Emile MackieJock itch is an infection caused by fungi, and affects the groin, inner thighs, buttocks and genital areas of both men and women. It usually affects those areas of the body that are moist, and is very common in athletes and adult men. Other causes may include sweating, weak immune system, diabetes, being overweight and wearing tight-fitting cloths and undergarments. The signs to look out for include – redness on the folds of the groin, itching, pain and burning sensation, blisters and flaking of the skin. Fortunately, it is not a very serious skin condition, and can be controlled by using antifungal ointments prescribed by a registered doctor. However, there are a few homemade remedies you can try, if you experience a jock itch for the first time.
Home Remedies for Jock Itch
1. Alcohol
Alcohol helps kill fungi that causes jock itch and keeps the skin around the groin dry. Use alcohol that is 90% isopropyl. Dab a cotton ball in the alcohol and apply on the affected area. Alcohol evaporates immediately, so you do not have to wash it off. Do this 4 to 5 times in a day until the itch subsides.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a strong anti-fungal that checks different kinds of skin inflammations. Mix two cups of warm water with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Use the mixture to wash the affected area and let it dry (do not wash off with water). Do this thrice a day.
3. Bleach
Bleach has three-in-one properties and is ideal for treating jock itch. Fill a bath tub with water and add ¼ cup of bleach to it. Now soak your body in the water for 15 minutes. Do this every day or on every alternate day. The itch will subside quickly. Do not forget to wash your body with regular water afterwards.
4. Listerine
Listerine mouthwash has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that ward off the red inflammation on skin. Apply Listerine mouthwash on the affected areas using a cotton ball. Let the solution dry.
Note- Do not use Listerine, if you have any open wounds around the groin area.
5. White Vinegar
Mix vinegar and warm water in the ratio 1:4. Soak a cloth or handkerchief in the solution. Wipe the affected area with this cloth and allow the solution to dry. Do not rinse it off. Repeat this two times in a day.
- Another option is to mix equal amounts of coconut oil and vinegar. Apply the mixture on the affected area and leave it overnight. Wash it off in the morning and repeat again until the infection clears off.
6. Salt Bath
Salt helps prevent the infection as well as treats blisters. You can use any type of salt for this treatment. Fill a bath tub with water and add 200 grams of salt to it. Soak your body in the water for 30 minutes and then wash it off with regular warm water. Do this every day at night before going to bed.
7. Onion
Make an onion paste and apply it on the affected area. Keep it on for half an hour and then rinse it off with water. You can also use onion oil or juice instead of the paste.
8. Honey
Honey makes the skin smooth. To treat fungal infections such as jock itch, use manuka honey on the affected areas. Wash it off with warm water after 30 minutes and pat dry.
- Mix two tablespoons of honey with ½ teaspoon of minced garlic and apply it onto the affected skin. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then wash off. Try any one of these remedies at least twice in a day.
9. Garlic
Garlic has anti-fungal properties that help cure jock itch. People with sensitive skin should not use this remedy, as it can cause a burning sensation.
- Apply garlic paste on the affected skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash it off and pat dry. Repeat it 3 times in a day.
- Fry a few cloves of garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Strain the oil and let it cool down. Now apply the oil onto the affected area before you sack out. Wash it off in the morning. Do this daily until the infection clears off.
10. Baking Soda
Make a paste by mixing baking soda with water. Apply it on the infected skin. After 20 minutes, wash it off with water and pat the skin dry.
11. Coconut Oil
Use coconut oil in its purest form. Wash the area and pat it dry. Next apply coconut oil on the infected skin and let it be there. Do this two times in a day.
12. Corn Starch
Sprinkle corn starch on the affected area of the groin. It will keep that area dry. Do this after every 4 hours.
13. Oatmeal Bath
Add two cups of powdered oatmeal to a bath tub. Soak your body in the tub for 20 minutes. Massage the groin area with the water. Repeat this every night before you hit the hay.
14. Baby Powder
Baby powder is very useful for keeping the moist areas of our body dry. Sprinkle baby powder generously in the areas where you sweat the most.
15. Sunlight
Sunlight helps kill any type of fungal infection. Walking in the sun, especially in the morning, is ideal for patients suffering from acute jock infection.
16. Anti-dandruff Shampoo
Washing the groin area with a good anti-dandruff shampoo will help clear the boils and blisters.
Herbal Remedies for Jock Itch
17. Herbal Extracts
Extracts of herbs like lemon grass, calendula and witch hazel are ideal for treating jock itch. Simply rub the extracts on the infected area and leave it.
18. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint reduces the itchiness. Apply peppermint oil onto the infected area every morning.
19. Jasmine Oil
Mix jasmine oil with orange oil and apply onto the infected area on a daily basis.
20. Chamomile
Chamomile oil helps relieve the itchiness. Apply a few drops onto the affected skin area every day.
21. Oregano Oil
Mix oregano oil with any other essential oil and apply onto the skin.
22. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Instead of the natural seed, commercially manufactured grape fruit extracts are ideal for treating jock itch. You can easily find the body washes and creams made from grapefruit at chemist shops.
23. Goldenseal Root
Apply goldenseal extract onto the infected skin area and see the difference. One can also take goldenseal orally, to improve the immune system.
24. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the best natural remedies to treat any skin infection. You can use aloe vera based creams, body washes, ointments and soaps which are ideal to treat jock itch.
25. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has anti-bacterial qualities that reduce itchiness and inflammation of the skin. Dilute 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 4 drops of tea tree oil. Dab a cotton ball, dipped in this solution, onto the infected skin area and allow it to dry. Do this two times in a day.
- Alternatively, fill a tub with water and add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to it. Now soak your body in the water for 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use a tea tree oil based body wash.
Do’s
- Maintain good hygiene, particularly of the groin area.
- Use pH-balanced cleansers that are soap-free.
- Keep the infected area dry.
- Wear cotton underwear.
- Bathe at least two times in a day.
- Refrain from scratching.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables.
- If you are overweight, shed those additional pounds, as extra skin folds provide a favourable environment for the growth of fungus.
Don’ts
- Do not use very hot water to clean the infected area.
- Don’t wear tight fitting clothes.
- Refrain from using fabric conditioners and bleach to wash your clothes.
- Do not rub the affected area with a towel.
- Do not share your towel with anyone.
- Avoid wearing underwear at night when you sleep.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sweet foods like chocolate.
Cloe Ratliff
