The medical term for jock itch is tinea cruris. It’s a fungal infection that affects the skin. Like other fungal infections of the same type, it’s caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes. These are microscopic fungi which can live in hair, skin, and nails.

Generally, infections of this type are harmless, however, they can multiply rapidly and thrive in damp, warm areas. This is why jock itch is most common in the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks.

The condition is most common in teenage boys and men and can cause a rash that itches or creates a burning sensation. It can also cause the affected skin to become red, scaly or flaky.

Getting the infection treated as quickly as possible is generally the best way to reduce your symptoms and stop the infection from spreading.

 

Symptoms of Jock Itch

Symptoms of jock itch can include any or all of the following:

• Reddening of the skin
• Persistent itching or burning sensation
• Flaking or cracking of the skin
• Rash

 

Home Remedies for Jock Itch

1. Practice Proper Hygiene

Maintaining good hygiene is one of the best and most effective ways of preventing jock itch. It can also help treat existing jock itch infections. Make sure you wash the infected area thoroughly with warm soapy water, rinse and dry properly.

 

2. Keep it Dry

Fungal infections thrive in damp conditions so it’s crucial that you keep any vulnerable areas dry. Make sure you dry yourself thoroughly after bathing the area.

 

3. Wear Loose Clothing

Wearing loose cotton clothing and underwear will help to improve the circulation of air to the affected area. This will help reduce the risk of the area becoming moist and make it harder for the fungus to thrive.

 

4. Change Clothes and Underwear Daily

Changing your underwear and clothing each day is key to maintaining good hygiene and helps to keep the affected area clean.

 

5. White Vinegar

White vinegar is a great home remedy for jock itch. Soak a washcloth in a little-diluted vinegar and dab the affected area gently. Once you’ve swabbed the area all over make sure you dry yourself properly. The acidity of the vinegar may sting a little.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another type of vinegar which makes a good home remedy for jock itch. This is because apple cider vinegar has a natural antifungal quality and also helps to dry out the area. You can use it in much the same as you would white vinegar.

Gently warm a few drops of vinegar in some water and soak a washcloth in the warmed and diluted vinegar. You can then place the washcloth on the infected area for five to ten minutes then remove the cloth and dry the area thoroughly.

 

7. Baking Soda

Baking soda will also help to soothe and dry out an area of skin affected by jock itch. It can also help to neutralize the affected areas pH which will reduce the infection. Use this home remedy by mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with some water to make a paste. You can then apply this paste to the infective area and leave it to sit for fifteen minutes. After that, you can wipe the area clean and dry it thoroughly. You should do this twice a day to see an improvement.

8. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol helps to keep infected areas dry, creating an unsuitable area for the fungus so that it eventually dies. Simply dip a cotton pad or ball into some rubbing alcohol and gently wipe the infected skin. You can then let the area dry without needing to rinse.

 

9. Cornstarch

Cornstarch is another great home remedy for jock itch. It’s great for sensitive skin and will help to absorb any excess moisture, making it difficult for the infection to thrive. It’s super easy to use too! Just sprinkle and little cornstarch on the area and let it sit. Repeat the application a few times across the day and this should help the fungus to clear up.

10. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is highly effective as an anti-fungal treatment, although it can cause a stinging sensation. To use, simply dilute a small amount of hydrogen peroxide in some water and wipe it on the affected area using a cotton ball or pad. You can then apply a petroleum jelly to the area to soothe the stinging and leave overnight. Do this every night for a few weeks and your infection should clear up.

 

11. Essential Oils Mix

Mixing a few essential oils together is a great way to treat your infection. You can try mixing neem oil, lavender oil, myrrh oil, and tea tree oil with some coconut oil to dilute them. You can either mix all these oils together or mix them individually with the coconut oil.

The essential oils contain antifungal properties which kill off the fungus and could also help to relieve some of the itchings. Apply your mixture to the affected area using a clean cotton pad or ball twice a day.

 

12. Oatmeal and Epsom Salt Baths

Mix some oatmeal and Epsom salt in a bath of water and you have a potent home remedy for jock itch. Add two cups of oatmeal and one cup of Epsom salts to your bath and sit in it for about twenty minutes. You should then rinse off with clean, fresh water. Do this every day for two weeks and your jock itch should clear. The Epsom salts help to absorb excess moisture from the affected area while the oatmeal will help to soothe the itching and burning sensation.

13. Garlic and Honey Mix

Garlic and honey are another great mixes when trying to cure jock itch at home. Crush a couple of cloves of garlic and mix them in some honey. You can then apply this mixture to the affected area and let it sit for fifteen to twenty minutes. After this, you can rinse the area clean and pat it dry. Make sure it’s thoroughly dry!

