Jock itch is an uncomfortable and bothersome skin infection yet it isn’t usually serious. People often feel embarrassed to talk about it and suffer in silence.
Jock itch also known as tinea cruris (in medical terminology) is a fungal infection caused by trichophyton rubrum. It commonly starts in groin area and spreads to scrotum, buttocks, penis or vagina, rear end and inner thighs.
Though it affects both men and women, men are more likely to get it. In most of the cases, people are even unaware of the reason why they got jock itch.
Non skin friendly underwear, fungal or yeast infections, heat, excess moisture, friction, candida infection, bacterial growth sweat and tight clothes are some of the possible reasons for jock itch.
People with diabetes, obesity, compromised immune system and athletes are more prone to jock itch.
Here are some of the common symptoms for jock itch.
- Burning sensation.
- Persistant itching.
- Red or pink bumps at each hair follicle.
- Rashes in groin folds.
- Flaking, cracking and peeling of skin.
- Changes in skin color.
- Sometimes fluid discharge in the affected area.
Jock itch is completely treatable at home and can be avoided as well.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Jock Itch
1) White Vinegar
Vinegar contains antifungal and natural drying qualities.
Process 1:
- Mix 1 part white vinegar and 4 parts water.
- Using cotton ball, apply the solution on affected areas.
- Let it dry completely.
- Repeat 2 – 3 times a day.
- For effective results, use apple juice instead of water.
Process 2: with Coconut Oil
- Mix 2 to 3 drops each of white vinegar and coconut oil.
- Apply it on the affected area and leave it overnight.
- Next morning, wash it with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the application every night before going to bed.
2) Aloe Vera
- Clean the affected areas with water and dry it completely with soft towel.
- Apply freshly extracted aloe vera gel on it.
- Let it dry completely.
- Repeat 3 times a day.
3) Coconut Oil
It has natural properties of antifungal, prevents dampness and soothes the irritation. Always use virgin coconut oil as it contains antifungal and antibacterial properties.
- Wash the area and pat dry.
- Apply coconut oil on jock itch.
- Let it dry completely.
- Repeat 3 times a day.
4) Salt
It helps to stop the fluid discharge. It also helps to reduce the infection by controlling the growth of the fungus. This process is also helpful in treating blisters and boils. For this process you can use table salt, bath salts or Epsom salt.
- To a bathtub filled with water, add 250gms of salt.
- Soak for few minutes and dry with a soft towel.
- Alternatively, you can clean the area with salt water soaked cloth.
- Repeat at least 2 times a day for effective results.
5) Baking Soda
It has drying and calming properties which help to soothe and prevent spread of the infection.
Process 1: Topical application
- Mix baking soda and enough amounts of water.
- Apply it on the affected areas.
- Leave it for 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
- Pat dry with a soft towel.
Process 2: Baking Soda Bath
It becomes difficult to apply baking soda paste on some areas like buttocks and thighs. So this process is effective way to treat jock itch in all areas.
- Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water.
- Mix 2 – 3 teaspoons of baking soda into it until it dissolves completely.
- Soak yourself for about 20 minutes and bath normally.
- Repeat daily to prevent the symptoms from spreading to other parts of the body.
6) Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains antifungal and antibacterial properties. It soothes the irritation as well.
Process 1:
- Using a cotton ball, apply few drops of tea tree oil to the affected area.
- And let it dry completely.
- Repeat 2 times a day.
- If the direct application is stinging or causing discomfort, dilute 3 – 4 drops of tea tree oil in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil and apply it.
Process 2:
This process is an effective way to treat jock itch and its symptoms with minimum effort.
- Fill your bathtub with lukewarm water.
- Add 2 – 3 drops of tea tree oil into it and stir well.
- Soak yourself for 20 minutes and pat the infected area dry with soft towel.
- Repeat this process once in 2 days.
7) Onion
The onion contains anti-provocative and anti-fungal properties. It can kill the fungus causing jock itch, athlete’s foot and other skin problems. For this process you can use onion juice, oil or paste.
- Apply onion juice or oil or paste on the affected areas.
- Leave it around 20 – 30 minutes.
- Wash the area with lukewarm water and pat dry.
- Repeat once or twice daily till you achieve the results.
8) Listerine
Want a quick relief from the itching then application of Listerine can provide it. It contains antiseptic and antifungal properties. Though the alcohol present in Listerine sting at the first, it doesn’t stay for longer time.
- Using a cotton ball, apply Listerine on the affected areas.
- Leave it to dry and wash with water.
- Repeat 3 – 4 times a day regularly for few months.
Note: If you have open wounds, then avoid application of Listerine to it.
