Q. Are there natural ways to keep jock itch from returning? My husband has been using Lotrimin cream or other antifungals daily for about 3 years. Within 2 or 3 days of stopping the cream, the rash always comes back.
He has done all the recommended things like wearing boxers and loose slacks. He dries off carefully after a shower. I am hoping you’ve got a home remedy that works.
A. Jock itch is due to a fungal infection, which is why antifungal creams used against athlete’s foot keep it at bay. Some years ago a reader reported that using Cetaphil lotion as a cleanser in that area was beneficial. The propylene glycol in this non-detergent cleanser has antifungal activity.
Another reader found that dandruff shampoo could also cut down on jock itch. He lathered up Selsun Blue and left it on the affected area for five minutes.
Dandruff is caused by yeast, a type of fungus, so other treatments that work for dandruff might also help against jock itch. Readers tell us original Listerine works against dandruff, so it might work against jock itch if he’s careful.
An old-fashioned approach others have recommended is Whitfield’s ointment. It contains benzoic and salicylic acids in an extract of oak bark. Your pharmacist should be able to order it or make you some.
