03/06/2019 / By Michelle Simmons
Jock itch, also known as Tinea cruris, is a fungal infection around the groin area. Although it is not a serious infection, it can be very annoying and uncomfortable. It causes itching, chafing, redness, cracking, and peeling. Fortunately, you can treat it at home with these natural remedies:
- Bleach: Bleach is an effective anti-fungal treatment for jock itch. Do not apply bleach directly to the infection because bleach on its own can eat through the skin and cause serious burns. Make a bleach solution by combining 3 parts water to 1 part bleach, then mix it well. Once you have made the mixture, apply a very light coating of the water-and-bleach mixture using a dropper or a washcloth to apply the solution to the infected area. Repeat this method every couple of hours to completely kill the infection.
- Garlic: Garlic is one of the best natural anti-fungal remedies. It can relieve itching, burning, and redness associated with the infection. In addition, garlic also has antibacterial properties that will fight infections inside and outside the body. You can make a garlic paste by mixing several cloves of garlic with a small amount of olive oil, then apply the paste directly to the infected area. Repeat this multiple times a day until the itching stops. You can also take garlic capsules orally for several days. (Related: Garlic’s healing properties are so intense that it is 100 times more effective than antibiotic treatments.)
- Light: You can treat jock itch using light. Exposing the infected area to light will help dry up the infection and stop the itching by absorbing the liquid. To do this, sleep as close as possible to a halogen light bulb as you can without burning yourself. If you want, you can also use a tanning bed or you can lay out in the sun.
- Salty bath: Taking a salty bath can help treat jock itch. Prepare a salty bath by pouring a generous amount of regular table salt into your bath water. Get in your salty bath and stay for at least 15 minutes or longer to let the salt penetrate the infected areas. Do this two to three times each day for several days. The salt helps treat jock itch by drawing liquid from the infection, drying it up, and cleaning up the sores.
What causes jock itch?
Jock itch is caused by mold-like fungi known as dermatophytes. These microscopic fungi thrive on warm and wet places, which is why jock itch usually occurs in the skin around the groin, inner thigh, and buttocks. They multiply quickly and cause infections. The infection causes a rash that typically itches or burns. Jock itch is most common in men and adolescent boys.
Jock itch can be prevented from occurring or re-occurring by taking these several measures:
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes. Instead, wear loose-fitting clothes made of cotton or synthetic materials that absorb moisture.
- Avoid lending or borrowing clothes, towels, or washcloths.
- After showering, let the groin area dry completely before putting on underwear and clothes.
- Wash the groin area regularly with soap and dry it thoroughly. You can also apply baby powder to the area to prevent excess moisture.
Learn more on how to treat jock itch and other similar infections naturally by going to Remedies.news.
Sources include:
Homeo-Pathic.EYS.es
Healthline.com
VerywellHealth.com