Preventing Jock Itch

Jock itch is the term used for fungal infection in the groin and upper thigh area. Various fungi and bacteria live on the tissues of our body around the nails, skin and hair.

They also thrive in warm and moist places like groin and upper thighs. When we start sweating in these areas and the sweat is not properly dried then the fungi present there starts to multiply and causes infection.

Causes of jock itch

Jock itch as the name suggests is not only that athletes can suffer; anybody who sweats a lot can experience it. Men are mostly affected rather than girls. Obese people are affected by this itch very often because as they walk friction is caused in between the two body parts and the sweat is not able to dry there and hence itch is caused.

Also people who sweat a lot while playing or wear very tight clothes that does not allow air to pass between the body parts and also people who share clothes can also be affected. People with certain medical conditions like diabetes and others that can affect the immune system can also be affected.

Symptoms

Symptoms of jock itch include itching, burning, appearance of a circular red rash, which is slightly elevated and sometimes peeling or cracking of skin also takes place. If the jock itch is not treated on time then it could last for more than a month but proper treatment can heal it within a day or two.

Prevention

It depends on the person how to prevent or treat it. Never wear too tight clothes, change your under-garments daily, take bath every day and apply anti-fungal creams and powders if you are affected by it, wash the area properly, do not use the same towel with which your are cleaning the itch area on the whole body and also let the area dry completely before you wear anything.

As jock itch is caused due to fungal infection, one should consume good quantity of garlic in the food because garlic has anti-fungal qualities that help in the treatment. One should eliminate sugars from the food. If the condition is still becoming worse, consult your doctor.