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Jock Itch

Jock itch is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the genitals, inner thighs and buttocks. You don't have to be a jock to get an itch in your groin area. Males, especially athletes are more often affected than women, and hence the name jock itch. People who are overweight and sweat a lot are also prone to this infection.

Symptoms:

• Itching and redness in the groin area, including buttocks and anal area.
• As the rash advances down the inner thigh, it becomes redder and the scaly patches get elevated. The advancing edge gets very well demarcated and may create the appearance of a ring.
• Burning sensation around groin.
• Peeling or cracking of skin in groin area, which can be very painful. These fissures can get secondarily infected with fungi or bacteria.
• Exceptionally dark or light skin.
• Other fungal skin rashes such as athletes' foot or ringworm on other body parts.

Causes and risk factors-

• The jock itch fungus thrives in a warm, moist environment. Anything that triggers this wetness will cause the fungus to multiply.
• Jock itch is mildly contagious. It can spread by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with unwashed clothing, towels, and bedspreads of infected people.
• It can crop up through a transfer of athletic foot.
• It can also spread through direct contact or sexual intercourse.
• Some people are genetically prone to this type of infection.
• People with atopic dermatitis are very much prone to jock itch as the protective skin which acts as a barrier gets weakened..
• People infected with HIV/AIDS or diabetics are very much susceptible to jock itch.
• Jock itch affects men who wear tight underwear or athletic supporters, which are not washed after each use.

Treatment -

Jock itch usually cures itself on its own within a couple of weeks, if taken a bit of self-care. You just have to -

• Keep the skin clean, dry and exposed to air whenever possible.
• Wear loose fitting under-clothing.
• Don't wear clothing that rubs and irritates the infected area.
• After bathing, apply antifungal powders, ointment. If you get an allergic reaction to the medication, stop using and consult a dermatologist.
• Avoid sharing clothing, towels and personal items.
• Avoid storing damp towels and clothes in closed spaces such as locker rooms.
• Wash hands often to avoid spread infection.
• Eating a lot of garlic or garlic capsules has shown to inhibit the growth of this type of fungus.

See a doctor if the rash does not improve within two weeks or if there is excessive redness, swelling or fever. It may be quite possible that some other fungal or bacterial skin infection such as ringworm or athlete's foot has cropped up.

Over the counter antifungal ointments, powders combined with topical or oral medications are prescribed to cure severe jock itch.

Jock itch is not a complicated disease. It rarely spreads below the skin surface to cause any serious illness. Cure yourself at home by being aware of its symptoms and do not spread it to others by negligence on your part.

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