Cure Jock Itch

Jock itch, also known as crotch itch, gym itch, eczema marginatum, ringworm of the groin, or tinea cruris, is a fungal infection of the groin caused by dermatophytes (Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton). It is more common in males, and is predisposed by increased moisture (as in hot, humid summer times), which promotes growth of the fungus. Jock itch tends to cause itchy or burning sensation in the groin, thigh skin folds, or the anus; the rash appears as raised red plaques that may blister, ooze, or advance down the inner thigh. As the rash advances, it often forms a central area of clearing with advancing borders resembing a ring (hence the name ringworm). Tinea cruris is diagnosed by scraping some of the affected skin onto a glass slide, applying potassium hydroxide (KOH) to dissolve keratin from the skin cells to release the hyphae, heating the slide, and looking under the microscope for hyphae. A sample may also be sent to a lab for a mycotic culture (where the fungus is grown in Sabouraud's agar). This article will help you treat and cure this fungal infection.

Steps

 * 1)  [[Image:800px-Talcum_Powder_838.jpg|thumb|Baby powder may help keep the area dry.]]Keep the skin area dry and clean. This will prevent the fungus from growing. Shower and change underwear daily. Remember to shower after playing sports, exercising, or sweating excessively as well. After showering, dry the groin area completely. Apply antifungal or drying powders to keep the area dry, if you are susceptible to jock itch. Baby powder, for example, is helpful.
 * 2)  Do not scratch the affected area, and do not wear clothes that rub and irritate the area. Keeping the area free from irritation will help the skin regenerate faster.
 * 3)  [[Image:Terbinafine_517.png|thumb|Terbinafine, as a 1% cream or powder, can be used to cure jock itch]]Apply a topical antifungal agent, such as a cream or powder containing tolnaftate, terbinafine, naftifine, econazole nitrate, Oxiconazole, clotrimazole, or miconazole. You can get these over the counter from drug stores, or you can get a prescription from your doctor to be filled at the pharmacy. If they help, be sure to use these medications for the full 2-4 weeks, or as directed, to clear the infection completely. These antifungal drugs belong to the azole class, which works by stopping the fungus from making ergosterol, an essential component of the fungal cell membrane. Without ergosterol, the cell membrane cannot be made, and the fungus will die.
 * 4)  [[Image:Hydrocortisone_aceponate_862.png|200px|left|thumb|Hydrocortisone, as a 1% cream, may help relieve symptoms such as itching, but it must be used with caution.]]Stronger antifungal drugs may be needed, if the infection is severe, recurrent, or persists for longer than two weeks despite the steps above. See your doctor. You may need antifungal drugs containing ketoconazole or terbinafine, or oral antifungals. In addition, antibiotics may be needed to treat secondary bacterial infections (for example, from scratching the area). In addition, a topical glucocorticoid steroid (such as 1% hydrocortisone cream) may be used to reduce inflammation and discomfort and prevent further irritation from scratching. While steroids may quickly relieve the symptoms, they must be used with care, as they have many serious side effects, and, when used alone, may exacerbate the fungal infection, as they hinder the body's immune system.

Tips

 * Avoid tight-fitting and rough-textured clothing.
 * Wear loose-fitting underwear.
 * Expose the area to wind and sun to keep it dry, if you can.
 * Wash athletic supporters frequently (to prevent growth of fungus there).
 * Treat athlete's foot to prevent its spread to the groin.
 * Applying large amounts of lubricant, like petroleum jelly, to areas likely to be affected may also help prevent jock itch.
 * Seek professional help if the above steps fail to cure the jock itch after 2 weeks.
 * Jock itch can spread from person to person by sharing of contaminated towels or clothing, or through direct contact during sexual intercourse with someone who has the infection. So try to avoid these exposures, if possible.
 * Sterilizing linens by washing in hot soapy water with bleach can help prevent spread of the fungus.
 * If you have impaired immune systems, e.g. from having diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or atopic dermatitis (a chronic, genetic skin condition characterized by itchy, inflamed skin, and associated with asthma and seasonal allergies), you may be more likely to get jock itch. This is because the barriers in your skin that normally protect you from viral, bacterial, and fungal infections often become weakened or compromised. So be sure to use extra care to prevent and treat jock itch, and watch out for any potential complications when you get jock itch.
 * Most cases of jock itch go away completely, although for some people, especially those with impaired immunity, the infection may come back.
 * If the infection recurs regularly, you may benefit from a thorough cleaning and careful maintenance of your home and/or changing gyms and other locations where you might be encountering the fungus.
 * Elastic and chlorine bleach have been known to react, causing symptoms similar to fungal infection where elastic meets the skin. Different brands of athletic supporters or underwear  with different elastic may help to eliminate the problem.  Don't overuse bleach.

Warnings

 * While jock itch is typically very responsive to treatment, occasionally complications may result, such as permanent change to the skin colour, secondary bacterial infection requiring use of antibiotics, or potential side effects from the medications.
 * Side effects from oral antifungal medications include stomach upset, rash, and abnormal liver function tests.
 * Avoid sharing towels, as these may transmit the fungal infection.
 * Do not wear a wet swimsuit for too long.
 * Go to an emergency room immediately if you develop any of these symptoms beyond the rash: fever, weakness, vomiting, rapid spread of the rash, especially to the trunk, swollen glands, lumps in the groin, drainage of pus, open sores or ulcers, boils, rash that involves your penis or vaginal area, or difficulty urinating.

Things You'll Need

 * Clean, comfortable underwear
 * Clean towels and clothing
 * Baby powder (helpful)
 * Antifungal medication

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Get Rid of Toe Fungus
 * How to Identify and Treat Ringworm
 * How to Recognize and Treat Ringworm Infection
 * How to Prevent Ringworm Infection
 * How to Stop Ringworm from Spreading

Sources and Citations

 * http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000876.htm#Symptoms
 * http://dermatology.about.com/cs/fungalinfections/a/jockitch.htm
 * http://www.med.nyu.edu/patientcare/library/article.html?ChunkIID=11736