DavidWolfe.comTinea cruris is the medical term for jock itch, an infection of the groin area caused by a fungus. The fungus that causes jock itch thrives in warm, moist areas. It can be passed from one person to the next through skin-to-skin contact or contact with unwashed clothing. Jock itch causes an itching or burning sensation in the groin area. It most commonly occurs in males, but it can occur in females as well. (1) Natural jock itch treatment methods can help stop pain and irritation while promoting healing.
Jock Itch Causes and Risk Factors
- Being male
- Being a teen or young adult
- Wearing tight underwear
- Being overweight
- Sweating heavily
- Having a weakened immune system
- Having diabetes
- A fungus that thrives in moist, warm areas
- Can be passed from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact
Jock Itch Symptoms
- Red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze
- Patches that are redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center
- Abnormally dark or light skin
- Itching, chafing or burning in the groin, thigh or anal area
- Flaking, peeling or cracking skin
Jock Itch Treatment
1. A Healthy Diet
Jock itch treatment includes eating a healthy diet. Foods that are high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can encourage fungus growth in the body. Fill your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables and limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol can stimulate yeast growth.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Natural jock itch remedies include apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that help fight fungal growth. To use apple cider vinegar as a jock itch treatment, add it to a spray bottle with equal parts water. Let the mixture cool in the refrigerator, then use it as a cooling treatment on inflamed skin. (2)
3. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is the main ingredient in baby powders. It provides the skin with a dry, fresh feeling to soothe burning and irritation. Apply cornstarch to the affected are to help relieve pain and inflammation.
4. Oatmeal and Epsom Salt Bath
A bath filled with Epsom salt and oatmeal can help promote healing and soothe pain from jock itch. Add 2 cups of oatmeal and 1 cup of Epsom salt to a bath filled with warm water. Soak in the tub for about 20 minutes.
5. Garlic and Honey
Garlic and honey both have powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. For jock itch treatment, chop raw garlic into small pieces and mix it with raw organic honey and a little bit of warm water to make a paste. Apply the mixture to the affected area twice per day. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then wash and dry. (3)
6. Calendula
Jock itch remedies include calendula, a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Calendula comes from candela flowers or marigolds. It can help soothe and calm inflamed skin when applied topically.
7. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. Studies have shown that lavender oil is highly effective at fighting fungal infections and preventing infections from spreading. It can be applied topically to speed healing.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil can be used to help reduce redness, itchiness and inflammation caused by jock itch. Combine 3-4 drops of tea tree oil with 1 ounce of olive oil or coconut oil and apply it to the affected are twice per day. (4)
9. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It can help stop pain and inflammation and stimulate the immune system to speed up the healing process when applied topically.
Jock Itch Prevention
To help prevent the fungal infection that causes jock itch:
- Shower or bathe daily, especially after sweating
- Keep your groin area dry by using a clean towel after swimming or showering
- Avoid sharing towels
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes and underwearash athletic supporters as often as possible
- Change clothes and underwear each day