There’s nothing more healthy and satisfying than an active lifestyle. But what do you do when the activity itself is what causes you problems?

Many men who enjoy physical, athletic, and outdoor activity have faced the struggle and discomfort that comes with jock itch, but you don’t have to accept it.

By learning how to prevent jock itch you can avoid the irritating itch and redness that comes with it and spend time doing what you love, carefree!

What Is Jock Itch?

Jock itch is a painful and itchy rash that incurs in the groin area. It’s caused by an infection of the fungus, tinea cruris. While it can occur in any warm, moist area of the body, it is most usually found in the groin area of athletes.

It is not a serious condition and can be easily treated, but it’s best to find practices to avoid infection in the first place.

Symptoms

The symptoms of jock itch include a visible, red rash that is sometimes a little raised. It also often comes in a ring shape which can be mistaken for ringworm

As the name suggests, the rash comes with an itch, but you may also experience burning, stinging, and skin flaking. Watch out for open blisters as these will require special care beyond the treatment of the fungus itself.

Who Is At Risk for Jock Itch?

Because jock itch thrives in warm moist environments, some people are at more risk for it than others. 

First of all, it gets passed from person to person, so if you share towels at the gym or sit on public benches in changing rooms, you’re more likely to get infected with someone else’s jock itch. You can also reinfect yourself by wearing clothes that haven’t been washed of the fungus post-treatment.

You’re also at greater risk for jock itch if you are male, are very active, and wear tight-fitting underwear. These factors all increase the probability that your body provides the conditions necessary for fungal growth.

You should also be extra careful if you are overweight or have a weakened immune system as these things will also make you more susceptible.

How to Prevent Jock Itch

The main goal in preventing jock itch is to stay dry. even if you come in contact with the fungus, it can’t grow if you don’t offer it a moist environment. 

But staying sweat-free as someone who enjoys an active lifestyle is easier said than done. 

Dry Off 

After working out and showering, carefully dry your body with a towel. Be sure to wipe your feet last because the same fungus that causes Athlete’s Foot can be transferred to the groin to create jock itch.

Never share towels with others and wash your towel after each use.

Change Workout Clothes

Always change all your clothes after a workout – including your underwear. Wash them before wearing them to work out again, and don’t hang out in sweaty clothes longer than you have to.

You should also try adding some loose-fitting clothes to your workout gear. You’ll need to watch out for skin chaffing with looser clothes, but there is a happy medium for fit.

Opt for breathable and moisture fabrics and make sure there’s enough room between your clothes and your skin for your skin to be able to cool and dry off.

Try a Powder

If you simply have profuse sweat, for these other methods to be effective try a drying powder. You can apply it before and after any kind of workout to absorb excess moisture and prevent the conditions necessary for fungal growth.

Drying powders also have a pleasant smell so that you don’t have to worry about being the smelliest guy at the gym. You’ll feel confident and attractive while knowing that you’re protecting your skin from fungal infection at the same time.

Support Your Immune System

A healthy immune system is better at fighting off all kinds of infections. Make sure you’re eating leafy greens, foods high in vitamin D, and healthy proteins such as legumes and lean meats. 

Keep up with any medications you’ve been prescribed and get plenty of fresh air.

Treating Jock Itch

Despite your best efforts, you may get jock itch anyway. How do you prevent itching and get the rash to go away? Luckily there are both home and medical remedies to help you.

Home Remedies

Most jock itch does not need to be treated by a doctor. There are both natural and drug store remedies available for treating jock itch.

For natural remedies, you can try anything that has been shown to counteract fungal infections. Some popular remedies include diluted apple cider vinegar. Combine it with water and then apply the mixture to the infected area with a cotton ball.

For treating the itch you can try aloe vera and eucalyptus as both of these have anti-inflammatory properties. While they may not cure you of the jock itch, they can treat the symptoms until you are fungal infection-free.

Natural remedies can be tried in combination with jock itchy sprays and powders which are available in drug stores. These should not be confused with drying powders which are a preventative measure. Jock itch sprays treat the infection itself by killing the fungus which causes it.

When to See a Doctor

If your infection persists and doesn’t respond to natural and over-the-counter treatments, you should consult a doctor. You may have misdiagnosed the infection or simply require more intense and rigorous treatment.

No matter what your doctor prescribes, it’s important to follow through with treatment until all your symptoms are gone to be sure that you aren’t spreading it to others.

Enjoying What You Love and Avoiding Jock Itch

Don’t let jock itch prevent you from enjoying the lifestyle you love. Learn how to prevent jock itch with the right clothes, preventative measures, and drying powders. Your fear of jock itch can be a thing of the past and you can spend more time and energy enjoying your physical activities.

Curious about how Nutdust drying powder works? Read here for more information!

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