Known in polite company as tinea cruris, jock itch is an annoying condition that affects both men and women. In simplest terms, it is a fungal infection that affects the groin area of the body.
Initially jock itch manifests itself with persistent and annoying itchiness in the private areas of the body but before long, the fungal infection coupled with the friction associated with scratching leads to moderate to sometimes severe skin damage.
If left untreated, jock itch not only leads to extreme discomfort, but also to reddening of the skin, cracking, and eventual peeling of the cracked skin. Moreover, since the fungal infection rarely goes away by itself, tinea is likely to spread on the thighs.
How to Avoid Jock Itch
Treat any other fungal infection you may have on your body, especially athlete’s foot. The Mayo Clinic suggests that — while there is no guarantee that the fungus will eventually move up — it is a possibility in certain cases.
Shower and dry off after exercising. The fungus requires a warm, moist environment and removing sweat after exercise robs it of its main sustenance. Wear clothing that is loose but still properly fitting, especially when exercising. Tight fitting exercise clothes, especially if they rub the sensitive skin around the groin, should be avoided.
It is a little known fact that jock itch may spread through sexual intercourse with an affected partners. That being said, it may also spread from reusing towels that were previously used by a person with jock itch. If you are at the gym, always bring your own towel and do not place it with already used towels. Do not borrow clothes from others.
Self Treating Jock Itch
Tips for treating jock itch are plentiful. If you are familiar with jock itch and know for sure that the rash you are scratching is indeed one and the same, head for the over the counter antifungal ointment medications. Within two weeks, the rash should be completely gone.
Avoid some of the methods currently suggested by Internet lore, including the use of rubbing alcohol to cleanse the body area from the fungus, and also the use of cornstarch to dry it. One interesting bit of advice comes from Associated Content’s own Maynard Tuttle, who wrote about “Curing Jock Itch with Vicks VapoRub.” While he swears by it, I personally have not tried it out, so proceed with caution.
When to See the Doctor
Visit your doctor immediately if you have a compromised immune system, suffer from diabetes, or suspect that the rash you are suffering from is different from the jock itch you may have encountered in the past. Moreover, if you have attempted to self treat your jock itch, but you do not get the results in the short period of time promised, you should head to your doctor’s office for prescription strength anti fungal creams or even oral medications.
Sources
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/jock-itch/
DS00490/DSECTION=causes
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/291434/
curing_jock_itch_with_vicks_vaporub.html?cat=7
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
ency/article/000876.htm#Symptoms
