Jock itch or “Tinea Cruris” is a type of infection caused by fungal parasite that affects mostly the moist areas in a human body like the inner portion of the thighs, the groin area or the buttocks. This fungal infection generally affects the men but it may affect women too.
Causes of Jock Itch
Jock itch and the other common types of fungal infection and mainly caused by a fungi known as “dermatophytes”. These fungi are actually present all the time around us in our environment and are also present on our skin under ordinary circumstances. So if we keep our skin dry and clean we run little chance of getting infected by any jock itch rash or any other type of fungal infection.
Areas of our skin that remain damp and moist are vulnerable to this infection and such areas provide suitable environment for the fungus to grow. Other than these there are also some risk factors that may increase the chance of getting the infection. These factors may include wearing synthetic clothing or very tight undergarments for an a long period of time with sweat, irregular change of undergarments, overweight people or people who sweat a lot, individuals with weak immunity system and hereditary skin diseases.
Symptoms
Jock itch symptoms start with rashes around the groin fold generally on both the sides. If the infection is left untreated it gradually goes down to the inner thighs. Initially skin becomes reddish brown and as the infection spreads skin become more scaly and bright red than it was in the initial stage of the infection.
Though there are many cosmetic ointments available in the market to treat the fungus but they often takes long time to be effective and also require to be applied locally which becomes really painful. Home remedies are very easy to prepare are more effective to cure this fungal infection quickly and from the root.
Home remedies for Jock Itch
Bleach
Known s “liquid death”, bleach kills the unwanted fungus very quickly and also prevents further growth. Dilute 2 tablespoon bleach in 16 ounce hot water. Dip a wash cloth into the solution and apply to the affected region. Do this remedy three to four times a day. This home remedy for jock itch will show visible results in 3 days.
Salt Bath
Salt is very effective in absorbing moisture. Fill up your bath tub with hot water and add large quantity of salt. Immerse your body in that salt water for at least fifteen to twenty minutes. This will allow the salt to dry the blisters and also soak up the excess moisture. Practice this remedy two times daily and continuously for three days. Salt is very effective in clearing up jock itch infection.
Garlic
Garlic works wonder in treating jock itch infection and it also the most common element found in your kitchen. Take one cup olive oil and two garlic cloves. Now blend the two ingredients. Soak some tissues into the mixture and apply the concoction onto the fungal affected region. Garlic will cure the jock itch infection effectively.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is beneficial in numerous ways from sealing wound to healing burns and works excellent in any ailment. Aloe Vera contains anesthetic and anti-fungal properties, so it is used in several home remedies.
Apply fresh aloe gel onto the infected areas. If you have an aloe plant at home squeeze out the gel from the leaf. It will soothe burning and itching and also prevent the rash from further getting spread. You can get aloe gel from any supermarket or pharmacies. Aloe Vera is an excellent natural remedy for jock itch infection.
Oregano Oil
Apply oil of oregano directly on the infected region. Do it one to two times regularly.
Tea Tree Oil
Take a bath and dry the area completely. With a cotton ball apply tea tree oil directly on the affected region once or twice daily. You can switch between the application of oregano and tea tree oil alternatively.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains anti fungal agents. Clean the infected area with water and soap and let it dry completely. With the help of a cotton ball apply apple cider vinegar to the infected region. Do this two times daily. Continue the cider vinegar application for at least 5 days. The symptoms will gradually disappear killing the jock itch infection completely. This is a very good herbal remedy for jock itch.
Jock Itch Prevention Tips
Dust talcum powder in your groin area in between underwear changes. This will help to soak the moisture and keep the area dry and clean. Wear boxers to allow some space and air for your skin to breathe. Boxers are more recommended than briefs.
Wear clothes made of cotton or light material to keep skin dry. You should change clothes frequently and wash all clothing and towels in hot water for reusing. You should wash suspected area with antibacterial soap. To prevent further spread of the infection keep the area free from sweat.
You should totally avoid sharing towel and clothing. This is a sure shot way of getting infected with jock itch. So never wear others clothes and don’t let them use yours too. Overweight people have extra skin folds that give the fungus a moist and damp environment. So to treat jock itch properly you need to shed extra pounds.
Diet
You should strictly avoid processed sugar in your diet. Also have control on your grains. Include garlic in your diet and foods that helps to boost the immune system. Also avoid taking refined carbohydrates, food items containing yeasts and sugar. These food products aggravate the jock itch infection. Do not take alcohol as gets converted to sugar eventually. Include in your diet plenty of vegetables and raw fruits. Restrict eating fried, processed and greasy foods.
Follow the diet, tips and use the simple home remedies to get rid of jock itch effectively. You can choose any of the remedies or a couple of remedies for a natural cure to jock itch infection and also prevent it from coming back. These remedies are free of side effects and needs to be practiced with consistency.