How To Get Rid Of Jock Itch

A very common fungal infection most of the men suffer is jock itch. Also known as ringworm of the groin area, groin rash or tinea cruris is a skin fungal infection As the name suggests this condition causes intense itching  and burning of the affected area. Also, there is a misconception due to its name that this condition affects only jocks or athletes, but it may affect any adolescent boy or men and sometimes even females. But yes, as athletes sweat more and wear wet clothes for a long period of time, thus it is more common with them.  Also, obese people are more likely to be affected by fungus causing it finds the folds of skin very suitable area to thrive.

Common Symptoms Of Jock Itch Are As Follows:

• Persistent itching
• Burning
• Redness
• Odor
• Cracking or peeling of the skin
• The rash gets worse on activities that cause sweating.

Usually, jock itch occurs is groin and inner thigh. However, it may also spread to the buttocks and abdomen, but scrotum remains unaffected.

The causative agent behind jock itch are dermatophytes, which are a group of fungi. They are normally present on our skin and many times do not cause any problem. But long-term exposure to sweat soaked clothes provides a very suitable environment to this microorganism and they multiply very quickly.

To treat jock itch your doctor may recommend you some anti-fungal cream. But besides them, there also a number of home remedies to provide you relieve and treat your condition. In this article, I have polled various home remedies to get rid of jock itch easily and effectively.

Natural Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Jock Itch

Apple Cider Vinegar-

Being acidic apple cider is very effective against any kind of fungal infection. It restricts the growth of fungi and also kills them. You can also use it to treat jock itch.

How to use:

• Take 1 cup of apple cider vinegar.
• Dilute it by adding the double amount of water.
• Now wash the affected area with this solution.
• Remember not the pat the area dry, but let it dry on its own.
• Repeat this daily 3 times till you get relief.

Salt Bath–

Salt has the property to absorb moisture. Thus, when applies to the affected area, it absorbs the excess of sweat and makes it dry. In the absence of suitable environment, the fungi growth stops and your condition improve.

But do not apply salt directly to the affected area, it may cause intense burning. Below are the steps to use it.

What to do

• Add 4 to 5 teaspoons of salt in the bath water
• Soak yourself in it
• Wait for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Pat yourself dry with a towel
• Repeat this 2 times in a day for a few days.

Coconut Oil–

Being antibacterial and anti-fungal, excellent moisturizer and whitening agent coconut oil had been used since ages to treat a number of skin problems. Besides reducing redness, it also minimizes the pigmentation and scarring caused due to the infection.

How to use

Just take a few drops of coconut oil and apply on the affected part evenly. Repeat this several times in a day. Soon you will find relive in itching, redness and finally will get rid of jock itch.  You can also apply coconut oil regularly to your skin to prevent any kind of infection.

Tea Tree Oil-

The natural anti-fungal properties of tea tree oil makes it the first choice for the treatment of any skin infections. It also possesses fast healing and deep cleansing properties that make it an ideal home remedy in the case of jock itch. It alleviates inflammation and relieves itching.

How to use

• Dilute tea tree oil with double amount of any carrier oil such as jojoba oil
• Soak a cotton ball with this solution
• Apply it on the affected part
• Repeat this 2 times for a few days.

Alternatively, you may also add tea tree oil to your bath water. Soak yourself in it for a few minutes. Repeat this regularly 2 times in a day and you will find your symptoms disappear in a few days.

Garlic–

The antifungal and antibacterial properties of garlic fights against all the infection including skin infection. It also relieves itching and reduces inflammation.

How to use

• Take a few garlic cloves
• Crush them to make a paste
• Apply it on the affected area
• Wait for a few minutes
• Wash off the affected area
• Repeat this 3 times in a day

* There may be a little burning after applying garlic, but if your skin is sensitive or burning is intense, better avoid this.

Also, include garlic in your cooking or eat it raw to boost up your immunity and keep infections at bay.

Jock itch is not just painful, but also very annoying, irritating and embarrassing. It is better you get rid of it as soon as possible by using any of the above-mentioned home remedies.