Jock itch is a common and stubborn skin condition that can affect anyone of any age, but it is particular seen in adolescent and adult males. Prevention and curing jock itch can be done with home remedies for jock itch that are not only natural, but easy to use and highly effective against this skin condition. If you are suffering from jock itch, help yourself find quick and easy relief by using one of the several home remedies for jock itch that will get rid of jock itch fast.
Causes
Jock itch, scientifically known as ‘Tinea Cruris’, is a form of Ringworm that occurs on the genital and nether region of the body. The main cause of jock itch is the spread of the ringworm fungus that is similar to what is known as ‘athlete’s foot’. When this form of ringworm fungus reaches the area of the body like the inner and outer thigh, buttocks, and/or even the groin, sufferers will have what is commonly known as jock itch.
The fungus that causes jock itch is very contagious and easy to spread. Those who have jock itch can spread it to other regions of their own body or to another person simply by physical contact with the infected area. The slightest touch directly or indirectly to the infected area can cause the spread of this stubborn skin condition.
There are also several risk factors that will make an individual more prone to contracting jock itch.
These risk factors include:
Being a male
Sharing towels
Visiting a sauna or gym
Using public showers or toilets
Wearing tight underwear
Being an overweight individual
Sweating heavily
Suffering from other skin conditions
Having a weak immune system
The fungus that causes jock itch will thrive in environments that are high in humidity, moisture, and are high traffic areas that are not regularly cleaned or disinfected. Jock itch can be
It is often asked ‘Can women get jock itch?’ Although jock itch is more typically seen in men, (hence the name), unfortunately, this skin condition can be contracted to members of either sex. Every year there are several reported cases of jock itch contractions seen in women as well as their male counterparts. Contracting jock itch will depend on if you have come in direct or indirect contact with this fungus or a contaminated item, place, or person.
Signs and Symptoms
Once you have contracted jock itch, regardless if you are male or female, you will start to exhibit signs and symptoms right away. Typically, jock itch will begin to show signs directly in the groin area and then spread to the buttocks and/or the inner and outer thighs. The fungus will thrive in the folds of the skin found in this region of the body as it provides an ideal environment for growth.
The very first symptom of jock itch in men or in women will be an intense itching sensation. Often times this itching will be quite severe and seem unbearable. The itching caused from the fungus will cause you to want to scratch the affected area, worsening the irritation and infection as well as further spreading the fungus to other parts of the body or your surrounding environment.
Along with the tell-tale itching sensations, there are several other signs and symptoms that occur when you contract jock itch.
These signs and symptoms include:
Dry, rough patches of skin
Small to large round patches
Redness or discoloration in affected areas
Bumpy textures on the skin
Bumps forming that contain pus
Scaly patches of skin forming
Pain in the affected areas
Burning sensation in the affected areas
Blisters forming
Having a skin condition called ‘atopic dermatitis’, which is a chronic and inherited skin condition that has characteristics of inflamed and itchy skin
Another tell-tale sign of this form of ringworm will be the round rashes with raised, bumpy edges that usually form a circular shape. Many times those who are suffering from jock itch will exhibit more than one, if not all, of the signs or symptoms of this skin condition making it a nearly unbearable skin condition to contract.
There are a few complications that can occur if this condition is left untreated or affects an individual that has highly sensitive skin.
The complications that can occur are:
Breaks in the skin
Forming of open sores or ulcers
Cellulitis (although this is quite rare)
If you have noticed any of the above signs and symptoms of jock itch occurring, it is important to seek treatment right away to prevent further spread and irritation.
Treatment
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Before you begin to seek treatment it is vital to have a proper diagnosis to ensure that you in fact do have Tinea Cruris and not another type of skin condition. A general practitioner or dermatologist can usually identify jock itch through visual examination, yet sometimes they will need to do a skin scraping. A skin scraping will gather a few of the infected skin cells and they will be sent to culture in a lab. Usually a culture will have results within 24 hours.
After you have received a positive diagnosis of jock itch, you can begin to take a course of treatment. There are several home remedies for jock itch that will relieve your symptoms and cure jock itch altogether. In fact, several of the home remedies for jock itch will even prevent jock itch from forming.
1. Directly Applying Apple Cider Vinegar
Photo Credit: heinzvinegar.com
The anti-fungal effects of Apple Cider Vinegar are renowned for assisting in a wide variety of skin conditions, including jock itch. Application of Apple Cider Vinegar will inhibit the growth and the spread of the fungus as well as kill any fungus that is present. In addition to stopping the growth and the spread of the fungus, Apple Cider Vinegar will also soothe the skin of the affected area allowing a faster healing time.