9) Bleach
Bleach is known to be an effective remedy for ringworm. As jock itch is a form of ringworm, it is can be used treat both the infections. If your skin responds positively, you can reduce jock itch in 2 days or less with this remedy. Being a caustic chemical, it may leave a scar behind after using it. As it is a poisonous chemical, it has to be used only for a short time and with extreme caution. Don’t use bleach for more than 2 days even if you didn’t get rid of jock itch.
Process 1: Topical Bleach Application
- Combine 1 part each of bleach and water.
- Mix well to get a diluted solution.
- Wash the affected area and pat dry.
- Using a cotton ball, apply the solution on the affected area.
- Don’t apply it to the surrounding health skin.
- Leave it on and wash only when it causes burning sensation or any other discomfort.
- Repeat the process another day.
- Note: don’t repeat the process on third day even if you didn’t get relief from using the bleach for 2 days.
Process 2: Clorox Bleach
This process is effective in reducing the uncontrollable itch and prevents the spreading of the rash.
- Fill bath tub with lukewarm water.
- Add 50 ml of Clorox bleach to it and stir well.
- Soak in it for 20 minutes and dry with a soft towel.
- Apply any cream or powder if you wish.
- Repeat 2 times a day.
- Alternatively, you can also use bleach instead of Clorox bleach.
10) Apple Cider Vinegar
It contains antifungal and antibacterial properties which cure various skin infections like Candida itch and jock itch.
- Combine 2 cups of warm water and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
- Wash the affected area with the solution.
- Let it dry completely.
- Repeat 2 – 3 times a day, mainly before going to sleep.
- Alternatively, you can mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Place it in a refrigerator for cooling effect and spray it on the affected area.
11) Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol kills the fungus causing jock itch. It also dries up the area which keeps the affected area dry.
- In 90% isoprophy alcohol, dip a cotton ball.
- Rub it in the affected area and let it dry.
- Repeat several times a day.
12) Garlic
Garlic contains antifungal properties. It also helps to relieve you from the itching and pain.
Process 1:
- Peel and crush few garlic cloves and apply it on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for few minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat 2 – 3 times a day.
- Alternatively, you can eat garlic to strengthen your immune system.
Note: Don’t try this process if you have sensitive skin.
Process 2: With Olive Oil
- Fry few garlic cloves in the some olive oil.
- Let it cool down and strain it.
- Apply it on the affected area and leave it on for few hours.
- Rinse off with water.
- Repeat 3 times a day.
- Alternatively, you can use sesame oil instead of olive oil.
13) Honey
Honey contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. It also contains soothing properties which relieve from itching. Manuka honey is also a perfect alternative for honey. It is also effective for fungal infections like nail fungus, ringworm and jock itch.
Process 1:
- Apply honey to the affected area.
- Leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
- Rinse off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this 1 to 2 times a day until the infection clears.
- Alternatively, you can use manuka honey.
Process 2:
- Peel and crush few garlic cloves.
- Add enough honey and mix well.
- Apply it on the affected areas.
- On application, it may sting a little but it will stop soon.
- After few minutes, rinse off with water.
- Repeat twice a day.
- You can also apply the mixture before going to bed, leave it overnight and wash in the next morning.
- Include garlic in your daily diet to fight the infection from inside.
Process 3:
- To a small cup add 1 teaspoon honey and 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil.
- Stir well and apply it to the affected area.
- Leave it on undisturbed for 1/2 hour.
- Rinse it off with water and pat dry with soft cloth.
- Repeat the process daily.
14) Oatmeal and Epsom Salt
Process 1:
- Fill your bath tub with warm water.
- Add 2 cups of oatmeal and 1 cup of Epsom salt to it.
- Soak for 20 minutes and pat dry.
- For extra benefits, add 10 – 20 drops of lavender oil.
- Repeat daily 2 times.
Process2:
- Blend oatmeal into coarse powder.
- Fill your bathtub with cold water.
- Add 2 cups of oatmeal powder into it and stir well.
- Soak yourself for 20 minutes.
- Massage the skin around the genitals during soaking.
- Repeat regularly.
Note: Following this process before going to bed provides relief from itching and makes you sleep better.
15) Essential Oils
Some of the essential oils you can use to treat jock itch are – peppermint oil, jasmine oil, chamomile oil, oregano oil, lemon oil and grapefruit seed extract.
Process 1:
- Choose any essential oil of your choice from the above list.
- Apply few drops of the oil on the affected area.
- Leave it to dry completely.
- Repeat the application 2 times a day.
Process 2: Vaseline and Oregano Oil
Oregano oil contains antibacterial properties which treat jock itch in no time. It may cause burning sensation severely on application but hold on it as it will reduce in some time.
- Apply a small amount of Vaseline over the infected area.
- Using a cotton ball, apply 2 – 3 drops of oregano oil on the infected area.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes or until it dries completely.
- Repeat the process once in 2 days. Jock itch will clear in 2 in 3 days.
Process 3: Jasmine and Orange Oil
This combination provides instant relief from the skin irritation and itchiness.
