When most people think of jock itch they imagine young men wearing athletic supporters. In other words, jock straps. These undergarments support the crown jewels while running, biking or engaging in other vigorous sporting activities. Jock itch gets its name from the general area where it strikes. A red or pink rash accompanied by intense itching or burning in the groin area is fairly typical of a fungal infection (tinea cruris). It can strike athletes, non-athletes, men and women. People who are overweight are especially susceptible to these fungal infections.
Here is a typical question from a reader:
Q. I have had jock itch for about a year now. The cream the doctor gave me doesn’t work. Do you have any other suggestions?
A. Jock itch is usually triggered by a fungal infection. Warm, moist areas such as the folds of the groin provide hospitable conditions for these organisms.
We are not surprised that you have had a hard time overcoming this infection. These rashes can be controlled, but they sometimes recur. If this problem persists, you should see a dermatologist for a 1) definitive diagnosis and 2) an effective jock itch treatment.
What Triggers Jock Itch?
Your skin has millions of organisms living contentedly and breeding with abandon. Some are bacterial in origin while others are fungal. Most of the time you are totally unaware of them. The ecology of your skin can be affected by a variety of factors.
When it is hot and humid we sweat more. Fungi thrive in damp, dark places. That includes your toes (where athlete’s foot occurs) as well as your groin. Intense physical activity can encourage the growth of fungi. But even people who are sedentary can develop jock itch. Remember, the folds of the skin are perfect breeding grounds for lots of organisms.
Can You Catch Jock Itch if You’re a Woman?
Apparently you can “catch” tinea cruris from someone else. Here is a story from one reader in this regard:
“I picked up some kind of itch, looks like Jock Itch, from the ladies dressing room. That’s right, from TRYING ON PANTS. Usually I don’t wear pants but this time I wanted to see some nice styles.
“Not long after, I developed a bad case of itching inside my thighs and across my buttocks and on the mons pubic. The itch would come in the evening or if I accidentally touched the areas, then it would flare up.
“Never in my life did I experience jock Itch. Now that I read about its causes, like poor hygiene and excess uncleaned sweat, I feel sort of disgusted on the pants and who might have passed it on. Were they the ones I bought or the other ones I tried and didn’t buy? If only there was a way to detect it on the clothing.”
Fighting Fungus:
Topical Antifungal Creams, Gels & Sprays:
Antifungal creams (often the same that are used for athlete’s foot or vaginal yeast infections) are frequently recommended. We also like gel formulations because they are less greasy. The key is the anti-fungal action, however. Some ingredients to consider include:
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF Cream, Candid Gel, generic formulations)
- Miconazole (Lotrimin AF Powder Spray, Monistat, Micatin)
- Terbinafine (Lamisil)
- Tolnaftate (Tinactin)
It has been our experience that fighting fungus can require a lot of patience. Do not expect one application to do the trick. It may take a few weeks to see good results. And just when you think you have conquered jock itch, you may discover that it has come back.
Gentle Cleansing:
Other approaches include using Cetaphil cleanser on the affected area instead of soap and water. The ingredient propylene glycol in Cetaphil has both antibacterial and antifungal activity (Journal of Investigative Dermatology, May, 1947).
Cetaphil does not have to be scrubbed off. In fact, NEVER scrub a fungal infection no matter how much it itches. That will only make it worse. Be gentle!
Dandruff Shampoo?
Dandruff shampoo such as Selsun Blue containing selenium sulfide might also be helpful. That may seem illogical, but remember that dandruff is thought to originate because of a fungal/yeast infection. Be sure to rinse the skin gently with warm water after washing with any dandruff shampoo.
Zeasorb Jock Itch Antifungal Powder:
To keep the fungus at bay over the long haul you will want to cut down on moisture in the groin area. A drying powder combined with an anti fungal ingredient can be helpful. We like Zeasorb AF with miconazole.
Other Remedies for Jock Itch:
Dermatologists like antifungal creams because they make sense. But sometimes there are other ways to control fungi. We have heard from readers that have had success with the following:
Listerine for Jock Itch:
A reader shared this story:
“I have been plagued with jock itch for weeks and had tried a couple of OTC creams with little success. I was getting ready to see my dermatologist when I read about using Listerine for jock itch, athlete’s foot, and other fungal infections.
“Listerine has now cleared the problem up in a couple of days. It stings for a minute or two when first applied, but it isn’t that bad and it really worked.”
Words of warning about Listerine. Do NOT apply it to abraded skin. The alcohol in Listerine will burn or sting. The essential oils in Listerine (amber colored preferably) do have some antifungal activity.
A.L. offers this ACV (apple cider vinegar) suggestion:
“Two showers a day, followed by a thorough air drying. Then apply Apple cider vinegar (I use it straight, but also try watered down) with a spray bottle and let air dry again.
“I actually spray, then pat the area down with tissue paper, then air dry. I suffer from jock itch every time it goes above 80 degrees. Apple cider vinegar has easily been the best solution. They say the acids in it make it so the fungus can’t thrive. There are many many accounts of it online working for people. It stings at first, but use it several times a day and it will most likely help a lot.”
Travis prefers white vinegar to ACV:
“White distilled vinegar works well on skin fungus. Apple cider vinegar does too, but distilled white vinegar does not stink nearly as much. It also works great on jock itch and athlete’s foot. I have used it for years.
“I put some in a spray bottle and spray it on before going to bed and again in the morning after a shower. Let it air dry before getting dressed. It works every time. Usually takes 2-3 days depending on how bad the fungal infection is.”
Again, we offer words of caution. Do not get Listerine or vinegar on genitals. OUCH! Also avoid abraded skin. Be very cautious at first to make sure you are not doing more damage to sensitive skin.
D.J.P says that dandruff shampoo works, but be patient:
“I have seen the shampoo Selsun Blue work for this. Be patient, it can take several weeks of application but it works. You just need to apply it to the skin several minutes each day.”
Randall tried an Australia remedy:
“I was suffering from persistant jock itch for 2 miserable embarrassing years. I used to scratch myself so much I would bleed. Nothing my doctor gave me got rid of it and I tried all of the over the counter antifungals. I am not a home remedy organic sort of person, but out of desperation, I bought some tea tree oil shampoo and began using it for about 2 months.
“It helped sooth some of the itching, but it I have to admit was a little irritating to my skin. However, after 2 months, I stopped using it and my skin went back to normal as in before I ever had this maddening jock itch. I feel like a new person. Now I am no longer using anything. I really thought I was doomed to live with embarrassing itching forever.”
Milk of Magnesia:
Jim tried MoM (milk of magnesia, aka magnesium hydroxide):
“I’ve had tremendous success with most skin irritations by just applying Milk of Magnesia. I’ve seen it work on shingles, (mine), jock itch, (my brother), a scalp rash that was diagnosed as a viral something that persisted after 2 years of treatment, ( a business associate), diaper rash…you name it, it works. Amazing. I buy the generic version at the dollar store.
“And it’s the best deodorant ever. Thanks for all you do. You’re greatly appreciated.”
Thanks for the vote of support Jim. Anyone who would like to learn more about MoM as a deodorant may find these products of interest.
Our Bottom Line:
We suspect that most people with jock itch will do well with a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil followed by an OTC antifungal cream or gel. Cutting down on moisture with a drying powder like Zeasorb AF can prevent recurrences.
Share your own jock itch story in the comment section below.