Required Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Cup of warm water
Cotton balls
Process:
Combine the Apple Cider Vinegar with the warm water.
Cleanse the affected area.
Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and directly apply to the affected area.
Gently massage the entire area and let dry.
Repeat two to four times per day until the fungus has disappeared.
2. Directly Applying White Vinegar
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White Vinegar is also effective in fighting fungi due to the anti-fungal properties found in the properties of the vinegar. White Vinegar is excellent in healing and preventing the growth of the fungus by killing any present fungi.
Required Ingredients:
1 large bowl or container
1 cup of white vinegar
4 cups of warm water
1 small, clean cloth
Process:
Combine the white vinegar with the warm water in your large bowl or container.
Soak your cloth in the mixture.
Place the cloth directly onto the skin of the affected area and gently massage.
Leave the cloth on the affected area for three to five minutes.
Repeat two to three times per day to see results.
3. Directly Applying Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is a natural wonder for a wide variety of skin conditions that stem from fungi. Jock Itch can be soothed and eliminated rapidly with the assistance of this naturally occurring oil. Tea Tree Oil will help stop symptoms as well as kill any fungi present in the affected area.
A 1992 study found 10% tea tree oil cream to be as effective as conventional treatments in relieving symptoms of athlete's foot, including burning, Inflammation, itching, and scaling. During the study it was found that 25% to 50% tea tree oil solution improves symptoms and combats the fungus in 48% to 50% of patients with athlete's foot after four weeks of treatment.
Required Ingredients:
100% Tea Tree Oil
Cotton Balls
Process:
Cleanse the affected area.
Dip a cotton ball into the Tea Tree Oil.
Place the cotton ball directly onto the affected area.
Let dry.
Repeat up to three times per day until the jock itch has disappeared.
4. Directly Applying Rubbing Alcohol
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Rubbing Alcohol is highly effective in curing jock itch as it will create an environment in which the fungus cannot thrive or grow. The rubbing alcohol will dry out the region and the jock itch will no longer grow or spread.
Required Ingredients:
Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol
Cotton balls
Process:
Soak a cotton ball with the rubbing alcohol.
Directly apply the cotton ball to the affected area.
Repeat up to twice per day until the fungus has cleared up.
Notes
The higher the percentage of the isopropyl alcohol will be more effective in stopping the jock itch in its tracks. An isopropyl alcohol rated at 90% is the highest one available over the counter.
5. Taking a Salt Bath
Salt contains several properties that can soother irritated and inflamed skin as well as eradiate fungi. Soaking in a warm salt bath will stop any itchiness as well as prevent the growth of the fungi.
Required Ingredients:
A bathtub
1 cup of any type of salt.
Process:
Fill the bathtub with warm or hot water.
Add the salt and gently mix with the water.
Soak in the tub for at least fifteen minutes.
Repeat at least every other day or even daily until the jock itch has healed.
Notes
The salt bath will soothe symptoms and heal the skin and is best used in combination with other home remedies.
6. Directly Applying a Garlic Paste
Fresh garlic is widely used for a variety of conditions due to the effectiveness against fungi and bacterial infections. Directly applying fresh garlic to the affected areas will stop the growth of the fungus as well as relieve any pain brought on by the jock itch.
Required Ingredients:
3-4 fresh cloves of garlic
Mortar and pestle
Process:
Peel and crush the cloves of garlic with the mortar and pestle until a fine paste forms.
Apply the paste directly to the affected areas.
Leave the garlic paste on the jock itch for at least ten minutes.
Remove and rinse with warm water.
Repeat 2-3 times per day until the jock itch is no longer present.
7. Directly Applying an Onion Paste
Onions contain several anti-fungal properties and can be used to heal areas affected by jock itch quickly and easily. Regardless of the type of onion you choose to use, you will see the same results.
Required Ingredients:
1 small onion
Mortar and pestle
Process:
Peel and chop the onion.
Use the mortar and pestle to create a paste.
Once the paste has formed, directly apply it the jock itch.
Leave the paste on the affected areas for at least ten minutes.
Rinse with warm water.
Repeat twice per day until the jock itch is gone.
8. Directly Applying Honey
Honey is packed with several healing properties, including anti-fungal properties. The gentleness of the honey and the strength of the anti-fungal properties will help heal your skin and stop the fungus altogether.
