If you find yourself looking for resources on the internet on how to get rid of an itch down there, you might want to consider the fact that you might be dealing with jock itch.
Tinea cruris or jock itch is a skin infection caused by fungi. As the name suggests, the infection usually affects the groin area. If untreated, it can spread to the abdomen, buttocks, and other parts of the body. Although this skin disease is typical among male athletes, it can also affect women or those who do not engage in sports.
Symptoms of tinea cruris include redness in the affected area, severe itching or feeling a burning sensation in the groin, dryness or scaling in the infected skin, and elevated skin patch shaped like a circle.
Most cases of jock itch can be treated easily. But it is very contagious, so if you do not take the necessary steps to get rid of it as soon as possible, you might find yourself enduring the itch for months.
Here are five ways to eliminate the fungi that cause jock itch and relieve its symptoms:
1. Keep the groin area clean and dry.
Once you suspect that you have a jock itch, do your best to clean the affected area and keep it dry. Remember that the fungi responsible for tinea cruris likes to live in warm and moist areas. What can you do? After showering, use a fresh towel to dry your groin. Also, use newly washed underwear and other articles of clothing after washing up. If you exercise often, make sure that you shower immediately after your routine. If your exercise clothes are full of sweat, try to change clothing from your shirt to your underwear and shorts or exercise pants. Bringing a second set of clothing is helpful to keep the affected area moist-free.
2. Practice good hygiene.
If you think you already have jock itch, it’s time to reconsider your habits that might cause the fungi to spread to your body or worse, to other people. Improve your hygiene and avoid infecting others or worsening your condition by doing the following:
· Avoid sharing towels and clothing. The fungi that cause tinea cruris is extremely contagious and sharing personal articles or clothing is one of the ways it can be passed on from one person to another. If you already have a suspicion that your patch is that of a jock itch, take extra care not to infect other people.
· Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching the affected area. You can avoid the spread of tinea cruris to other parts of your body by washing your hands after coming in contact with the infected skin. If you are applying antifungal creams or ointments to a jock itch patch, make sure that you clean your hands before you apply the cream to another area to avoid cross-infection.
· Clean your clothes well. Bleach your frequently used towels, clothing, and underwear and dry them well before use.
3. Wear breathable clothing.
Avoid tight-fitting clothes that trap moisture. The groin area is prone to sweating because of the friction that happens between the skin areas. That is why you need to choose clothes that are made of cotton. Cotton is a breathable material and can easily dry out moisture. Moisture-wicking exercise clothing can also be used if you want to continue your active lifestyle despite having a jock itch. If you are fond of wearing satin or silk pyjamas or nightgowns, this is a good time to keep them in the cabinet in the meantime. Opt for cotton material nightwear instead.
4. Buy over the counter topical creams, ointment, or powder.
If you choose to self-medicate at first, that is okay. There are a lot of anti-fungal creams, ointments, and powders in pharmacies that are effective in killing the tinea cruris fungi. Follow the recommended application in the package. Once you start using over-the-counter drugs, complete the course of medication for optimum effectivity. Use only one product. Do not take multiple drugs without the advice of a doctor. If you have been using an anti-fungal medicine for almost two weeks with no visible effect on the affected area, report your case to your physician immediately.
5. Don’t think twice – consult a physician!
It is advisable to seek the help of the doctor once you see the first signs of jock itch. But if you have been using home remedies or over the counter medicines for two weeks to no avail – it’s time to consult a physician.
A doctor can help you diagnose your disease and give the proper treatment or procedure to heal your skin from the infection.
If you are embarrassed to have your groin checked, that is understandable. But that is still no excuse to not see a doctor. Instead of going to a walk in clinic Hamilton, dial the number of an online clinic to see a dermatologist.
Have your jock itch infection check today.