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Natural Treatment For Chronic Jock Itch
(Last Updated: Jan 21, 2008)
Fungal infections tend to thrive in areas on the human body where there is warmth and humidity. Poorly ventilated areas tend to be more susceptible to such infections. Furthermore, it has been found that areas that are prone to rubbing or scraping tend to be more seriously affected. The reason for this is that the protective top layer of skin would get damaged as a result of constant rubbing. The layers of skin act as protection which helps to prevent infections from affecting the more delicate sub layers of the skin. When the individual suffers from friction related damage, he or she may be more prone to developing fungal infections.
A jock itch is a condition where there is a fungal infection in the groin area of the body. This fungal infection usually affects the area where the individual's underclothing rubs against the inner surface of the thigh. Jock itch may occur in a line along where the thicker lining of the undergarment rubs the skin. It is also possible for the same sort of infection to occur in the toes and elsewhere on the body. However, the name jock itch is used almost exclusively to describe a condition that affects the thigh area of the body. A jock itch is characterized by redness of the skin in the affected area. The skin that is affected tends to be very itchy and may prompt the individual to regularly scratch or fiddle with the undergarments. In extreme cases, the itch is too strong for the individual to bear which makes it difficult to lead a normal daily life.
There are many different jock itch natural remedies that can be used to deal with this annoying condition. Many of these jock itch natural remedies are based on the hygiene and lifestyle of the individual. The first thing one needs to do when dealing with this condition is to wash the area thoroughly but without rubbing too hard. One may use a soap that is antiseptic or medicinal in its properties to help prevent the worsening or spread of the infection to other parts of the body. One of the most important things to do when suffering from a jock itch is to keep the area dry and free from moisture. This is one of the reasons why individuals who live in areas with warm and humid weather conditions tend to suffer from jock itch more often than those in cool and dry climates.
Loose cotton clothing is recommended for individuals who suffer from jock itch. A shift from synthetic fiber based clothing to cotton clothing is one of the best options when it comes to a natural treatment for jock itch. You could also use some sort of talcum powder to dust around the area. This helps to keep the area cool as well as absorb any excess moisture present due to sweating. When it comes to clothing as natural remedies for jock itch, it is also important to ensure that the individual changes his or her clothing when it is wet due to sweat. Furthermore, used clothing must be washed thoroughly and allowed to dry out completely before it is worn again. You can use specific natural remedies for jock itch problems. A salted bath is one that can help to dry any blisters that may have formed in the affected area. Mix some garlic oil in olive oil and apply the same on the affected area. Garlic is known to have strong anti-fungal and anti-septic properties. The same can be done by using a paste made with milk and turmeric powder or turmeric powder and water. It should be noted that the application of these substances to an open wound will lead to a burning sensation.
answered by G M
Causes of jock itch in women?
Jock itch also known as tinea cruris is caused by the fungus Trichophyton rubrum. Although jock itch is more common in men it also affects women and can be seen appearing on the genitals, inner thighs, buttocks and even the anal region. This skin infection causes uncomfortable itchy rashes in the groin area and can even spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. The fungi causing jock itch thrives in warm, damp and closed areas and infects the dead skin cells in the top most layer of skin. One of the main causes of jock itch in women is excessive perspiration. Women who have a tendency to sweat a lot generally get affected by this skin condition. In other cases synthetic and tight underwear, clothes or even swimming gear can cause a jock itch infection. Some of the other common causes of jock itch include humidity, heat, wet or damp areas of skin due to sweating, friction between the folds of skin and a weakened immune system. Direct contact with other objects infected by this fungus can also result in a person getting jock itch. This skin infection is highly contagious and can spread by direct contact with infected skin spores.
Women who suffer from diabetes or are taking certain antibiotics which can weaken the immune system are more prone to developing this infection. Even women who have a history of atopic dermatitis are more prone to getting this infection. Some of the common symptoms of tinea cruris in women include an itchy raised red rash on the inner thighs and groin area, redness and itching in the genitals, buttocks and anal area, peeling, cracking or flaking skin in the groin and abnormally light or dark skin patches. Jock itch rashes generally spread outwards in a circular pattern with a pinkish brown coloration in the center. These rashes have elevated edges and are also scaly. In very severe cases of jock itch the rashes may enlarge and even form sores or blisters which may start oozing. If this happens, treatment must be sought immediately to avoid further spread of infections. Tinea cruris in women usually causes a burning sensation, itching as well as chafing. It is very important to recognize the symptoms and causes of jock itch so that treatment can be started at the earliest. If any of the above mentioned symptoms are noticed it is best to contact the doctor who can make an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosis of tinea cruris in women can generally be done by microscopically examining a sample of the infected skin. If this method does not yield positive results, a culture can be created from the same sample to determine the existence of the fungus. Treatment of jock itch is generally done by antifungal medications such as allylamines or azoles. The simplest and best way to treat mild tinea cruris in women is through topical applications in the form of ointments, creams, lotion or powders. In cases where the rash becomes severe topical steroids like hydrocortisone can be used for treatment. However these steroids should only be used on the advice of the doctor as they may worsen the rash if used without a prescription. Although jock itch is not a very serious condition, it should be treated on time so that further complications can be avoided. The best way to avoid tinea cruris in women is by maintaining good personal hygiene. The skin in the groin area should always be kept dry and clean. Tight fitting undergarments and sharing of clothes and towels must be avoided to reduce the risk of this infection.
answered by M W
Is jock itch contagious to women?