Required Ingredients:
100% honey
Small spoon
Warm water
Clean cloth
Process:
Using a spoon, directly apply a generous amount of the honey onto the jock itch and gently even out the honey across the affected areas. Be careful of buildups in areas to prevent the honey from dripping.
Leave the honey in place for at least thirty minutes.
After the thirty minutes rinse the area with warm water and pat dry.
Repeat one to two times per day until there are no more signs of the jock itch.
9. Consuming Probiotics
A diet that is high in probiotics will enable your body to fight the fungal infection from the inside. Probiotics will allow your body to produce more good bacteria which is useful in fighting off any type of infections, including fungal infections.
Required Ingredients:
Probiotic supplements
Yogurt
Curd
Process:
Add high amounts of the yogurt, curd, or probiotic supplements to your daily diet.
Continue to consume probiotics until the jock itch has healed.
To help maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria, look to making probiotics a part of your daily diet.
Notes
For best results, use this remedy alongside an external treatment.
10. Direct Application of Coconut Oil
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The anti-fungal properties found in coconut oil are highly effective in fighting fungal infections as well as relieving symptoms associated with jock itch. The coconut oil will allow your skin to heal in a gentle way while at the same time preventing the spread of the jock itch and inhibiting the growth of the fungi. Coconut oil will also relieve redness, irritation, scaly and bumpy skin, and itchiness.
Required Ingredients:
½ tablespoon of coconut oil
Cotton balls
Process:
Clean the affected area.
Directly apply the coconut oil with a cotton ball.
Let the coconut oil soak into the skin until it is fully absorbed.
Repeat 2-3 times per day until the jock itch has cleared.
Notes
Coconut oil is also useful in preventing any scarring that can occur due to the jock itch.
11. Taking an Oatmeal Bath
The skin soothing effects of an oatmeal bath will help relieve you of your symptoms. Any irritation, itchiness, inflammation, or redness caused by the jock itch will be gently soothed. The oatmeal bath will allow the skin to heal and prevent itchiness which will help stop the spread of the jock itch.
Required Ingredients:
Bathtub
Warm to hot water
1 ½ cups of uncooked oats
Process:
Fill the bathtub with warm to hot water.
Add the oats and gentle combine.
Soak in the bathtub for ten to twenty minutes.
Repeat daily until the jock itch is gone.
Notes
If you combine the oatmeal bath with some salt, you will have a very powerful and skin soothing bath.
12. Soaking in a Bath with Bleach
Small amounts of bleach can be highly effective in fighting fungal infections as the chemicals present in bleach kill bacteria and fungi on contact. When you combine a capful of bleach with a bathtub full of warm water, you will create a powerful agent that will eliminate the fungus completely.
Required Ingredients:
Bathtub
Warm water
1 capful of bleach
Process:
Fill a bathtub with warm water.
Add the capful of bleach.
Soak in the bath for at least 15 minutes.
Repeat 2-3 times per week until the jock itch is no longer present.
Notes
This remedy should be followed carefully and should not be used by those who have highly sensitive skin.
13. Directly Applying Mouthwash
The anti-septic properties found in mouthwash make for an amazing and easy home remedy for fighting against jock itch. Mouthwash kills bacteria and fungi on contact and will allow for the jock itch to heal quickly by drying out the skin and inhibiting the growth of the fungus.
Required Ingredients:
1 bottle of mouthwash
Cotton balls
Process:
Soak a cotton ball with the mouthwash.
Directly apply the cotton ball to the affected areas.
Let the mouthwash stay on the skin until it dries.
Repeat two to three times each day until the jock itch has healed.
14. Directly Applying Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera gel can help soothe itchy and irritated skin caused by the jock itch. The Aloe Vera will provide a gentle moisturizing effect which will help promote healing in the skin without contributing to the growth of the fungus.
Required Ingredients:
Aloe Vera- either fresh or bottled
Process:
Cleanse the affected areas.
Directly apply the Aloe Vera gel and gently massage into the skin.
Leave the Aloe Vera on the skin to be fully absorbed.
Repeat three to four times per day throughout the jock itch infection.
15. Directly Applying and Consuming Chamomile Tea
The gentle and soothing properties provided from chamomile tea can heal the skin inside and out. Drinking chamomile tea will help your skin heal from the inside by promoting the growth of healthy skin cells. Directly applying a chamomile tea bag to the affected area will help soothe any itchiness, redness, or irritation caused by the jock itch. Due to the fact that chamomile can combat jock itch from both the inside and the outside of the body, it makes for a powerful, yet gentle, home remedy.
