Jock Itch or Tinea Crurisis is a stinging rash that appears in the groin. It can spread to the buttocks and inner thighs, if left untreated. Though it mostly affects men, women are also not immune to this annoying problem.
Men are 10 times more susceptible than women to get a bout of jock itch. So, what causes this nasty rash that makes you do that unpleasant, unwelcome and disgusting action of scratching your groin in public? Here are the most common causes:
Besides being uncomfortable and embarrassing, the jock itch can also become worse over time if left untreated. The rash may spread to the penis, scrotum, buttocks, anus and inner thighs in men and in the vulva, labia, buttocks, anus and inner thighs in women. It may take on a more aggressive look over time, changing from a simple rash to angry, red raised spots that are so sore that they can’t bear even the touch of fabric or water. So, before you leave your jock itch to Fate (and blame Fate for it, too!) try a good home remedy that will nip it in the bud.
Though anyone can contract Jock Itch at any age and during any season, some people are more susceptible to it than others. Find out if you fall into any of these categories:
The initial symptom of jock itch (common to both sexes) is an uncomfortable itching in the groin. Normally, the more folds your skin has, the worse your itch will be. The itching may sometimes clear up with better hygiene. When it doesn’t, it might progress to rough sores. In extreme cases, these sores may become oozy and pus-filled. The rash is symmetrical and will spread to both sides of the body evenly. Women may even develop vaginal infections if they leave the jock rash untreated for long.
Though it is fairly non-contagious, people with jock itch must isolate their underwear, towel and soap until the infection clears up. In rare cases, jock itch can be passed on by sexual contact. Also, in rare cases, jock itch can advance to skin abscesses and cellulitis. These conditions are rare, but require a strict treatment regime. In some cases, repetitive jock itch can leave the skin of the genitals and thighs slightly discolored.
Jock itch may be embarrassing and uncomfortable, but it is very treatable and also avoidable. Here are some simple home remedies for jock itch that you can choose from depending on the severity of your rash.
Once you contract jock itch, you will soon wish you had listened to your mother when she taught you to maintain good hygiene ‘down there’! It’s not too late to learn, though. The affected area will itch a lot more when exposed to heat and sweat. Regular washing with a pH-balanced, non-soap cleanser is the first thing you should try. Avoid using very hot water, as it will irritate the affected area more. Many non-soap washes are available in the market or at the pharmacies to choose from.
Often, jock itch is aggravated by the chemicals found in clothing bleaches, detergents and fabric conditioners. It is best to avoid using them or at least switch to a milder formula till the rash clears up. Best would be to skip the bleach and fabric conditioner entirely. If you starch your clothes often, try doing without it for a couple of weeks. By eliminating these products one by one, you can find out the miscreant that aggravates your rash and remove it from your routine entirely.
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