The jock itch (tinea cruris) is so intense, you have to scratch your skin all the time. It’s almost impossible not to get into a fight with someone and cause harm because of it.
There are many different types of treatments for jock itch available today – home remedies like creams that you can make yourself or prescriptions from your doctor. Despite this, there are still people who use athlete’s foot creams as their go-to treatment due to their inexpensive price.
It’s important to remember that athletes’ foot cream is not necessarily the best treatment for jock itch, as it can cause harmful side effects like burning or irritation of your skin.
What Is Jock Itch?
Jock itch is an infection that occurs in the groin area and affects men and women. The term refers to a type of fungal infection caused by prolonged moisture, which leads to the fungus growing on the skin.
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Jock itch is similar to athlete’s foot or ringworm and often causes itching, redness, swelling, irritation, scaling, and crusting. It can spread from one location on the body to another through direct contact with a person who has jock itch or indirectly when shared clothing or towels are used.
In other words, a jock itch starts as a red patch of skin that moves towards the center of the body. This is most commonly seen in the summer months or people who are wearing uniforms such as police officers and delivery people. When raw and irritated, some can get sensitive to the area which could cause itching during sleep or when they wear clothing that rubs against it more often than usual.
Can You Treat Jock Itch With Athlete’s Foot Cream?
The athlete’s foot cream is an effective treatment for jock itch, but it’s not the best option. The topical allylamines are preferred because they require only one application and are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
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Topical azoles like athlete’s foot cream can effectively treat jock itch. They are as effective as allylamines but require a twice-a-day application over a longer period to eradicate the infection. Allylamines and topical azoles are more affordable than oral antibiotics that take weeks or months to be effective against jock itch.
Jock Itch Medications
Topical Antifungals
Topical antifungals are a quick, easy way to eliminate jock itch without causing further damage. The most common topical azole antifungal is called clotrimazole or miconazole.
These topical medications can be applied to the skin twice daily for 2-4 weeks, but it’s important that you wash your hands after application and use a new towel every time you change locations in order to avoid spreading the fungus from one part of the body to another.
Oral Antifungals
Antifungal oral medications are more effective than topical treatments for jock itch. Oral antifungals have serious side effects and must be prescribed by a doctor if the infection is extensive or not cleared up with topical antifungals.
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Oral Antifungals have better success rates and more severe side effects than topical antifungals. However, oral antifungal treatments can be expensive and time-consuming.
What Is The Best Home Remedy For Jock Itch?
Over-The-Counter Antifungals
Jock itch is treated with over-the-counter antifungals, like topical creams or gels, which can be found in the pharmacy. Topical azole antifungals are used for the treatment of fungal infections. Allylamine topicals clear up the infection faster than other topical antifungals because they can be applied only once a day.
Wash And Dry Your Groin Area Regularly
Wash your groin area with soap and water, pat dry to relieve itching, and put a cool compress on it to reduce inflammation.
Wear Loose-fitting And Dry Clothing
Dermatophytes thrive in warm, moist environments. Tight-fitting underwear and clothes can entrap the fungus and lead to jock itch. Periodic use of an athlete’s foot cream is a good way to prevent this issue from occurring. But first, discuss this with your doctor.
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Avoid Scratching
One of the best home remedies for jock itch is to avoid scratching. Avoiding scratching will help to relieve itching and burning, which can be relieved by anti-itch medications that do not contain steroids.
How To Treat Severe Or Resistant Groin Itching
Take Antifungal Medication
People who are suffering from severe or resistant jock itch should seek medical attention. Oral medications like fluconazole (Diflucan) or itraconazole (Sporanox) can be used to treat the issue, but if this does not work, patients will have to visit a doctor for more intensive treatments and medications.
Antifungal medication is one of the most common treatments for athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch. Store at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children to avoid accidental ingestion or exposure in case a child finds it on the ground.
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Use An Antifungal Shampoo
If your symptoms are severe or resistant, an antifungal shampoo or soap can be a good treatment to try. Medicated shampoos that contain ketoconazole or selenium sulfide have been shown to work in treating jock itch symptoms.
Clotrimazole is also another antifungal shampoo that may be used to treat ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch.
Conclusion
Jock itch (Tinea cruris) can be treated with athlete’s foot creams such as clotrimazole, fluconazole, miconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, etc. They are effective but require a twice-a-day application over a longer period to eradicate the infection. Depending on the severity, these antifungal creams can be given together with oral antifungals and for a longer period of time.
If you are experiencing Tinea cruris, use your antifungal medications as directed, always wash and dry your groin, wear loose and dry clothes, and avoid scratching. Make sure to consult your doctor before taking any of these steps.