Required Ingredients:
Chamomile tea bags
Hot water
Process:
Let the chamomile tea steep in the hot water for three to four minutes.
Remove the tea bag, but do not discard.
Apply the tea bag to the affected area for several minutes while you drink your cup of tea.
Repeat this treatment twice per day until the jock itch has healed.
Notes
This remedy works best when it is combined with other home remedy treatments.
In order to fully recover and prevent jock itch, there are a few other steps you can take in regards to personal hygiene. Taking the extra effort can go a long way in preventing the spread and growth of any current jock itch as well as preventing a future infection.
Some general personal hygiene practices you should consider are
Changing towels often- (if you have a jock itch infection, you should use a fresh towel daily).
Showering daily
Changing underwear frequently, especially if you have jock itch.
Washing any clothing, towels, or linens in hot water and bleaching them if possible.
Do not share towels or clothing with others.
Wearing sandals if you are using a public shower, sauna, or spa. (Often times a jock itch infection is transferred from an athlete’s foot infection)
Wearing properly fitting clothing, especially undergarments and pants. Any clothing that is too tight will not only be constricting, it will further allow the jock itch to grow by causing a warm and moist environment.
Keeping the groin area and thighs clean and dry. Baby powder can be used to soften the skin while at the same time absorbing any present sweat.
Do not borrow clothing or personal items from other people.
Do not scratch the affected area. Scratching will not only further irritate the affected area, it will also promote the spread and the growth of the fungus. The fungus will make its way under your nail bed and can be transferred to anything you then touch before you wash your hands.
Wash your hands and nails often, especially after coming into contact with an affected area or administering a treatment to your jock itch. Make sure you are using an anti-bacterial hand soap.
Try to maintain a cool body temperature by avoiding hot and humid areas or wearing clothing that makes your body temperature rise.
Treat any other Tinea infections promptly to prevent jock itch from occurring.
Shower immediately following any exercise or athletic activities. This will help remove any present bacteria as well as inhibit the growth and spread of jock itch.
Maintain a healthy weight. Individuals who are overweight or obese will be more prone to getting a jock itch infection.
Using an anti-bacterial soap to shower with.
Avoid keeping the affected area from being tightly covered through the use of a wrap or bandage because when the jock itch is covered, it will promote a dark warm, moist environment that will become an ideal breeding ground for the fungus. It is a common misconception to cover up any sort of Tinea infection because many believe that keeping the area covered will prevent the spread of the Tinea when in fact it will make it worse.
There are thousands of reported cases of jock itch across North America each year and jock itch is seen in both men and in women. Jock itch can be extremely contagious and quite stubborn, yet with the help of home remedies for jock itch, you can get rid of jock itch and its irritating symptoms gently, quickly, and effectively.
Just be sure you remember to maintain high levels of good hygiene in addition to using more than one of the home remedies for jock itch. When you combine two or more of the home remedies for jock itch, you will find a faster recovery time as well as skin that is soothed and on its way to healing.
Due to the fact that jock itch is quite easy to spread, one should take care to prevent catching it in the first place. Good hygiene practices, understanding and realizing the causes, and the signs and symptoms of jock itch can make an entire difference in healing time as well as prevention or a re-infection.
Individuals who have contracted jock itch will need to make sure they seek a medical diagnosis before starting any sort of treatment regime.
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Overall, jock itch is a very common and easy to treat skin condition. Prevention and practicing good hygiene habits are the best methods to use to avoid jock itch. However, if you do find yourself with this irritating and itchy skin condition, look to using home remedies for jock itch to gently heal and quickly eliminate this form of Tinea.
Lacy Ryan
A Doctor of Public Health, Lacy Ryan has accrued more than ten years of experience, making a name for herself as a researcher, writer, policy analyst, and project manager specializing in public health and international development.She earned her PhD in Community and Behavioural Health at the Colorado School of Public Health, her Master’s Degree in Global Health and Public Policy at the University of Edinburgh, and her Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Biomedical Sciences (with minours in Biology and Psychology) at the University of Waterloo.
thanks
I am so thankful to have found this article. It has been the most thorough and helpful one I have read in regards to using home remedies to heal jock itch. Thanks to you I finally feel some hope that I will be able to help my husband find some relief from this annoying condition! Thanks again!!!
so if i make a cup of warm water with a tablespoon of vinegar
1st application
2 – 4 x’ /da
do i warm up the cup of water and vinegar each time, [ of application ?
Yes, you should.