Jock itch is a type of skin ringworm infection that affects the groin area. It causes intense itching, burning, pain and redness and can be extremely embarrassing. Jock itch is typically seen in sports-persons who wear restrictive or tight clothing and even in people having poor immunity . The skin disease typically occurs in showers and locker rooms where one comes in contact with fungal spores through sweat, wet shower cubicles and dirty floor and wall tiles. Jock itch can last for several weeks, if left untreated, and can even spread to other parts of the body. Let us study easy ways to get rid of jock itch overnight.
1. Shower after workout
Jock itch is contagious and the fungus that causes it thrives under sweaty, warm and moist conditions. So shower immediately post workout and wash gym wear in hot water. Dry your skin completely before applying Jock itch cream on the rash. These creams contain antifungal medicines like clotrimazole or ketoconazole. Repeat application 2-3 times a day. Stay clean and dry. Never sit for prolonged periods in wet, sweaty clothes after workout, swimming etc. Liberally apply antifungal powder in the armpits, groin and other areas where you sweat excessively. Look for an antifungal powder containing baking soda. (Which brings us to the next remedy for Jock itch….)
2. Use baking soda
Baking soda is one of the best natural cures for jock itch. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it on the rash. You can also sprinkle soda in your underwear to prevent moisture. Re-apply the paste every few hours to make the inflammation go away quickly. This is due to the powerful antifungal nature of baking soda.
3. Benzoyl peroxide cream
Over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide cream is useful in treating acne and pimples, but not many people know that it can also eliminate Jock itch overnight. Use 10% BP cream on ringworm rash and the severe itch and burning will literally go away within hours. (Do ensure that your symptoms are caused by Jock itch and not some other skin conditions which mimic it. If needed, check out jock itch images to ascertain that your rash is indeed caused by a fungus).
4. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful antifungal and antibacterial agent. It can eliminate ringworm in 24 hours. These days, body wash gels and bath soaps containing tea tree oil are readily available in the market. You may also dilute essential oil of tea tree with coconut or olive oil and apply it on the rash. Re-apply every few hours to get rid of Jock itch overnight.
5. Oil of oregano
Like tea tree oil, oil of oregano is a powerful remedy to eliminate jock itch symptoms. You can apply the oil topically and also take it internally to strengthen your immunity. Always dilute the oil with some water or milk before consumption. For topical use, dilute the oil with coconut oil and apply it 2-3 times on the Jock Itch.
6. Apple cider vinegar
Mix 2-3 tsp of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water. Soak clean cotton balls in the solution and apply on the Jock itch rash. Let the area dry on its own. Leave the vinegar on the skin lesions overnight. You can also re-apply several times during the day to prevent the infection from spreading.
7. Listerine or rubbing alcohol
Do not use these remedies if your skin is severely cracked. Soak clean cotton wool in Listerine or rubbing alcohol. Apply a thin layer on the rash. Let it dry. You need to re-apply several times a day to see results.
8. Epsom salts
Add a cup of Epsom salts to warm bath water and soak in it for 20-30 minutes. Do this two times a day to get rid of Jock Itch itching, redness and inflammation.
9. Manuka honey and garlic
Crush some garlic and mix it with raw manuka honey. Apply the mixture on the ringworm. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing off with warm water. This remedy will burn and sting slightly but is totally worth the effort.
10. Borax
This is perhaps the most potent natural remedy to eliminate Jock itch once and for all. Add a cupful of borax to bath water and soak in it for a few minutes. You can also make a paste of powdered borax with a bit of hot water and apply it on the infected region. This simple homemade jock itch cream does not burn and works wonderfully. Repeat 2-3 times a day and your symptoms will disappear quickly.
11. Sulfur soap
Use 10% sulfur soap while bathing to prevent ringworm infection. Wet the skin with warm water, and allow the soapy lather to sit on the skin for 1-2 minutes. Rinse completely. Repeat 2-3 times a day if you sweat profusely.
12. Ammonium chloride
Dissolve one leveled teaspoon of ammonium chloride in a cup of warm water. Fill up the mixture in a spray bottle and spray liberally over the affected areas. Let it dry completely. This simple, cost-effective remedy will get rid of Jock itch in 24 hours.
13. Petroleum jelly
Jock Itch petroleum jelly soothes the itch and cushions the skin against further irritation. It directly attacks the fungi, smothers them and prevents them from reproducing. Apply liberally over affected parts several times a day until the infection goes away completely.
14. Lifestyle and dietary changes
Dietary changes are important to prevent the Jock itch from coming back. Eliminate eggs, sugar, dairy and red meat from the diet. Include fresh, organic fruit, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Exercise daily and eliminate stress.
15. Clean your environment
It is important to understand that Jock itch is extremely contagious. Avoid sharing towels, hair brushes, bed sheets, underwear, socks, shoes and other personal items. Always wash all infected clothing in hot water and detergent/bleach. Clean your bathroom tiles and avoid using public lockers/shower stalls as far as possible. Never walk barefoot in public baths, toilets and near swimming pools. Vacuum the floor at home and steam clean rugs, carpets and upholstery. These are important precautions to get rid of fungal spores from your home.
We hope these 15 easy ways to get rid of Jock Itch give you much needed relief from this pesky infection.