Jock itch is also called as tinea cruris. It is a fungal infection, which infects the warm and moist areas of the body i.e. the inner thighs, buttocks, the vaginal and the anal region. The rash that develops can be itchy and ring shaped. It often occurs as a direct result of athlete’s foot, which causes the infection to spread from the foot to the groin area.
The condition is common in athletes but it can also occur in common people who sweat a lot and do not practice good personal hygiene. Here are some natural cures for jock itch.
Natural Ways to Cure Jock Itch
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
This is an excellent natural cure for jock itch. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of cool water and wash your groin area with this solution. The itch will gradually reduce and the redness too will disappear. Most of the time people are left with mildly flaky skin, which becomes normal over a period.
2. Wash your Private Parts
You are likely to suffer from jock itch during the hot summer months when the scratching and redness becomes worse because of the accumulation of sweat. To minimize this, clean your private area with a soap and water solution. Use a specially formulated anti-bacteria soap, which helps to get rid of superficial germs. Take regular showers at least twice a day during the hot summer months and after an intense athletic activity.
3. Keep the Area Dry
The area is likely to burn and itch for several days so try to keep it as dry as possible. Do this by wearing loose and summery clothes. Try to air the area by sitting under a fan. Wear shorts if possible. This remedy is very effective and will make you feel immediately better.
4. Use Powder
Use a good anti-fungal or an anti-bacterial powder on the affected area. You will need to do this especially if you are a professional athlete. Douse the area liberally with powder to keep the area dry and sweat free.
5. Change Your Underwear
Wearing the same set of underwear throughout the day can exacerbate the symptoms. This happens because you have allowed sweat to build up. Underwear especially nylon and synthetic underwear absorbs a lot of sweat and moisture. Stick to cotton underwear and briefs. Change them 2-3 times a day especially if you are physically active. Nylon fibres will also exacerbate the itching.
6. Lose Weight
Losing weight may help to eliminate friction that causes your thighs to rub against one another. When the thighs rub excessively against one another, they become red, inflamed and itchy. Lose weight or wear snug fitting shorts to eliminate the friction caused by skin rubbing against skin.
7. Do Not Share Clothes
Since jock itch is a fungal infection, avoid sharing clothes with others. This includes towels, underwear, shorts and other personal clothing items. This may prevent the infection from spreading.
8. Salted Bath
Soak a bath in a tub and add a few generous teaspoons of salt to the bath. The salt will absorb the excess moisture from the affected area and make the area dry thus allowing the rash to heal. It may cause mild irritation initially.Do this 2-3 times a day for 3 days to see a substantial improvement in your condition.
9. Rubbing Alcohol
Alternately, you can also wash the area down with rubbing alcohol. This is a disinfectant and will help the infection to clear up.
10. Tea Tree Oil
Rub some tea tree oil on the rash. Tea tree oil has anti-microbial properties that help to relieve the jock itch.
11. Garlic
Garlic has also proved to be helpful in a number of cases. Take garlic orally in its raw form or in the form of pills. You can also apply a garlic paste in conjunction with olive oil on the affected areas to get relief.
12. Diaper Rash Cream
Diaper rash cream used on infants is helpful in giving relief from jock itch as it is used to treat a similar rash. The cream is also mild and not likely to cause a reaction.
13. Baking Soda
Soak in a tub of water, which has a few teaspoons of baking soda added to it. This will help to soothe and relieve the itch. You can also try hydrogen peroxide as an alternate remedy.
14. Wash Your Underwear With Bleach
Make sure your underwear is always clean. This you can ensure by washing your clothes with bleach. Bleach destroys grime and superficial germs, which may be trapped in your underwear.
15. Practice Good Personal Hygiene
Always wash your private parts well after using the toilet. Washing well with water will suffice. Cut your nails short to prevent the area from getting infected.
16. Do Not Scratch
While this is easier said than done, avoid scratching your private parts. This will only worsen the infection and complicate matters for you. Refrain from itching. Apply an anti-fungal cream whenever you feel an itch coming on.
17. Take Probiotics
Take a diet that is rich in probiotics. Eat a lot of curd, yoghurt and milk products, which enhance the levels of good bacteria in your system. These bacteria work together in harmony to eliminate annoying fungal infections.
18. Avoid A Starchy Diet
Fungus feeds on starchy foods and sugar. Eliminate these from your diet until the infection heals up. Eat a bland diet that is rich in fibre, fruits and vegetables. Eating a non-starchy diet will ensure that the fungus has nothing to feed off.
19. Take Rest
If your rash is bad, avoid physical activities for some time. Athletes in particular are prone to this problem. Take a few days off to allow your rash to heal. This is important otherwise, you will come down with a severe and chronic fungal infection that will keep recurring. Taking regular breaks is necessary to allow the infections to clear up.
20. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is also a brilliant remedy for jock itch. Once the infection clears up, massage your groin area with coconut oil. This will minimize scarring and pigmentation from the rash and the infection.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