- Combine 1 tablespoon each of Jasmine oil and orange oil.
- Mix well and apply on the affected area.
- Leave the application overnight and rinse it off the next morning.
- Repeat this process daily.
Process 4: Chamomile
As it contains anti-allergic and antiseptic properties, it provides very quick relief from jock itch.
- Gently rub 1 tablespoon of chamomile oil on the infected area.
- Leave the application overnight and rinse it off the next morning while taking bath.
- Repeat this process regularly until you achieve the results.
16) Hydrogen Peroxide
It is made up of oxygen and water which makes it a very good germicidal and natural sanitizer. It kills the fungus, bacteria, yeast and microorganisms by oxidizing them. Though it is very dangerous to microorganisms, it is completely safe to use. When it comes to contact with any organic material, it breaks down into oxygen and water which are completely safe for us.
Process 1:
- Soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and apply it on the affected area.
- You may experience a stinging sensation.
- Apply some petroleum jelly above the hydrogen peroxide application.
- Leave it overnight and wash with lukewarm water in the morning.
- Repeat the process nightly.
Process 2:
- Fill your bathtub with warm water.
- Add 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide, 1 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup each of baking soda and Epsom salt into it.
- Soak yourself for 20 minutes and pat dry.
- Combine 1 tablespoon each of hydrogen peroxide and water.
- Apply this solution on the affected area and let it dry completely.
17) Jasmine and Orange Oil
This combination provides instant relief from the itchiness and irritation.
- Combine 1 tablespoon each of jasmine oil and orange oil.
- Apply the solution on the affected area.
- Leave it on for overnight and rinse off in the next morning.
- Repeat the process daily before going to bed.
18) Raw Papaya
- Take a piece of raw papaya.
- Rub it on the affected area for few minutes.
- Leave it to dry completely.
- Repeat 2 times a day.
Note: If you are experiencing stinging sensation while rubbing the papaya then it indicates healing.
19) Black Walnut Tincture
Black walnut tincture is available in many health and online stores.
- Wash the affected area with water and pat dry.
- Apply few drops of the black walnut tincture on it.
- Leave it to dry completely.
- Repeat daily 2 times.
20) Chickweed and Olive Oil
- Place 1 cup of wilted chickweed leaves (fresh or dried) in a glass container.
- Add enough amounts of olive oil and 1 capsule of vitamin E to it.
- Close the container and place it near a sunny window for 7 days.
- Now strain the herbs, store the oil in refrigerator.
- Using a cotton ball, apply it on the affected area.
- Leave it to dry completely.
21) Unsalted butter
- Using a double boiler, melt 3 ounces of unsalted butter, a lump of beeswax, 3 tablespoons of cloves and 5 tablespoons of ground juniper berries.
- Let everything melts, remove from the flame and let it cool down.
- Now add 1 tablespoon sulphur powder to it and stir well.
- Apply a small of amount on the affected area and let it dry completely.
- Repeat 2 times a day.
22) Alcohol and Butter
- Combine 1 cup of butter and 1 tablespoon of alcohol.
- Mix well and refrigerate it for 5 – 6 hours.
- Take out enough mixture and apply it on the affected area.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off with water.
- Repeat daily.
23) Cornstarch
Cornstarch is the primary ingredient in many baby powders. It leaves a fresh, dry feeling while soothing the itchiness and raw effects of scratched areas. It can be applied after any treatment and also to prevent jock itch. It absorbs the moisture thus reduces the chances of infections.
- Sprinkle some corn starch on the affected area.
- Let it dry completely.
- Repeat the process every 4 hours.
24) Calendula
Calendula oil is derived from calendula flowers and marigold. It contains wonderful healing, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is especially perfect for people with sensitive skin.
- Apply some calendula oil on affected area.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes or until it dries completely.
- Repeat the application 2 times daily until achieve the results.
25) Aloe Vera
It contains non-acidic qualities and natural soothing properties which provide instant relief from the itchiness. Its antibacterial properties kill the fungus causing jock itch. You can either use aloe vera gel or aloe vera cream to treat jock itch.
- Apply an even layer of aloe vera gel on the infected area.
- Wait until the gel gets to dry completely.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water later.
- Repeat this process at least 3 times a day.
26) Lavender Oil
It contains antiseptic and antifungal properties, which heals the wounds and aids the formation of the scar tissue and spreading of infection. Because of its mild nature, lavender oil is typically safe to use on children.
- Combine 1 part lavender oil and 10 parts jojoba oil.
- Gently apply small amount of the mixture on the affected area.
- Let it dry completely.
- Repeat the application 2 times a day.
27) Turmeric
It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which help to provide quick relief from jock itch.
- Mix 1 teaspoon turmeric powder and enough water or coconut oil to make a fine paste.
- Apply an even layer of the mixture on the rash.
