Alternative treatments for jock itch
Jock itch, or tinea cruris, refers to a fungal infection that affects the groin. This condition can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) ointments, but some medications may cause negative side effects. To avoid these adverse effects, consider using natural and effective home remedies for jock itch.
Natural treatments for tinea cruris
Instead of OTC ointments, you may opt for the following home remedies to treat jock itch that are just as effective, but without the side effects:
Almond oil and tea tree oil – Tea tree oil contains terpenoid, a powerful antifungal agent. It also contains monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes that have therapeutic properties. Dilute tea tree oil with almond oil, then apply the mixture to the affected area several times a day to cure jock itch.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) or lemon juice – Healthy skin produces a natural acid. To replenish this natural acid, spray the infected area with two tablespoons of ACV or the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon diluted in two cups of water. Don’t wash the area after you spray the mixture. Instead, pat it dry.
Cedarwood and jasmine oils – These two essential oils can help relieve itching caused by tinea cruris.
Grapefruit seed extract – Add 15 oz. of grapefruit seed extract to 1 oz. of water to make a mixture that can relieve itching. Spray the mixture on the affected area.
Lavender, oregano, or peppermint essential oils – These three essential oils have powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. Lavender oil can soothe itching and inflammation, and it can fight the infection while also healing your skin. Oregano oil has two active antibacterial agents called carvacrol and thymol that can fight different kinds of infections. Peppermint oil has inhibitive actions against fungi. Once you develop jock itch, keep the affected area clean and dry. If the itching becomes unbearable, take a warm, soothing bath.
Below are some tips that can help manage and prevent jock itch:
1. Avoid tight-fitting clothing that can rub or chafe your skin because these may increase your risk of jock itch. If you already have jock itch, wear loose-fitting cotton underwear. Try wearing boxer shorts instead of briefs.
2. Practice good hygiene. Always wash your hands to reduce the risk of getting this infection from someone else.
3. Don’t share towels at home or at the gym.
4. Use a hair-dryer on a cool setting to dry the infected area after showering.
5. Wash the affected area regularly with soap. You can apply baby powder around your groin to prevent excess moisture.
6. Always wash your workout clothes or athletic supporters after each use.
What is jock itch?
Jock itch spreads because of dermatophytes, which are fungi that naturally live on your skin. Normally, dermatophytes don’t cause problems. But if you keep wearing sweat-soaked clothes after a workout, the prolonged exposure to moisture may allow the fungi to quickly reproduce. An overgrowth of dermatophytes in the groin area usually causes jock itch.
Dermatophytes are highly contagious, and jock itch can spread via close personal contact with an infected person. The condition may also spread through contact with the unwashed clothing of someone who has tinea cruris.
Jock itch can infect both genders, but it most often affects men who wear athletic supporters. Aside from itchiness, the symptoms of this condition include dandruff-like scales and blisters that may develop on either side of the scrotum. These blisters can also spread along the groin area.
At least one in five people develop a fungal infection that may spread to other parts of the body such as the arms, chest, legs, or feet.
yogaesoteric
September 13, 2019
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