Jock itch is one of the most common fungal infection of the skin often caused by the same fungus that results in athlete's foot. Though, technically you don't need to be an athlete to get a jock itch, but they are most common among athletes because of one simple reason, sweat! Athletes sweat a lot and often wear those sweaty clothes for a long period of time, which acts as a perfect breeding ground for the bacteria that cause jock itch. 

So, let us get into the depth of jock itch and know all about it such as:

What is Jock Itch!
Medically, jock itch is known as Tinea cruris or ringworm of the groin. It is caused by fungi called dermatophytes that live naturally on the skin. Typically, they are harmless, but under warm and moist conditions they multiply quickly and cause the infection. This is the reason why they develop in the skin around groin, inner thighs and buttocks. It can occur in males and females both, however, it is more frequently seen in males. Another reason which causes this infection includes: obesity, tight clothes and weak immune system.

Symptoms of the Jock Itch!
Watch out these symptoms given below to treat them quickly from stopping the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.

• Redness, flaking, peeling or cracking skin in the affected area
• Persistent itching & burning sensation in the affected area
• Patches that look like blisters and may ooze with sharply defined edges.
• Abnormally dark or light skin, sometimes permanent. 

Ways to Naturally Get Rid of Jock Itch:
In most conditions jock itch can be treated at home effectively. Some home remedies can help to alleviate the itchiness and inflammation caused by the jock itch. Try the following:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Simply mix 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar with two cups of warm water and wash the infected areas with this solution. Allow it to dry on its own. Repeat this process twice a day. 

2. Tea Tree Oil
Using tea tree oil directly on the rash can cause burning sensation for some people, therefore, mix 4-5 drops of the tea tree oil with a tbsp of coconut oil and apply it on the affected area. 

3. Rubbing alcohol
It efficiently kills the fungus causing the infection and keeps the affected area dry. You just need to dip the cotton ball in 90% isopropyl alcohol and dab it on the infected area.

4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the best after remedies for jock itch. Once the infection clears up, all you need to do is massage your groin with it to minimize the scars and the awful pigmentation left from the rash and the infection.

Ways to Prevent Jock Itch:
The best treatment for jock infection is to prevent it. And, luckily there are many things that you can do to keep your skin stronger and healthier. 

• Practice Good Hygiene 

It is one of the best self defense against jock itch. Washing your hands regularly can significantly reduce the risk of getting in contact with infection from someone or something infected. 

Do not forget to change your underwear at least once a day or more often, if you sweat a lot. After an intense workout, do not stay in the sweaty clothes for a long period of time. Change into clean clothes that are not tight fitting and wash the workout clothes after each use.

Along with it, shower daily to keep your skin healthy with natural soap only. This will not just only help you to eliminate bad body odor after an intense workout but will also keep your skin bacteria-free. 

Personal items are said personal for a reason, therefore, always keep it in your mind to never share them whether you have an infection or not. Be it, a towel, soap, razor, toothbrush or any topical medication, always bring your own items to the gym and keep a pack of body wipes handy to wipe your sweat while working out. 

• Keep the Skin Dry & Clean

It is extremely important to keep your skin dry and clean, especially around the groin. After showering and exercise, dry your genital area and inner thighs thoroughly with a clean towel. Use powder, if required around your groin to prevent excess moisture. 

• Avoid Tight Fitting Clothes

Wearing tight fitting clothes further increases the risk of getting jock itch, as they rub against the skin making it more susceptible to the infection. Therefore, it is highly recommended to wear loose fitting clothes, especially in a hot or humid weather. This can prevent sweating and the warm & moist environment in which the fungus thrives.

• Treat Other Fungal Infections ASAP

Other fungal infections such as athlete's foot needs to be treated quickly, before it begins to spread to the other parts of the body. The reason why such precaution is required is because it is quite similar to jock infection than can cause the problems to linger, reoccur and spread, if not treated. 

Is the bacterial jock itch contagious?
If you are among those who wonder, if the bacterial jock itch is contagious or not? Then the answers to it is that most of the cases of jock itch are not, but cases which are caused by an infection can be transmitted through direct skin contact or by sharing personal items. However, some people are simply more prone to developing jock itch because of their overall weak immune system and so are people with athlete's foot. Therefore, treat them when the symptoms begin to surface.

Even though, when prevention is better than cure, if the jock itch persists even after 1-2 weeks of home remedies and proper skin care, we will strongly recommend you to schedule an appointment to see your physician. Stay dry and clean, take care!