Q. The humidity this summer is driving me crazy. I have what men probably call jock itch. It looks like a fungal infection in my groin area. I have tried over-the-counter creams without much success. I have eaten tons of yogurt and probiotics but that doesn’t help either.
I am going without underwear when ever possible and just wearing skirts in order to air the area out, but that has not worked very well either and there are some disadvantages to going without underwear.
Do you have any other suggestions?
A. Despite its name, jock itch is not restricted to guys who wear jock straps or even to men. This fungal infection invades the groin and thigh area. Anywhere there is a warm, moist, dark environment you can get fungal infections. Even after you clear up an infection, it can return, especially during the summer when the climate is hot and humid.
Usually, a topical antifungal agent such as miconazole (Micatin, Lotrimin AF spray, Zeasorb-AF), clotrimazole (Mycelex, Lotrimin AF cream or lotion) terbinafine (Lamisil)) or tolnaftate (Aftate, Tinactin) should control the problem. Persistence is crucial or the infection may return.
Cetaphil waterless cleansing lotion is another option. Cetaphil contains propylene glycol and cetyl alcohol, among other ingredients. Propylene glycol has some antifungal properties and Cetaphil has been used successfully by some readers. Here is one story:
“I was plagued with jock itch for over ten years and treated it with numerous dermatologist-prescribed and nonprescription medications.
“The last dermatologist I saw said I had developed reactions to all of them. He had me discontinue them and instead use a mild cortisone cream (0.5 percent) and Cetaphil cleanser. Almost at once I found the Cetaphil alone eliminated the condition and I was soon able to discontinue it too.
“Jock itch may not sound serious, but when something lasts ten years it has an impact. I became deeply depressed about the problem. Hope my solution works for someone else.”
Other readers report that soaps that contain teatree oil are helpful because this natural compound has antifungal activity. Listerine also contains herbal oils that can help fight fungus and some readers tell us that it is quite useful against jock itch. Just be careful not to get it on any sensitive tissues.
