Human skin is home to an amazing array of organisms that are too tiny to see with the naked eye. Most of the time, these microbes get along well enough. But occasionally, their ecological system gets thrown out of balance and one type or another starts to make trouble. If it’s a yeast that is taking over, the result can be irritating and itchy: dandruff, athlete’s foot or jock itch. What can you do to ease your jock itch?
Antifungal Approaches to Ease Your Jock Itch:
Q. I have found a way to deal with jock itch that can be troublesome when the weather gets warm. Nizoral A-D shampoo used as a body wash in combination with Zeasorb or similar powder applied after showering is very effective in controlling jock itch and other itching in the folds of the skin.
If I have a stubborn breakout, I add antifungal cream, but daily use of Nizoral A-D and Zeasorb cuts down on the frequency of those breakouts. I also wash my feet with Nizoral and put the Zeasorb powder in my shoes as well. I think that helps against athlete’s foot.
Why Does Nizoral Shampoo Ease Your Jock Itch?
A. Jock itch describes an irritating skin condition usually caused by yeast overgrowth. Antifungal drugs can be quite helpful, which is why Nizoral A-D shampoo is working so well for you. This OTC dandruff treatment contains ketoconazole, an antifungal medication. Ketoconazole is sometimes prescribed as an oral tablet or a topical cream to treat yeast or fungal infections. We are not surprised Nizoral shampoo is helpful against jock itch.
Zeasorb powder absorbs moisture to keep skin dry. In addition, the Zeasorb AF formula contains the antifungal drug miconazole. As you noted, it can also help control athlete’s foot, a different fungal infection.
More Praise for Zeasorb AF:
Years ago, another reader wrote about using Zeasorb AF powder against jock itch:
“Shortly after moving to Charleston, SC, in 1988 I developed very uncomfortable itching over much of my body, including my armpits, groin and chest. A physician diagnosed it as ‘Charleston Crud’ and recommended Zeasorb AF, an antifungal body powder.
“The antifungal ingredient is miconazole. I used it while working in boiler plants and equipment rooms.
“It’s wonderful. I apply it to my underarms and other trouble spots. Jock itch can be carried in clothing and cause re-infection, so I iron my underclothes with a hot iron.”
Other readers chimed in with their own suggestions.
Jean G hadn’t yet tried Zeasorb for her under-breast rash:
“Just last week my gynecologist recommended that powder for a rash under my breasts. I haven’t gotten it as yet, as previous powders just cake up. But now I will try it, and see what happens.”
FBL recommended health-food store products:
“A more natural result can be obtained by rinsing the area with a mild solution of GSE (grapefruit seed extract) and then rubbing in a little bit of coconut oil. Both are anti-fungal and are safe to use. A friend who lives in the south called and I suggested this. It worked beautifully!”
RLC prefers a prescription solution:
“I tried over the counter stuff for athlete’s foot and jock itch. Sure it works, but it takes a number of days to see results and it always came back.
“Finally, I went to a doctor and got a prescription for Clotrimazole and Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream USP, 1%/0.05%. Trust me, that’s the way to go. Used it twice and gone.”
Finally, an anonymous reader picked up on the idea of ironing underclothes and suggested a different approach for that:
“Another way to kill fungus in cotton underwear is to microwave it after it comes out of the washing machine. This gets it steaming hot (although it’s probably hard on the elastic in the underpants!). Then dry on a clothesline if you can. The sunlight will bleach them white and the wind softens the fabrics without all the darn chemicals that you pay for in the disposable dryer sheets.”