- Leave it as long as required and rinse off with water
- Repeat 2 times a day.
28) Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Though it sounds weird, anti-dandruff shampoo is efficient in removing the infection from the surface of the skin. This process helps to reduce the itching, red rashes and burning sensation caused by jock itch.
- Wash the affected area with anti-dandruff shampoo.
- Repeat the process daily.
Tips and Precautions:
- Good hygiene does the trick every time. Keeping the area clean and dry will help to treat and prevent jock itch.
- While cleaning the affected, dry it with a clean and soft towel. Never use the same towel used for affected area to the rest of the body. Use separate ones instead.
- Avoid shower gels or soaps that contain harsh chemicals like paraben.
- Use antiseptic soap instead of other soaps.
- Prevent accumulation of moisture in the affected area. You can dust some talcum powder to prevent the growth of fungus.
- After exercising shower immediately, as sweat can spread the infection.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes as it creates moist environment and the fungus starts growing.
- Avoid scratching the affected area as it can worsen the condition.
- Avoid sharing clothes, swimwear, innerwear and towels with others until the jock itch is completely solved.
- Wash your underwear, swimwear and workout clothes in hot soapy after each use.
- If you are sweating a lot then change your underwear regularly.
- Prefer clothes and underwear made up of cotton and loosely fitted. Avoid undergarments made up of polyester, synthetic and nylon clothing.
- To keep the groin dry use antifungal powder like Zeasorb or Lamisil.
- If you have athlete’s foot, treat it to avoid jock itch.
- It is very important to wash the athletic supporters frequently.
- If you have athlete’s foot, wear socks first before wearing your underwear. This make sure the fungus doesn’t spread to the groin from your feet.
- Avoid carrying wet or sweaty clothing in your workout bag or locker. Wash them after each and every use.
- Discontinue using any remedies if it develops or worsens the irritation or rash.
- Always consult your doctor before using essential oil, especially for children, pregnant women or under medication.
- Sunlight has the capability of killing any type of fungal infection. Walking under the sun especially during morning is very essential.
- Baby powder is very mild and works well on sensitive skin. Apply baby powder at regular interval times to reduce the moisture levels and cure jock itch.
- Extra skin folds are also very common reason for the growth of fungus. So it is important to shed the additional pounds.
- Never use hot water to clean the jock itch affected area.
- Avoid using fabric conditioners and bleach to wash your clothes.
- Don’t rub the affected area with towel instead just gently pat to dry.
- Refrain from wearing underwear while sleeping.
- If your rash is worse, then it is better to avoid physical activities for few days until the jock itch is cured.
- Especially, athletes are more prone to this problem so it is important for them to take a few days off to cure the infection. Otherwise it can worsen to severe and chronic fungal infection which keeps on recurring.
- Even after using the remedies above, if jock itch doesn’t get cured, it is important to the consult a doctor.
We hope these solutions help to get rid of the embarrassing jock itch. Please share your comments and suggestions in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jock Itch Contagious?
Most of the time, jock itch is not contagious. Yet it can be transmitted through skin or sexual contact, sharing towels or swim wear.
Is Jock Itch Caused by Athlete’s Foot?
Patients with athlete’s foot are more prone to developing jock itch because sometimes the infection can spread from the foot to groin area. So it recommended wearing socks before wearing underwear or pant to prevent the infection from spreading.
What are Possible Complications of Jock Itch?
Actually jock itch is usually a self-limited skin condition. Due to scratching, friction or rubbing it can lead to cellulitis or abscess formation. Temporary skin discoloration either post inflammatory hypopigmentation (lighten than regular skin color) or hyperpigmentation (darker than regular color) is also a potential complication of jock itch. This discoloration can reduce once the rash improves. Permanent scarring caused by jock itch is very uncommon.
Does Diet have anything to do Jock Itch?
Few tweaks to your regular diet can make huge difference in preventing and healing jock itch. Foods that are rich in carbohydrates and sugars encourage the growth of fungus. So, it is better to avoid them and include more whole fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Avoid alcohol consumption especially beer as it can cause yeast to grow. Eating probiotic foods, curd, yogurt, cheese and other milk products can strengthen the immune system and develop good bacteria to fight with the fungal infection.
Is there any Lab Test Available to Help Diagnose Jock Itch?
Actually, there are no lab tests to determine the jock itch. X-rays and CT scans are not useful in diagnosing the infection. To check for bacteria like staphylococcus on the skin, a bacterial culture may be useful. To determine whether jock itch is caused due to yeast or fungus, microscopic skin tests or fungal tests using potassium hydroxide can be helpful. In atypical or widespread cases, a skin biopsy with histopathological evaluation can be used.
Does Jock Itch Affect the Entire Body?
No, it does not affect the entire body. In rare conditions, the jock itch infection can spread past the groin, thighs and genitals.
