Jock itch, a relatively common fungal infection of your groin and upper thighs, is also known as tinea cruris. KidsHealth.org states that jock itch is caused by several kinds of fungi known as dermatophytes. Although athletes may develop this condition more commonly than others, anybody who sweats profusely, both males and females, may develop jock itch. Certain herbal remedies may help relieve your jock itch. Meet with a health care practitioner before using herbal remedies for this condition.
Jock Itch
Jock itch may accompany other fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, notes the National Center for Biotechnology Information. The fungus associated with jock itch grows best in moist and warm areas on your body. The Center states that jock itch may be passed from one person to the next via direct skin contact or contact with the unwashed clothes of an infected individual. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of jock itch include groin itching, red, scaly patches in the affected area and discolored skin.
Appropriate Herbal Remedies
Herbs that possess anti-fungal action may be the most appropriate herbal remedies in treating jock itch. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician, herbalist and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," reports that numerous herbs may possess anti-fungal action, including paracress, tea tree oil, black walnut, usnea, pau d'arco, wild oregano oil, goldenseal, yellow root and Oregon grape root. Although these herbs have historically been used in treating fungal infections, few have been extensively studied for their treatment of jock itch.
Featured Remedy: Wild Oregano
Wild oregano is an herbal remedy that may be prescribed in the treatment of jock itch and other fungal infections. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a nutrition researcher and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," wild oregano is a powerful anti-fungal agent and may be effective in eliminating even the most resistant types of fungi. Wild oregano is used in treating fungal, bacterial and viral infections as well as parasitic infections, wounds and psoriasis.
Warning
Health complications associated with jock itch, though rare, include irreversible changes in skin color in the affected area, bacterial infections that arise secondary to your fungal infection and side effects caused by conventional prescription medications. Herbal remedies may also cause side effects in some people, so it is wise to discuss the use of herbs with a health care provider trained in herbal medicine before using herbs to help treat your jock itch.
References
- KidsHealth.org: Jock Itch
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Jock Itch
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
