured, follow these steps to prevent yourself from contracting it again. Here’s how you can make sure you don’t get jock itch:
1. Wear Dry Clothes
Sweat and moisture are the main causes of jock itch. Damp clothes can catalyze the contraction and spread of jock itch. Make sure your washed clothes are thoroughly dried before you wear them. Use powders to keep the areas that are prone to jock itch, like the groin, dry.
Powders also absorb sweat. This especially helpful if you’re an athlete and sweating cannot be avoided. Wear loose-fitting light material clothes.
2. Avoid Personal Contact
If you work in an environment which requires you to touch people and surfaces (a gym trainer for example), or you are an athlete who shares locker rooms with other athletes, be attentive to external areas you touch. Avoid sharing clothes and towels and use tissues and water to clean unsanitary areas. Carry a hand sanitizer and be attentive to whom and what you touch.
3. Don’t Share Personal Items
Avoid sharing personal items at all costs. Although jock itch is limited to the groin area, ringworm and other fungal infections can affect other areas of the body like the feet and even scalp. Avoid sharing and/or borrowing clothes, combs, towels and slippers/shoes.
4. Keep Jock Itch Prone Areas Clean and Dry
Finally, wash your groin and other areas prone to sweat clean and dry. Wash them daily once or twice with soap and water, and pat dry the area. Use powders to avoid build-up of sweat and moisture.
[ Read: Treat Bacterial Infection without Antibiotics ]
Your Problems with Jock Itch are Now Over
Jock itch is something most men, and also women, suffer from. It tends to become a nuisance quickly and if left unchecked, can spread. Fortunately, jock itch is not a deadly disease, and the worse effect it has is extreme itch and that it is contagious.
Jock itch can easily be prevented, treated and cured. Curing jock itch can take anywhere between one to three weeks and continuing the remedy that worked for an extra week is advisable to free yourself for the fungal infection completely.
If none of the remedies works for more than three weeks, it’s advisable to visit a doctor. A doctor can prescribe stronger topical medication and/or antibiotics or other prescription drugs. In some cases, stronger medications are needed to cure jock itch.
Once cured, follow preventative measures to make sure you don’t get it again. Also, wash all the clothes and surfaces you might have touched. As a rule of thumb, clean your room and if possible, your entire house. Curing and preventing jock itch is just a matter of good personal hygiene.
FAQs
1. I have a rash on my groin, is it jock itch?
It does not necessarily have to be jock itch. A way to identify is to check if the rash is consistent with a jock itch, that is, it is itchy red patches that are ring-shaped. It’s always advisable to check with a doctor or dermatologist.
2. How to cure jock itch?
Jock itch is just a fungal infection and can be cured with antifungal treatment.
3. How long does jock itch last?
After you start a prescribed treatment, your jock itch should clear up within 2-3 weeks. If you’re self-medicating and it does not clear up or improve in 2-3 weeks, visit a doctor.
4. Can I get jock itch?
Although the name, you don’t need to be an athlete to get jock itch. Anyone (including women) can get jock itch.
5. How does jock itch occur?
Areas of your body that retain sweat and remain moist and those that rub against each other, causing friction burns tend to develop jock itch. Jock itch is also contagious, and you can contract it by coming in physical contact with a person who has it, or their clothes.
6. Can I get jock itch through sexual contact?
Yes, jock itch spreads through physical contact.
7. Any particular clothing that helps cure jock itch?
Wear loose-fitting clothes until the rash is cleared.
8. Do women get jock itch?
Although most common in men, women can also contract jock itch.
9. Is jock itch a yeast infection
Yes, jock itch is a fungal infection caused by a mold like fungi, or yeast.
10. Is jock itch contagious?
Jock itch usually starts at the groin and spread to the inner thighs and buttocks and stays limited to these regions, but certain forms of this infection can spread to the feet (causing athlete’s foot) and also to other regions of the body.
11. Are jock itch and ringworm the same?
Jock itch, ringworm and athlete’s foot are all types of fungal skin infections known collectively as tinea. They are similar, but not the same.
12. How can I ensure my washed clothes are free from jock itch?
Use hot water and detergent soap when washing any infected clothes. Hot water alone is sufficient to kill the fungus. You can take extra precautions and add borax or bleach to the water and detergent.
