8 Effective Home Remedies for Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)
There are a number of home remedies for jock itch that can prove helpful.
How to Get Rid of Jock Itch Quickly at Home
It is called jock itch, groin itch, gym itch, ringworm of the groin, and scientifically known as tinea cruris. It commonly involves itchy, red patches around the groin, inner thigh, buttocks, and genitals. Often the patches form a circle, with some clear skin in the center.
Of course, jock itch has nothing to do with worms; it is a fungal infection. The fungus thrives in moist, sweaty conditions. Although more common in men, the infection can affect women, too.
Risk Factors for Jock Itch
- Wearing tight, sweaty clothing, such as a jockstrap around the groin. Wearing loose, cotton underwear helps prevent the condition from occurring. Always shower after sports, and dry yourself thoroughly with a clean towel.
- Having athlete’s foot. The fungus can spread from the feet to the groin. If you have athlete’s foot, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after touching the affected areas.
- Sharing towels, etc.
- Occasionally, jock itch spreads by sexual contact, although this is relatively rare.
Natural Jock Itch Treatment Options
There are a number of conventional treatments for jock itch. Antifungal creams such as terbinafine (Lamasil™) are often used. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin™) is another super popular antifungal treatment. However, many people prefer to use a home remedy to naturally treat the condition without resorting to synthetic fungicides.
You may ask yourself, “What is the best jock itch treatment?” There is no one best answer since different people respond in different ways to each treatment. However, the following alternative home remedies for jock itch are among the most popular, so there should be one that clears your jock itch effectively.
Home Remedies for Jock Itch Relief
| Remedies | Instruction | Note |
|---|---|---|
Salt bath | Have a salt bath two times a day. | Be sure to dry yourself thoroughly. |
Tea tree oil | Apply the oil to the affected areas. | Never ingest the oil as it can be fatal. |
Apple cider vinegar | Apply diluted apple cider vinegar to the affected areas. | Dry yourself thoroughly with a clean washcloth. |
Garlic | Apply freshly-crushed garlic to the affected areas. | Be sure to mix garlic with carrier oil, such as olive oil. |
Aloe vera | Simply apply fresh aloe gel to the affected areas. | Repeat this remedy 2 - 3 times a day. |
Alcohol | Dab alcohol on the affected areas. | Never ingest the alcohol as it can be toxic. |
Baking soda | Apply baking soda paste to the affected areas. | Make sure to dry yourself thoroughly. |
Oregano | Apply diluted oregano oil to the affected areas. | Be sure you are not allergic to the oil. |
1) Salt Bath
A salt bath is a good natural home remedy for jock itch. Add three cups of salt to your bathwater—making sure it dissolves completely. Have a salt bath two times a day for better results. The fungal growth is inhibited by the salty environment.
You can also try using Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) rather than ordinary salt, as some people consider it more effective. After your bath, rinse off the salt solution with clean water. Remember to dry yourself thoroughly. Jock itch thrives in moist environments.
2) Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is commonly found in Australia; don’t confuse it with the bush that is used for tea (Camellia sinensis). Tea tree oil is a useful home remedy for jock itch, having significant antifungal properties.
What to Do?
Apply to the affected areas twice a day using a cotton ball. Some people find that neat tea tree oil irritates their skin. If this is the case, dilute it with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or grapefruit oil. Try five parts of carrier oil to one part of tea tree oil.
Warning
Never take any tea tree oil preparation internally as it can be toxic.
3) Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, or ACV, has antifungal properties, so it can be used to combat jock itch. White vinegar is sometimes used in a similar manner, although ACV is usually considered to be a superior home remedy.
What to Do?
Dilute the vinegar one to one with water, then apply it to the affected areas. You can soak a clean washcloth in the diluted vinegar if you wish and then apply it. Leave on for about thirty minutes, then dry thoroughly.
4) Garlic
Freshly-crushed garlic contains a number of antifungal compounds, such as ajoene and allicin. A scientific paper published in 1999 in the journal Arzneimittalforschung, showed that ajoene was as effective as a conventional fungicide in treating jock itch.
What to Do?
Freshly-crushed garlic can be applied to the affected areas. It’s normally easiest to mix the garlic with a little oil, such as olive oil, before applying. You can put a sterile bandage over the garlic to hold it in place.
Garlic contains antifungal compounds that are useful for easing jock itch.
5) Aloe Vera
Active compounds in aloe (aloe vera) gel have powerful cooling properties, which help reduce the burning as well as the itching sensation. The gel, according to a short scientific review, also has potent antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can relieve jock itch problems.
What to Do?
- Peel a fresh aloe leaf and then extract the gel.
- Clean and dry the affected areas.
- Apply aloe gel to the affected areas.
- Repeat the remedy 2-3 times a day for better results.
6) Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can inhibit fungal growth. It also has a drying property, which is very useful, as the fungus thrives in moist conditions.
What to Do?
You need to find a brand of rubbing alcohol that is largely isopropyl alcohol (or known as isopropanol) rather than normal alcohol (known as ethyl alcohol or ethanol). It is often sold as “isopropyl rubbing alcohol.”
Simply dab the alcohol on the affected areas using a cotton ball three times a day.
A Warning Word
Never drink rubbing alcohol, as it is not suitable for human consumption. Remember that this liquid is flammable. Always keep it well away from naked flames, stoves, etc..
7) Baking Soda
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate/sodium hydrogen carbonate can be used to control jock itch fungus—thanks to its powerful antifungal properties.
What to Do?
- Simply make up a paste with baking soda and a little water.
- Apply the paste to the affected areas.
- Leave for about 30 minutes, then rinse it off.
- Dry thoroughly since the jock itch fungus likes moist environments.
- Carry out this treatment twice a day.
Baking soda has potent antifungal properties, making it a useful jock itch terminator.
8) Oregano
The herb oregano, which is also known as wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare), can be used to make an essential oil with significant antifungal properties.
What to Do?
Oregano oil is very strong and tends to damage the skin if used neat. Dilute it with a suitable carrier oil, such as olive oil or grapefruit oil, before use. Mix one part oregano oil with ten parts carrier oil. Stir thoroughly. Apply the diluted oil to the affected parts three times a day.
Warning
Even with dilution, a few people react badly to oregano oil. Test a little on your body before putting a lot on. Never take oregano oil internally (the herb itself is fine to eat).
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
© 2017 Isvaiyah
