Jock itch, also known as ‘Tinea Cruris’ is a kind of fungus infection caused due to the exposure and growth of the fungus Trichophyton rubrum. Jock itch affects both men and women and this fungal infection can be found on the groin, buttocks, genital area and inner thighs.
Some of the symptoms of jock itch are itching, redness, burning sensation, and flaking of skin on the affected skin area. People having diseases like AIDS, diabetes and obesity are more prone to suffer from jock itch due to weak immune system.
Jock itch is mildly contagious, so it is necessary not to share personal belongings with any other person. Even though it is a minor medical condition, it can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing. Fortunately, you can try various natural home remedies for jock itch in order to get some relief from the uncomfortable symptoms.
Here are top 10 ways to get rid of Jock Itch.
1. Tea Tree Oil
As tea tree oil has got natural antifungal properties, it can be used to solve the problem of jock itch along with other types of skin infection. This oil has also got deep cleansing and stimulating elements along with powerful antibacterial quality. With the help of a clean cotton ball apply tea tree oil to the affected skin area twice daily. This will help to get rid of the itchiness and inflammation. Continue to apply tea tree oil for a few days until the symptoms of jock itch disappear completely. For effective results, it is also a good idea to use soap or shower gel containing tea tree oil.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Washing the infected skin area with diluted apple cider vinegar is a great way to deal with jock itch as it has got strong properties to cure and control different types of skin infections. Prepare a mixture by adding one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Now use this solution to wash the infected area and allow it to dry on its own for about ten minutes. Repeat this process two to three times in a day and especially before going to bed. Another option is to make a mixture by adding half cup of butter and one teaspoon of alcohol to one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Put this mixture in the refrigerator for four to five hours and then apply it on the affected body part. This remedy is not for those who have highly sensitive skin.
3. Garlic
Garlic is a great ingredient that can be used in the treatment of jock itch. Take few garlic cloves and crush them. Now apply the crushed garlic cloves directly on the affected skin area. Soon this remedy will give you relief from the itchy feeling and pain and at the same time it will also control the growth of infection. Another option is to blend few garlic cloves with olive oil and then apply it on the infected area two to three times a day. You can eat raw garlic to make your immune system strong which will work as a healing method. If you wish you can also take garlic supplement daily to get benefitted from the antifungal properties of garlic.
4. Bleach
Prepare a mixture by adding two tablespoon of bleach to two glasses of warm water. Take a clean cotton cloth and dip it into this mixture and apply it on the infected body part. Repeat this process three to four times a day for several days until you get relief from the symptoms of jock itch. Else you can also soak in a bathtub prepared with one quarter cup of bleach and a bathtub full of water. You can do it daily or every alternate day depending upon the growth of infection. Never forget to pat dry your skin problem after this remedy as moisture can worsen the condition.
5. White Vinegar
Bathing in diluted white vinegar or applying it directly onto the affected skin area can also help a lot in dealing with skin infection like jock itch. Take one part of white vinegar and mix it to four parts of clean water. Now, soak a washcloth in this diluted white vinegar solution and use it to gently wash the affected area thoroughly. Allow the solution to dry on its own. This remedy will prevent the infection from returning or spreading. Another option is to apply diluted white vinegar and coconut oil onto the affected skin area twice daily.
6. Salt Bath
Taking regular bath with salt water is one of the easiest ways to solve the problem of jock itch. It can also be effective in treating boils and blisters. To enjoy this kind of bath fill the bath tub with warm water and add salt to it generously. You can use Epsom salts, bath salts, or iodized salt. Soak your body in this warm solution for twenty to thirty minutes. This procedure should be practiced at least twice a day for better result. Salt will help the infection to heal quickly and at the same time it will also control the growth of fungus.
7. Antibacterial Soap
You can also use any good quality anti bacterial soap to deal with the problem of jock itch. Use an anti-bacterial soap to clean the infected area. Finally wash the area with lukewarm water and pat dry the area with a clean towel. You must also use a blow dryer to dry the area properly. Repeat this process three to four times in a day and soon the infection will come under control and you will get relief from the symptoms.
8. Honey
Pure honey can also be applied on the infected skin area to cure jock itch. The inhibitory property present in honey will have a direct impact on the fungus. Else you can make a paste of honey and garlic and apply it on the infected skin. This may cause stinging sensation for few minutes but soon it will stop and you will get relief from the itchiness and inflammation. It has also been found that applying a mixture made of equal parts honey, beeswax and olive oil, to the infection area three times daily can also help a lot. You need to follow this procedure for about three weeks to get better results.
9. Onion
Onion has got anti-fungal, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties and so you can always rely on onion to treat jock itch. Onion can easily kill the fungus that causes jock itch or athlete’s foot. Make a paste of onion and put it on the infected area. Leave for about half an hour and then rinse the area thoroughly with lukewarm water. Finally pat dry the area with the help of a blow dryer. Instead of onion paste you can also use onion juice and onion oil. At the same time, try to add onion in your cooking to give microbial protection to your whole body.
10. Listerine
The use of listerine can also help a lot in the treatment of jock itch. The antiseptic properties present in listerine can instantly give relief to the inflammation, one of the main symptoms of jock itch. At the same time the alcohol present in listerine will kill the fungi and the antibacterial properties will take care of any other bacteria. With the help of a clean cotton ball, apply listerine on the affected skin area. Initially it will hurt a lot but soon you will get relief from the soreness and inflammation. Repeat this process three to four times a day for a few months for complete relief.
To conclude, along with the above mentioned remedies you need to bear in mind that personal hygiene is very important. Personal hygiene will prevent jock itch from spreading to other body parts or other persons.
Diet for Jock Itch
Since jock itch is a fungal infection, include good quantity of garlic in your food. Garlic has antifungal qualities. Apply honey and garlic alternatively on the infected skin.
Avoid eating refined carbohydrates, sugar and food items that contain yeasts. Avoid alcohol because it eventually converts to sugar. Your diet must contain a lot of raw fruits and vegetables. Avoid greasy, fried and processed foods.
