Jock itch
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Jock itch, also called Crotch Itch, Bag Rot, tinea cruris or ringworm of the groin, is a fungal infection of the groin region.
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Causes
Symptoms
Preventing recurrence
There are practices that can help reduce the risk of recurrence. Bear in mind that fungus can be very resilient both on the body and on clothing. To eliminate it permanently may require diligence. A long term or serious fungal infection may inflame the skin and make it more prone to sweating, and hence more ideal for recurrence. Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to reduce inflammation. Some dermatologists prescribe a corticosteroid against the itch, which has a side effect of making the skin thinner and the problem worse. There are many medicinal ointments against candida that do a better job.
Dryness
Bathe or shower immediately after sweating. This is especially important after exercising, where there has been sweating and irritation from friction. Use talcum powder or a medicated powder such as tolnaftate to keep the groin area dry. A hair dryer (preferably one with a "cool" setting) can be very helpful too, especially if you use water instead of toilet paper, as is recommended to prevent skin damage.
Irritants
Several materials and activities can aggravate jock itch, such as:
- Scented or antibacterial soaps. (Consider hypoallergenic or acidic candida soaps)
- Sweating and friction, such as cycling (regularly shave your hairs).
- Synthetic materials.
Clothing
Clothing is especially important. If fungus resides on your clothing, and you are susceptible to it, the odds of recurrence are much higher.
It can help to:
- Wear loose underwear, such as boxer shorts.
- Sleep with a nightshirt or in the nude.
- Change underwear frequently, particularly if it gets sweaty.
There are ways to help keep clothing free of fungus.
- Wash exercise clothing between workouts.
- Wash underwear and bed-sheets in hot water.
- Be mindful of clothing storage. In particular, because of the ideal growing conditions for fungus, avoid storage:
- of exercise clothing without washing it,
- in damp or moist areas,
- in dark places, and
- with poor ventilation.
External links
- NIH guide to jock itch (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000876.htm)
- eMedicine Health (http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/17378-1.asp)
- MayoClinic - jock itch (http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=0956F75F-3368-42AA-A0AA438D4694B2A7&dsection=1)