How Do You Know If You Have Jock Itch?

Jock Itch is a fungal infection caused by tinea cruris which appears as an itchy and red rash often in the groin area, such as a groin rash. It might also be shaped like a ring. The fungal infection infects moist and warm areas of the body, which is why it usually develops in the inner thighs and groin area.

It is important to note this condition is not a sexually transmitted disease. However, it is spreadable as it occurs through fungal buildup. It is called the Jock itch because the condition is very common in male athletes.

 

Jock Itch Risk Factors

The condition can be caused in both men and women; however, men are more likely to have Jock itch. It is usually expected to affect nearly everyone at some point in their lives, especially people who sweat more.

People having immunocompromised health are more prone to getting the condition. This is because they don't have strong enough resistance factors in their bodies that fight against fungal and bacterial growth in or outside their bodies. Such group includes diabetics, people with cancer or HIV/AIDS, and other chronic illnesses. Immunosuppressive drugs also play a contributing role in the condition – Remicade or Enbrel, for example.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Jock itch

A Patient usually comes with the complaint of itchiness and redness in the affected area. Pain is persistent with a burning intensity usually. The affected layer of skin appears flaky, peeling, and cracking. The rash worsens with more physical activity.

 

What's more, the affected individual might also face skin discolouration that doesn't go away easily.

 

Now, how to get rid of jock itch?

 

Treatments For Jock Itch

Jock itch happens through moisture buildup and fungal accumulation. So, the first line of defence will be to address these two root causes. For this, antifungal creams and deodorising sprays are the most common treatment tools used.

Guidelines for treating the condition involve:

• Application of antifungal creams, deodorizing spray or powder over the area.

• Washing the area with warm water and soap.

• Drying of the area after any exercise or bathing.

• Changing of undergarments regularly and frequently.

• Wearing loose-fitted clothing usually made of cotton.

Jock itch treatment usually includes an antifungal cream if the patient is ready to comply with the treatment for at least two to three weeks. Clotrimazole cream is among the effective treatment remedies used for both candida and dermatophyte moulds and can be purchased over the counter.

 

For Severe Jock Itch

If someone has a severe Jock itch, they can opt for an intensive treatment plan which includes:

• Wash the affected area twice a day using an antifungal shampoo containing selenium sulphide or ketoconazole.

• Apply a topical antifungal cream such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine.

• Take an antifungal medicine in the form of pills such as Itraconazole, Fluconazole, or terbinafine.

 

Jock itch is an irritating and painful condition that doesn't typically go away on its own. However, it is very easy to treat the condition as it usually responds quickly to treatment, such as a jock itch cream.