Jock Itch

Introduction – Tinea Cruris, or more commonly known as Jock Itch, is a fungal skin infection. It commonly occurs on the groin area, but in some cases, may also appear on the inner thighs or near the anus. Jock Itch is caused by excessive moisture due to sweating or tight clothing. The fungal infection happens when moisture is mixed with friction and dermatophytes. Dermatophytes are a type of fungus that lives on the skin. It is easily passed on through contact. This is the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot.

Male athletes are most prone to suffer from this type of fungal problem, which is also the reason why it is called jock itch. The fabric on most athletic uniforms is ideal for quick movements. It allows them to move without any worries. The problem is these kinds of uniforms also have a tendency to retain fluid. Thus, whenever the athletes run, or move fast, the fabric in their clothing rubs against their skin, mixing sweat and dermatophytes. This causes the fungal infection.

Jock itch is not exclusive to athletes. Anybody can get it, and those who have diabetes, or are obese are more likely to get this skin condition than anybody else. In their case, it is also harder to treat. Areas that are affected may appear as red, tan, or brown, with flaking, rippling, peeling or cracking skin.

Jock itch may also be the cause of other more complicated conditions, such as yeast infection for women, and in worse cases, abscesses. It starts of as a rash on the sides, or either sides of the groin. It may also appear as red bumps on the hair follicles. There are also some cases wherein there are no visible marks at all. There are different ways of treating jock itch. And this will depend whether the condition is fungal-based or not.

Jock Itch Treatments

For fungal-based jock itch, treatments include:

• Jock Itch No More, an all-natural and certified 100% organic topical treatment with a full one year money-back guarantee.
• Anti-fungal shampoo or cream for cleaning.
• Anti-fungal pills for worst cases.

Non-fungal causes of jock itch are easier to cure. You only need to keep the area clean and dry. With the right hygiene, your jock itch problem will disappear in as short as one to three days.

Hygiene and Prevention of Jock Itch

The best treatment is always prevention, here are some easy jock itch prevention tips:

1. Keep the groin area clean and dry. This is always the first key to prevention.
2. Wash the area more than once a day. Sweat tends to linger in the groin area, so it needs more attention.
3. Avoid spreading by wearing loose clothing and underwear during an outbreak.
4. If possible, keep sweating to a minimum.
5. Do not exercise if you are still nursing an infection.

Remember that once you have been exposed to dermatophyte, you are more prone to it, and it is more likely to occur. Therefore, you need extra care and attention in keeping those areas clean, dry, and away from irritation.

Avoid Spreading Jock Itch

The organisms that cause jock itch can live and thrive in any damp and close environments. Parts of our bodies that are warm and promote heavy sweating tend to wash away the fungus killing oils that are natural in our bodies. This makes our skin more permeable and prone to infections and its continuous spreading.

Men are more prone to jock itch as compared to women. There is no other explanation for the gender difference except that men sweat more than women, and this places them at a higher risk. Men also wear tight underwear or athletic supporters that are not effectively washed after use.

Infected clothes are another reason why  jock itch continues to spread the infection as well as promote its recurrence. This is why it is very important, not only to ensure that the infected part of your body is rid of the fungi, but also to make sure that they are long gone from your clothes.

Washing Fungi Infected Clothing

Fungus from jock itch can usually be found in underwear as well as towels. Therefore, it is important to observe extra care when it comes to washing them, and avoid chances of spreading the fungal infection.

1. Bleach. Since underwear is a major concern here, wash them all together with bleach.
2. Hot water. For colored underwear, as well as towels, it is best to use the hottest water possible with washing.
3. Vinegar. Add vinegar in the wash. This will get rid of the fungus on your clothes. You can mix the vinegar with the hot water to get the best effects.

Jock Itch in Women

Facts should be straightened out when it comes to jock itch. It is not only men who can suffer from this condition. Jock itch in women is actually a very common condition.

Causes Jock Itch in Women

For women who swear a lot and wear tight underwear, swimwear, or other athletic clothes are more prone to jock itch. The reason for this is the heat, humidity, friction and damp skin due to sweating produce a weak immunity on the kin. Those who have a history of atopic dermatitis are also more at risk not only to jock itch but to any type of fungal infection. Contact with objects that harbor the fungi will also lead to infection. Spores survive on dead skin cells on the surface for a long time.

Symptoms of jock itch in women
Jock itch for women has similar symptoms to that of men. It appears as a red and flat skin rash on the inner sides of the thighs. The rash is itchy and spreads outward in a circular formation. The inner area is pinkish brown, while the outer area would be scaly, bright red in color, and slightly raised. On severe cases, the infected area may enlarge and develop blisters. You may also get sores that start oozing. During these circumstances, immediately go to your doctor and have the infected area checked.

Source:

^ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000876.htm#Symptoms

^ http://www.med.nyu.edu/patientcare/library/article.html?ChunkIID=11736