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How can I get Rid of Jock Itch?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Jock itch, known scientifically as tinea cruris is a fungal infection that affects the skin folds in the groin or pubic region. It is uncomfortable, can be itchy, and usually presents as a red rash. It is more likely to occur in men than in women, and is usually the result of exposure to and growth of the fungus Trichophyton rubrum. It may occur with more frequency if a person has excessive sweating in the groin region and does not wear moisture wicking clothing.

Standard treatment to get rid of jock itch is to apply cream, ointment or powder containing an antifungal agent, like miconazole or clotrimazole. These can often be purchased over the counter, though occasionally a higher dosage of an antifungal treatment needs to be prescribed. On rare occasions the condition is so severe that it needs to be treated with an oral antifungal medication. This is uncommon, and most people notice the discomfort of jock itch long before it reaches an advanced stage.

Cotton boxers allow air flow and keeps the affected area cool.
Cotton boxers allow air flow and keeps the affected area cool.

If you are trying to cure jock itch and have never had it before, it is important to have it diagnosed by a medical professional. There are other skin conditions that can be similar. Intertrigo can also cause rash in the groin folds, and erythrasma is a bacterial infection that may mimic tinea cruris. Both of these conditions can be misdiagnosed, especially by laypersons, as jock itch, but they require very different treatments. Using antifungals to get rid of jock itch that is really erythrasma is a huge mistake, since it can exacerbate the problem.

Antifungal ointments are often used to treat jock itch.
Antifungal ointments are often used to treat jock itch.

Once you have been given a definite diagnosis you’ll generally get rid of jock itch by applying an antifungal cream twice daily to the affected area. It is also very important to keep this area cool. Change underwear a few times a day if you work in hot or sweaty conditions, and wear breathable and loosely fitting clothing. Cotton cloth is a good choice, and so are some of the new microfiber materials that are “wicking,” which means they pull moisture away from the skin instead of keeping the skin moist.

Yogurt with live active cultures can help fight jock itch.
Yogurt with live active cultures can help fight jock itch.

When you shower, you should be certain that the affected area is fully dry prior to putting on clothing. You should pat rather than rub the area dry, so as not to make itching worse. You can even use a fan, or a blow dryer on a cool setting to dry the area first prior to getting dressed.

If you get frequent outbreaks, you can use an antifungal cream or powder, or even corn starch or baby powder, once a day, to get rid of jock itch more permanently. You should also follow the above suggestions for keeping the skin as cool and dry as possible, and for clothing choices. You might also want to consider consuming yogurt that contains live active cultures, since this can help provide your body with bacteria needed to fight the fungus. Further, try to reduce your intake of sugary foods, as these can help fungus and yeast grow more rapidly.

Lastly, remember jock itch is contagious. Don’t share towels or clothing with others when you have this condition. Be sure that you dry underwear and towels in a hot dryer to destroy any yeast cells that might have survived the washing process.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon986824

Use butter, as it will cool and lube the area. Put a little butter on it.

anon967472

@anon 240115: Dead on the mark.

anon943730

Never use cornstarch! It's basically sugar and feeds the fungus. Use talc and only talc.

anon941834

Use toothpaste to dry it out. If you use the whitening ones it has peroxide may do the trick.

Also using urine (although it may sound gross) will cure it as well. Fresh urine since it is sterile when it comes out of the body.

They use to pee on wounds in World War II because of the lack of medical supplies, and people lived from gunshot wounds. Basically, the ammonia in the urine kills everything, so if you soak or let dry for 15 minutes, and then wash it off, it kills any bacteria or fungus. That's why inmates pee on their feet in prison in the shower.

I used urine on a deep cut that required stitches. I soaked it each day for 15 minutes and let it dry and washed it. When I went to see the doctor in a week, he was shocked at how fast it was healing. He asked me if I was taking any other medications for it.

anon302609

I currently have this problem. I have been using anti fungal cream for two weeks now it is improving but slowly. But mine has a blister as well. Which has nearly disappeared but the redness still remains. I plan on seeing a doctor tomorrow.

anon271294

I drank a warm glass of salt water, chopped up garlic and made a paste that I applied before taking a bath. I then took a Chlorinated tablet and crushed it up into a powder and ran some bath water and added that with some sea salt. After the tub I used my prescription along with tea tree oil mixed together and fallowed that up with a trip to a tanning bed where I covered only my privates. I felt like a million bucks the next day, but two weeks later started to itch again.

This time I will kill it for two to three weeks using the same treatments.

anon240115

I had jock itch for years. I went to a dermatologist who told me to put a 1/2 and 1/2 mixture of vinegar and water on the affected area.

I instead soaked paper towels and wrapped the affected area, sat on a plastic garbage bag and watched TV. I got up and re soaked the paper towel and reapplied. I did this three times and soaked the area for about 1.5 hours. I did this for three nights. I haven't had jock rash in over a year. I couldn't believe the fast results and the prescription was right in my kitchen.

calabama71

Many times, there are home remedies for many ailments, including jock itch. Of course, antifungal creams would be the first thing to do, but there are things to help prevent jock itch from reoccurring.

Always change sweaty clothes as soon as possible. When working out, never sit around with your work-out clothes on after your exercising. Always put on clean shorts before you put on your athletic supporter. The supporters can often cause irritation in the groin area which could lead to the growth of fungus. Cover the groin area with baby powder. This helps to prevent the moisture that can lead to jock itch. Try to avoid tight fitting clothes. That causes more sweating and friction.

Finally, weight is a factor. Doctors have found that obese persons are more susceptible to jock itch.

anon95760

I read on MayoClinic not to use corn starch because it accelerates the growth of fungus and is contraindicated.

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    • Cotton boxers allow air flow and keeps the affected area cool.
      By: Jiri Hera
      Cotton boxers allow air flow and keeps the affected area cool.
    • Antifungal ointments are often used to treat jock itch.
      By: Tinga
      Antifungal ointments are often used to treat jock itch.
    • Yogurt with live active cultures can help fight jock itch.
      By: creative soul
      Yogurt with live active cultures can help fight jock itch.
    • Baby powder can be used to get rid of stubborn jock itch.
      By: Graça Victoria
      Baby powder can be used to get rid of stubborn jock itch.
    • Corn starch can be used to treat frequent outbreaks of jock itch.
      By: Sea Wave
      Corn starch can be used to treat frequent outbreaks of jock itch.