Jock Itch has its name because it’s a problem for men and women that sweat a whole lot, a problem common in athletes. It’s also common in people who are overweight. A fungal infection (tinea cruris), it’s characterized by a red itch, frequently ring-shaped, in the warm, moist regions of the body, often on the inner thighs, buttocks and genitals.
Fungal Infection
The fungus is a microscopic organism that’s constantly on the skin, and doesn’t cause a problem as long as the skin is clean and dry, but if there is warmth and moisture, and darkness, the fungi grow and flourish resulting in a really uncomfortable infection that’s aggravated with walking, exercising and wearing tight underwear or clothes.
Jock Itch is most common in young men and physically active men and women. It happens most frequently in warmer climates. It has a strong association with Athlete’s Foot. People with other skin ailments and people with impaired immune systems, like individuals with diabetes mellitus, may be at higher risk of jock itch.
Reduce your risk!
- Shower or bathe daily, especially after exercise, and wash your hands regularly to maintain the amount of organisms off your skin.
- Keep the area clean by changing underwear at least one time every day and more frequently if sweaty. Use clean work-out clothes every time.
- Keep the area dry. Use a hair dryer, or pat on the genital area and inner thighs dry with a clean towel after showering. Use of powder around the region can help prevent excess moisture. Make your own natural powder by placing 1/2 cup of cornstarch in a plastic ziplock bag. Add around 20 drops of therapeutic grade Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) essential oil evenly throughout the cornstarch (to prevent clumping) and then close the bag and use your fingers to break up clumps and disperse the oil. You can then use a large salt shaker to scatter the therapeutic powder.
- Choose loose clothes. Ensure that your panties, athletic supporters and sports uniforms fit correctly. Avoid clothing that rubs and chafes your skin. Choose boxer shorts rather than briefs.
- Avoid using or sharing personal items with other people. Don’t use the clothes, towels, or other personal items from other people, and do not let others use your things. The fungi can be transmitted by towels and other items, especially in locker rooms, saunas, and communal showers. Make sure shared exercise equipment is cleaned between users.
- If you have Athlete’s Foot, treat it in precisely the exact same time you’re treating Jock Itch. Otherwise, both illnesses are most likely to reoccur.
- Keep your immune system strong. A natural remedy for Jock Itch is to wash the region in a warm bath and pat the region completely dry. Then apply a few drops of therapeutic lotion into the effected area two to three times per day. For those without allergies, the following is a recipe for a therapeutic lotion: Add 25 drops of pure, therapeutic-grade Melaleuca alternafolia (tea tree) essential oil to 2 oz of calendula extract (preferably) or jojoba carrier oil. If you have allergies, see your aromatherapist for essential oils best suited to you.
- I also have used tea tree oil in soaps made with the goal of preventing Joke Itch.
Once your disease is apparent, follow the seven items listed above to decrease risk of further disease. See your health care provider if you have skin rash which doesn’t improve in a few weeks, or if you’ve got excessive redness, swelling, drainage or fever. Your physician may take skin scratching or samples from the infected area for diagnostic purposes.
