Fungal Infections - Jock itch: Causes, treatments, and Home remedies

Jock itch 
Jock itch is an annoying and itchy rash common in people who sweat a lot, such as athletes. The rash is often found in the genital, buttock, and thigh regions.
Although uncomfortable, jock itch is not serious and can be treated and prevented very easily.

JACK ITCH

Jock itch is an infection caused by a mold like fungus or yeast. It causes a rash on the areas around the groin. The red, ring-shaped rash is very itchy and thrives in these warm, moist areas of the body. The rash is caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot, tinea cruris.


Tinea is another name for the fungal infection known as ringworm. Because of this, jock itch may be referred to as ringworm of the groin. Ringworm also causes athlete's foot and barber's itch.

Like other tinea infections, jock itch is caused by an overgrowth of the tinea fungus. This fungus lives on the skin in small amounts, but can multiply and grow quickly in warm, moist areas.

Cause -
Jock itch is caused by a ringworm fungal infection. This fungus is highly contagious and can be spread easily from person to person through use of shared clothing and towels. The infection can also live on surfaces like exercise equipment, making it very easy to become infected.

The fungus that causes jock itch thrives in warm, moist environments. People with increased risk for jock itch are those who often spend a lot of time sweating due to exercise or their weight.

Other risk factors for developing jock itch include the following:

1. Gender: Men are more likely than women to develop jock itch
2. Weight: Overweight people have more skin folds, which are the best climate for fungal infections including jock itch to occur
3. Sweating profusely: If a person sweats a lot, their skin is more suited for fungus to grow
4. Age: Teenagers are more likely to develop jock itch
5. Wearing tight clothing and underwear: Tight fabrics trap moisture against skin and create a prime environment for fungus to grow
6. Having a weak immune system: People with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop fungal infections like jock itch than others
7. Having diabetes: People with diabetes are more prone to skin infections including jock itch

Symptoms and diagnosis

Jock itch starts with a flat, red, itchy rash. This rash often first appears on the inner thighs.

The rash then spreads outward in a ring-like pattern. As the rash spreads, the center of the rash will often get somewhat better. The rash often develops a well-defined, red border that may include a line of blisters.

As the rash spreads, it may infect the thighs, groin, buttocks, and usually spares the scrotum.

1. Aside from the rash, other notable symptoms of jock itch include the following:
2. Burning, itching, or pain at the site of the rash
3. Scaling and flaking skin over the rash
4. A rash that may worsen with exercise and does not respond to anti-itch creams

Doctors can easily diagnose most cases of jock itch just by looking the rash. However, in some cases where the diagnosis is not as clear cut, a doctor may send a sample of the infected skin to a laboratory for closer examination.

Treatment and prevention
Jock itch is fairly easy to treat. Most cases respond to the over-the-counter treatments that are available. These treatments include antifungal creams, sprays, and lotions.

If the over-the-counter remedies do not work, a doctor may prescribe high-strength antifungal cream or antifungal pills.


Home remedy for Jock itch

1.Directly Applying Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is a natural wonder for a wide variety of skin conditions that stem from fungi. Jock Itch can be soothed and eliminated rapidly with the assistance of this naturally occurring oil. Tea Tree Oil will help stop symptoms as well as kill any fungi present in the affected area.

A 1992 study found 10% tea tree oil cream to be as effective as conventional treatments in relieving symptoms of athlete's foot, including burning, Inflammation, itching, and scaling. During the study it was found that 25% to 50% tea tree oil solution improves symptoms and combats the fungus in 48% to 50% of patients with athlete's foot after four weeks of treatment.

Required Ingredients:

• 100% Tea Tree Oil

• Cotton Balls

Process:

• Cleanse the affected area.

• Dip a cotton ball into the Tea Tree Oil.

• Place the cotton ball directly onto the affected area.

• Let dry.

• Repeat up to three times per day until the jock itch has disappeared.

2. Directly Applying and Consuming Chamomile Tea

The gentle and soothing properties provided from chamomile tea can heal the skin inside and out. Drinking chamomile tea will help your skin heal from the inside by promoting the growth of healthy skin cells. Directly applying a chamomile tea bag to the affected area will help soothe any itchiness, redness, or irritation caused by the jock itch. Due to the fact that chamomile can combat jock itch from both the inside and the outside of the body, it makes for a powerful, yet gentle, home remedy.

Required Ingredients:

• Chamomile tea bags
• Hot water

Process:

• Let the chamomile tea steep in the hot water for three to four minutes.

• Remove the tea bag, but do not discard.

• Apply the tea bag to the affected area for several minutes while you drink your cup of tea.

• Repeat this treatment twice per day until the jock itch has healed.

3.Directly Applying Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera gel can help soothe itchy and irritated skin caused by the jock itch. The Aloe Vera will provide a gentle moisturizing effect which will help promote healing in the skin without contributing to the growth of the fungus.

Required Ingredients:

• Aloe Vera- either fresh or bottled

Process:

• Cleanse the affected areas.

• Directly apply the Aloe Vera gel and gently massage into the skin.

• Leave the Aloe Vera on the skin to be fully absorbed.

• Repeat three to four times per day throughout the jock itch infection.

4.Directly Applying Mouthwash

The anti-septic properties found in mouthwash make for an amazing and easy home remedy for fighting against jock itch. Mouthwash kills bacteria and fungi on contact and will allow for the jock itch to heal quickly by drying out the skin and inhibiting the growth of the fungus.

Required Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of mouthwash

• Cotton balls

Process:

• Soak a cotton ball with the mouthwash.

• Directly apply the cotton ball to the affected areas.

• Let the mouthwash stay on the skin until it dries.
• Repeat two to three times each day until the jock itch has healed.