Doing this twice a day over a period of two weeks should clear your infection. Garlic has antifungal properties which help to fight the fungal infection and the honey will soothe the skin and stop some of the itchings.

 

14. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is well known as a home remedy for a number of skin conditions. This is thanks to its soothing nature and antiseptic qualities. Apply some pure aloe gel to the affected area and let it soak in. Reapply twice a day for two weeks and your infection should heal. You’ll also experience a relief from the itching or burning sensation.

15. Calamine Lotion

Calamine lotion is a great home remedy for soothing the itch of jock itch. Clean the infected area thoroughly and apply the lotion. You can do this as and when you feel the need to relieve the itching or discomfort.

 

16. Mouthwash

Mouthwash can act as an antiseptic and antifungal aid and can help provide some relief from jock itch. Simply dab some mouthwash on to the affected area using a cotton ball or pad and let it sit for a couple of minutes. You can then wash the area and pat it dry. Do this twice a day for two weeks and your infection should clear up.

 

17. Lemon

Lemon juice has natural antifungal properties which help to kill off a jock itch infection. You can use it as a home remedy by diluting some lemon juice with equal amounts of water and dabbing it on the affected area of skin with a cotton ball or pad. Leave the juice to soak for five minutes before rinsing the area with fresh water. Doing this twice a day for two weeks should clear up the infection. Like some of the other home remedies on this list, lemon juice is acidic so it can sting a bit when used.

18. Onion

Onions are a natural anti-inflammatory and antifungal food. You can grate an onion and squeeze the juices from it. Then, soak a cotton ball or pad in the onion juice and gently wipe it on your rash. Leave the juice on for twenty to thirty minutes before rinsing the area with clean water.

 

19. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another great home remedy for jock itch and will provide long lasting relief from the itchiness. It’s natural soothing qualities which will help soothe the rash and make your skin less susceptible to further infections. Apply the oil directly to the rash each night and let it soak in overnight.

 

20. Lemongrass Extract

Like many other home remedies on this list, lemongrass extract is an antifungal and anti-inflammatory agent which can help improve your jock itch. Apply it directly to your rash and leave it to soak into the skin twice a day for two weeks and your infection should clear up.

 

21. Calendula Extract

This is another extract that makes a potent home remedy for jock itch. You can use it in the same way as lemongrass extract in order to clear up your infection.

22. Witch Hazel Extract

Like calendula and lemongrass extract, witch hazel is both an antifungal and anti-inflammatory. Apply it directly to the rash twice a day and let it soak into the skin.

 

23. Grapefruit Seed Extract

Apply a little grapefruit seed extract to your rash twice a day and let it soak in. Continue to do this over a course of two weeks and the infection should clear up.

24. Change Your Diet

Changing your diet can really help to heal and prevent a jock itch infection. Food with high carbohydrate and sugar content often encourage fungal growth whilst vegetables and fruits will support your immune system and make it easier to fight infections.

Alcohol, beer, in particular, can also encourage yeast growth so it’s best to avoid it or at least reduce your intake. This should help to reduce your risk of jock itch and clear up any existing infection. make a big difference in healing and prevention of jock itch.

 

25. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil has a number of benefits for the skin. One of these benefits is its antifungal properties which tackle fungal infections like jock itch. Dilute the oil with some water or coconut oil and apply a small amount to the affected area. Leave it to sit for five minutes before rinsing your skin with clean water.

26. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is another great home remedy for jock itch because it’s a potent antifungal agent. It’s also a natural antiseptic which helps to reduce the inflammation of the infection and relief the itchiness. Mix three drops of oil with an ounce of coconut or olive oil and apply it to the rash. You can then leave it to soak in and over the course of two weeks your infection should clear up.

 

27. Oregano

Apply some diluted oregano oil to your rash and it should help to clear up your jock itch. Oregano oil is very strong so you’ll need to dilute it with some coconut oil. You should use one-part oregano oil and ten parts of coconut oil. The antifungal properties of the oregano oil will help to treat your infection.  

 

28. Don’t Share Personal Items

Sharing towels and clothes could increase the risk of spreading the jock itch infection. If you have jock itch, don’t let others use your items. If you know or suspect someone else might have jock itch, don’t use their personal items.

When to See a Doctor

If your infection hasn’t cleared up after two weeks of using home remedies you should see your doctor as there could be a chance that you’ve developed a secondary infection.

 

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/jock-itch#when-to-see-your-doctor

https://www.medicinenet.com/jock_itch/article.htm#how_do_i_treat_bacterial_jock_itch

https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/effective-home-remedies-for-treating-and-relieving-jock-itch/#gref

https://remedygrove.com/remedies/home-remedies-for-jock-itch

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/jock-itch/symptoms-causes/syc-20353807

Drawing by Malcolm Lidbury.