Jock Itch Home Remedy

Maintain Good Hygiene

The first jock itch home remedy you should try is maintaining good hygiene. If you experience jock itch, you will recall the wisdom of your mother and you should have listened to her. Maintaining good hygiene is very important and it's never too late to foster this habit. If you have jock itch, the area will become more irritated and cause more itch when exposed to heat and sweat. The first thing you should try is to wash regularly with pH-balanced, non-soap cleanser. Do not use excessively hot water as it will cause more irritation in the affected area.

Eliminate Residue of Washing Product

Jock itch will be aggravated by chemical residue found in clothing detergents, fabric conditioners and bleaches. For best results, you should:

• Avoid increased irritation and switch to milder products till the rash is cleared up.

• Skip bleach and fabric softeners entirely.

• Avoid using starch on your clothes for a couple weeks.

• Wash your underwear and athletic supporter frequently.

Be Careful With Underwear and Clothing Hygiene

Underwear serves one important function. It is not about a fashion statement, style or gaining attention. It is a barrier to protect your intimate areas from sweat, rough outer clothing and dust.

• Wear clean, cotton made, comfortable underwear, instead of tight underwear. Cotton underwear is best as it is organic, hypoallergenic, does not misshape after regular washing and absorbs sweat.

• Put your socks on before you put on your underwear if you have athlete's foot. Doing this keeps the fungus from spreading to your groin from your feet.

• Avoid carrying wet or sweaty clothing in your gym bag. Also, don't keep damp clothing in your locker. Instead, wash them after each use.

Keep It Dry

Jock itch will inflame and hence become itchier in hot, moist conditions and you should keep your groin dry and clean.

• If you sweat a lot, make sure to bathe regularly and completely dry the area.

• Do not rub the area with towels as it will irritate and worsen the itch. Use a dabbing method and a separate towel to dry the area.

• Just follow the pediatricians' advice when dealing with diaper rash, make sure to air-dry as much as you can.

Apply Anti-Fungal Creams

Some great jock itch cures are over-the-counter creams. Any creams that contain miconazole or clotrimazole will work, but the best ones are Lotrimin AT, Lotrimin Ultra, Lamisil and Naftin. They are expensive, but they will clear up jock itch faster. Remember to use the creams just as directed. Just because the symptoms are alleviated does not mean you are cured. If you also have athlete's foot at the same time, treat them both. This will lessen the risk of reinfection.

Leave the Itch Alone

The simplest jock itch home remedy is leaving your itch alone. If you scratch, you may irritate the itch and could also break the skin leading to possible infection. Keep your nails trimmed if you cannot stop scratching. Put on gloves at night when sleeping. Take a cool bath to gain relief, adding uncooked oatmeal, colloidal oatmeal, or baking soda. You may want to try Aveeno as it is made for baths specifically. Make sure to dry your groin thoroughly when you get out of the tub.

Try Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is natural anti-fungal that can treat jock itch effectively. It is deep cleaning, stimulating and powerfully antibacterial so it can alleviate inflammation and itchiness. You may apply tea tree oil with a cotton ball directly. If it causes excessive burning, then mix 4 to 5 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and apply it on the itchy area. Alternately, you may add a few drops to a cool bath and soak for 15 minutes. Besides, you may choose soaps and shampoo that contain tea tree oil.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Using diluted apple cider vinegar is also a great way cure jock itch because it is anti-fungal and antibacterial. Mix 2 tablespoons with 2 cups warm water. Wash the area and allow it to air dry. Repeat this for 2 or 3 times per day and always before bed.

Try Salt Bath

One of the easiest ways to cure jock itch is a salt water bath. Salt controls the fungus and helps the infection heal quickly. You may choose bath salts, iodized salt or Epsom salts. Fill the tub with warm water and a generous amount of salt. Soak for 20 or 30 minutes. Use this bath twice a day for better results.

Apply Garlic Paste

Garlic is not just for cooking. It can also relieve pain and itching as it has anti-fungal properties.

• Crush enough cloves to cover affected area. Apply the paste, leave it on for a few minutes and wash it off. Repeat this 2 or 3 times a day. If your skin is sensitive, do not use this.

• You may also use a few cloves in hot oil. After it cools apply to the affected area leaving it on for a few hours before washing off.

• What's more, eating raw garlic is a great way to strengthen your immune system to promote healing.

• You can always choose to take a garlic supplement daily.

Use Pure Honey

Raw Honey has natural antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. It is also soothing to the skin and of great help in healing jock itch. Specifically, manuka honey is outstanding for fungal infections. Apply pure honey to the affected area and leave it on for 30 minutes or more. Clean the area and dry thoroughly. Do this once or twice a day till infection is clear.

You may also choose to make a paste of honey and garlic. Apply to the area affected, leave on for a few minutes and then wash it off. You may feel a stinging sensation, but this will soon subside and you will get relief from the inflammation and itchiness. Repeat once a day till infection is cleared up.

An Useful Video

If you want to know more useful natural remedies for jock itch, please watch the following video: