Are you experiencing jock itch and poor jock hygiene? In this article, we will talk about jock hygiene, its causes, and how sweating during sports activities is affecting jock hygiene.
So, let’s start with the first question about the definition and causes of jock itch.
Jock itch is a fungal infection of the skin, according to Healthline. The fungi naturally live on your skin without causing problems. However, when you remain in sweat-soaked clothes during workouts, the moisture can allow the fungi to multiply. This is the reason why it is commonly known as a “jock” itch. The tight-fitting clothes and poor hygiene increase the risk of jock itch due to chafing on your skin. The risk groups are people with diabetes and/or obesity.
Jock itch is most frequent in men and teenage boys. According to Healthline, symptoms and signs of jock itch include pink or red rash in groin folds, itching, pain, and odour. The affected areas can also be red, flaky, or rough.
Please note that the jock itch is highly contagious. You may get this through clothes and skin contact with an infected person.
Jock itch treatment can be done at home effectively in most cases. Try the following remedies to get rid of jock itch:
- Wash the affected area with soap and warm water.
- Dry the affected area.
- Apply to the affected area an over-the-counter antifungal cream, powder or spray.
- Treat any other fungal infections to prevent the further appearance of the jock itch.
Follow these procedures step by step until the affected areas are not cured completely.
According to Healthline, to prevent jock itch, you should use the following prevention measures:
- Wash privates and buttocks with soap and water after exercise and sweating.
- Wash workout clothes, underwear, and swimwear after each use.
- Minimize groin moisture by using white cotton underwear.
- Change underwear frequently and especially after sweating.
- It may be helpful to apply petroleum jelly or zinc oxide ointment (Desitin) liberally to the groin creases before physical exercise to minimize friction skin damage.
- Wash clothes, undergarments, and towels in hot soapy water.
- Use loose-fitting cotton underwear and clothing.
- Avoid undergarments with polyesters, nylon, or synthetic fibres.
In this article, we reviewed the effect of sweat and chafing on jock hygiene and causes, definition, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of jock itch, which is cased often by sweating during intensive sports activities. Jock hygiene is essential, and you have to follow the prevention measures to make sure you don’t get the jock itch. If you have the symptoms, please follow our recommendations for jock hygiene treatment and inform your doctor if the problem is not going away or significant discomfort and pain.