Jock Itch

Overview

Jock itch is caused by a fungus that lives on your skin. The name of the fungus is tinea cruris and is related to the athlete's foot fungus. Jocks aren't the only ones who get jock itch--men who sweat a lot can also get it, and sometimes women too.

Symptoms

This fungus likes to grow and live in the warm, moist parts of the genital area, particularly the insides of the thighs. The rash makes the area itch, causes the skin to become red and sometimes crack or peel.

Treatment

To treat jock itch, you can buy sprays or creams available at a drugstore without a prescription. In some cases, your health care provider may need to prescribe stronger medication to kill the fungus--a cream, spray or pill.

Recurrent fungal infections are a common sign of stress or sometimes of suppressed immune function. If jock itch is a recurring problem, consult your health care provider. Eating a lot of garlic or taking garlic capsules has been shown to inhibit the growth of many types of fungus. No, you won’t lose your friends if you take some with parsley in it. Then it is odor-free.

One option is to make changes to your diet. Using organic vegetables, yeast free products and no sugar can positively affect your jock itch. Not using alcohol--since alcohol eventually turns to sugar--will also help.

Prevention

You can help prevent jock itch by keeping the area clean and dry. Take time to dry your genital area and inner thighs after showering, bathing or swimming. Make sure your gym clothes or sports uniform fits you correctly and doesn't irritate the skin in the genital area. If you wear an athletic supporter, be sure to wash it often.

To help prevent jock itch, you can put cornstarch or special drying powders on the area a few times a day These are both available over the counter.