Jock itch is contagious and can be transmitted through sexual contact, direct contact with the infected skin and even through the sharing of clothes, towels and wash cloths. Since the fungus causing jock itch thrives in wet or damp areas, this infection can even spread through floors in locker rooms and public showers. Floors in gyms and pools may also have the tinea cruris fungus thriving on them and direct skin contact with such surfaces can result in a spread of this infection. Since jock itch is contagious, it is very important to be careful while getting dressed in such public places. Clothes and undergarments should never touch the floor surface in such places and it is also important to avoid walking bare feet and wear slippers all the time to avoid getting this infection. After exercising it is very important to shower well to avoid sweat accumulation in the genital region which can be one of the causes of jock itch. It is also a good practice to use medicated soaps which can eliminate fungal growth on the skin surface. After showering the skin especially in the groin region should be dried well so that fungal growth can be prevented. It is just as important to wear comfortable loose fitting clothes and undergarments to avoid jock itch infections.
It is very important that the signs and symptoms of this infection are recognized in time so that the correct jock itch treatment can be started. Some of the main symptoms of jock itch in women include itching, burning sensation, redness, cracking, peeling or flaking skin, soreness and blistering at the infection site. These symptoms can generally be seen in the groin region, inner thighs, buttocks and the rectum. For jock itch treatment in women doctors generally prescribe antibiotics and anti fungal medications. Most often for mild cases of jock itch in women doctors prescribe topical application such as anti fungal creams, lotions, ointments, powders and even sprays. These are good enough to get rid of mild infections. Topical applications should be applied at least 2-3 times a day for 2-3 weeks till the symptoms of jock itch start subsiding. Most doctors even recommend continuing the use of topical applications for at least a week after the symptoms have subsided. For severe cases, jock itch treatment in women can even be done with the help of topical steroids like hydrocortisone. These however should only be used as per the doctors prescription as they can worsen the rash if not used in the right quantities
Taking certain precautionary measures at home can also go a long way for jock itch treatment in women. It is advisable to wear cotton or spandex undergarments which allow better ventilation and prevent moisture buildup in the genital region. Light powder can be used in undergarments to discourage build up of moisture. Clothes can be washed in warm water and bleach to avoid and discourage fungal growth. Bleach can also be sprayed on bathroom floors, toilets and shower surfaces to eliminate jock itch causing fungi. In case you are infected with jock itch, bedding can also be soaked in warm water, antibacterial soap or bleach to arrest fungal growth. Sharing of personal items such as towels and clothes should be completely avoided to stop the infection from spreading. For effective jock itch treatment in women it is also a good to bathe with anti-fungal soaps which can help in eliminating the infection and prevent it from reoccurring. In addition to these measures, natural ingredients like honey, garlic and tea tree oil can also be used for jock itch treatment in women.
answered by G M
Effective home remedies for jock itch?
Jock itch is not only annoying and uncomfortable but can also be very embarrassing especially in public places. Jock itch is a type of fungal infection caused by the fungi Trichophyton rubrum. It normally affects the groin area, inner thighs, genitals, buttocks and even the anal region. Though it is mostly restricted to the genital region, if left untreated it can even spread to other parts of the body. Most often men are more prone to jock itch as compared to women and the main reason for this is their external genitalia which can cause friction and hence infections like jock itch. Jock itch is also highly contagious in both men and women and therefore should be treated at the earliest to prevent it from spreading. Although traditional treatment options for jock itch include anti-fungal topical applications and oral drugs, there are also a number of natural cures for jock itch which can cure this condition effectively. One of the best home remedies for jock itch is washing the infected area with vinegar or chlorine bleach. This is an effective way of eliminating the fungal growth and stopping this infection from spreading to other parts of the body. A wash cloth can be dipped in diluted vinegar and applied on the infected area for relief from itching and inflammation.
A salted bath is another effective jock itch home remedy which can easily be implemented in the comfort of your own home. A generous amount of rock salt can be mixed in hot bathing water and soaking your body in this hot salt bath for 15 minutes everyday should help in curing the jock itch. The blisters tend to dry up because of the salt in the bathing water and repeating this remedy two times a day for at least 2-3 consecutive days should help get rid of the jock itch. Another one of the good natural cures for jock itch is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has strong antibacterial properties and also provides deep cleansing of the affected area. It can be applied to the infected areas to effectively relieve itching and burning sensation. Many people also use garlic as a home treatment for jock itch. Garlic can either be eaten regularly or applied mixed with olive or grape seed oil on the affected parts to cure jock itch. A paste of honey and garlic can also be applied to cure jock itch. Both these ingredients have powerful anti fungal and anti-inflammatory properties which can help treat the symptoms of jock itch.
A powerful jock itch home remedy can be prepared by combining water, salt, tea tree oil and strong black tea. This mixture can be dabbed onto the affected areas with the help of a cotton ball twice everyday. The tannic acid from this mixture is very effective in completely curing jock itch. A tincture of Listerine can also be applied on the affected parts twice a day. The alcohol is effective in killing the fungi while the antibacterial properties of Listerine can eliminate bacterial growth. A mixture of apple cider vinegar and water is another one of the natural cures for jock itch. A few spoons of apple cider vinegar can be added to a cup of water and this mixture can be applied to the affected areas with a wash cloth. Once this mixture dries up, it can be washed off with water and a good antibacterial soap. Cornstarch is also another great jock itch home remedy which should be applied at least once a day to the infected area to get rid of the jock itch infection.
answered by G R
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