Jock Itch: Facts and Tips on Prevention & Treatment
Jock itch, gym itch, athlete’s itch are the common names given to itchy red rashes in the groin area, thighs and adjacent skin, including the testicles in males. The medical name for these rashes is “tinea cruris”. Jock itch develops through sweating, and rubbing when apparel, or gym clothes seal in moisture and heat. The resulting rashes are limited to the groin, they can appear in any areas of the body’s skin that overlap, including around the rectum and in the skin folds of obese individuals. Jock itch affects mostly men and occasionally women.
Wrestlers and MMA combat athletes are at high risk for developing these bacterial and fungal rashes for the following reasons:
* Heat & humidity associated with heavy workouts in closed faculties
* Close fitting gym wear and workout clothing
* Damp skin as occurs with excessive sweating
In most cases friction is the cause of Jock itch, however several microorganisms have been identified as causing the rash as well. Common microorganisms like fungi and bacteria can infect the skin. This is particularly true of combat athletes due to the heavy skin-to-skin contact associated with the sport.
Bacterial jock itch can be easily diagnosed because the affected skin glows red color when illuminated by a black light.
Fungus can also cause Jock Itch. Contact with opponents, or contact with objects that already contain fungus can cross contaminate the skin. The fungus is spread by contact with the spores, which may survive on dead skin cells or objects for a long time.
If you have fungal infection, such as athlete’s foot, the same organism may cause contamination in your groin area.
Fungal spores like Epidermophyton floccosum and Trichophytin are often the cause for the epidemic infections in locker rooms, training facilities, and in situations where athletes work closely together. Towels, sheets, blankets, may host fungus for years.
Symptoms of Jock Itch
If you discover an itchy area of redness in a skin fold the infection has begun. Sores may develop in a random pattern. You may even see tiny pimples or pustules with parts that are red and dry. Small scales may develop.
The infection becomes more irritating as time goes by. In severe cases, the skin breaks down and the whole condition becomes very uncomfortable.
Jock Itch Treatment
Specific treatment depends upon the precise cause of the rash (friction, humidity, with or without infection).
Self-Care at Home
If you have minor itching and redness in the groin keep the area dry, and exposed to as much air as much as possible, and avoid tight clothes on the area.
There are any antifungal medications available without prescription. They come in cream, liquid spray, ointment, and powder forms. However some people may develop an allergic reaction to medication, stop using them if your rash seems worse.
More and more athletes are turning to natural essential oils to prevent the bacteria or fungus from proliferating in the first place. The most effective use of this technique utilizes a natural soap that contains high-grade tea tree oils and oil of eucalyptus. Defense Soap is not only extremely effective in preventing Jock Itch. The ingredients are known to stop MRSA, Impetigo, Ringworm, Herpes and Staph. That’s because the natural essential oils contained in Defense Soap not only destroy bacteria and fungus but viruses as well. With moderate to severe rashes Defense Soap provides a concentrated solution of these oils for direct application.
When to Seek Medical Care
There is no substitute for professional medical advice or treatment – especially if your rashes are not improving. Once you have determined that you have an infection, go to the doctor if the rash does any of these things:
* Spreads, changes appearance or seems to get worse
* Becomes increasingly irritating and uncomfortable
* Develops swelling in the affected areas
* Does not go away completely or comes back frequently despite proper prevention
Prevention
To prevent jock itch, use common sense and good hygiene.
* Use cornstarch, powders to prevent friction and heat build up.
* Was with natural anti fungal soaps like Defense Soap.
* Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear.
* Sterilize gym clothes by washing in hot soapy water with bleach.
Outlook
Most cases of jock itch go away completely.
Infection may come back for some people due to the nature of their activities taking preventative action will help tremendously.
If your condition becomes chronic consult with your physician.
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