5.Direct Application of Coconut Oil

The anti-fungal properties found in coconut oil are highly effective in fighting fungal infections as well as relieving symptoms associated with jock itch. The coconut oil will allow your skin to heal in a gentle way while at the same time preventing the spread of the jock itch and inhibiting the growth of the fungi. Coconut oil will also relieve redness, irritation, scaly and bumpy skin, and itchiness.

Required Ingredients:

• ½ tablespoon of coconut oil

• Cotton balls

Process:

• Clean the affected area.
• Directly apply the coconut oil with a cotton ball.
• Let the coconut oil soak into the skin until it is fully absorbed.

• Repeat 2-3 times per day until the jock itch has cleared.

6.Consuming Probiotics

A diet that is high in probiotics will enable your body to fight the fungal infection from the inside. Probiotics will allow your body to produce more good bacteria which is useful in fighting off any type of infections, including fungal infections.

Required Ingredients:

• Probiotic supplements

• Yogurt

• Curd

Process:

• Add high amounts of the yogurt, curd, or probiotic supplements to your daily diet.

• Continue to consume probiotics until the jock itch has healed.

• To help maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria, look to making probiotics a part of your daily diet.

7.Directly Applying Honey

Honey is packed with several healing properties, including anti-fungal properties. The gentleness of the honey and the strength of the anti-fungal properties will help heal your skin and stop the fungus altogether.

Required Ingredients:

• 100% honey
• Small spoon

• Warm water

• Clean cloth

Process:

• Using a spoon, directly apply a generous amount of the honey onto the jock itch and gently even out the honey across the affected areas. Be careful of buildups in areas to prevent the honey from dripping.

• Leave the honey in place for at least thirty minutes.

• After the thirty minutes rinse the area with warm water and pat dry.

• Repeat one to two times per day until there are no more signs of the jock itch.

8.Directly Applying an Onion Paste

Onions contain several anti-fungal properties and can be used to heal areas affected by jock itch quickly and easily. Regardless of the type of onion you choose to use, you will see the same results.

Required Ingredients:

• 1 small onion
• Mortar and pestle

Process:

• Peel and chop the onion.

• Use the mortar and pestle to create a paste.

• Once the paste has formed, directly apply it the jock itch.

• Leave the paste on the affected areas for at least ten minutes.

• Rinse with warm water.

• Repeat twice per day until the jock itch is gone.

9.Directly Applying a Garlic Paste

Fresh garlic is widely used for a variety of conditions due to the effectiveness against fungi and bacterial infections. Directly applying fresh garlic to the affected areas will stop the growth of the fungus as well as relieve any pain brought on by the jock itch.

Required Ingredients:

• 3-4 fresh cloves of garlic

• Mortar and pestle

Process:

• Peel and crush the cloves of garlic with the mortar and pestle until a fine paste forms.

• Apply the paste directly to the affected areas.

• Leave the garlic paste on the jock itch for at least ten minutes.

• Remove and rinse with warm water.

• Repeat 2-3 times per day until the jock itch is no longer present.

10.Taking a Salt Bath
Salt contains several properties that can soother irritated and inflamed skin as well as eradiate fungi. Soaking in a warm salt bath will stop any itchiness as well as prevent the growth of the fungi.

Required Ingredients:

• A bathtub

• 1 cup of any type of salt.

Process:

• Fill the bathtub with warm or hot water.

• Add the salt and gently mix with the water.

• Soak in the tub for at least fifteen minutes.

• Repeat at least every other day or even daily until the jock itch has healed.

11.Directly Applying White Vinegar
White Vinegar is also effective in fighting fungi due to the anti-fungal properties found in the properties of the vinegar. White Vinegar is excellent in healing and preventing the growth of the fungus by killing any present fungi.

Required Ingredients:

• 1 large bowl or container

• 1 cup of white vinegar

• 4 cups of warm water

• 1 small, clean cloth

Process:

• Combine the white vinegar with the warm water in your large bowl or container.

• Soak your cloth in the mixture.

• Place the cloth directly onto the skin of the affected area and gently massage.

• Leave the cloth on the affected area for three to five minutes.

• Repeat two to three times per day to see results.

12.Directly Applying Apple Cider Vinegar

The anti-fungal effects of Apple Cider Vinegar are renowned for assisting in a wide variety of skin conditions, including jock itch. Application of Apple Cider Vinegar will inhibit the growth and the spread of the fungus as well as kill any fungus that is present. In addition to stopping the growth and the spread of the fungus, Apple Cider Vinegar will also soothe the skin of the affected area allowing a faster healing time.

Required Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar

• 1 Cup of warm water

• Cotton balls

Process:

• Combine the Apple Cider Vinegar with the warm water.

• Cleanse the affected area.

• Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and directly apply to the affected area.

• Gently massage the entire area and let dry.

• Repeat two to four times per day until the fungus has disappeared.Directly Applying Apple Cider Vinegar

13. Directly Applying Apple Cider Vinegar
The anti-fungal effects of Apple Cider
Vinegar are renowned for assisting in a wide variety of skin conditions, including jock itch. Application of Apple Cider Vinegar will inhibit the growth and the spread of the fungus as well as kill any fungus that is present. In addition to stopping the growth and the spread of the fungus, Apple Cider Vinegar will also soothe the skin of the affected area allowing a faster healing time.

Required Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 Cup of warm water
• Cotton balls

Process:

• Combine the Apple Cider Vinegar with the warm water.
• Cleanse the affected area.
• Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and directly apply to the affected area.

• Gently massage the entire area and let dry.
• Repeat two to four times per day until the fungus has disappeared.