What is the fastest way to cure a groin rash
What Makes Jock Itch Resistant, and How to Treat It
Some practices can make jock itch worse or prevent it from healing. But other health conditions may resemble jock itch and require different treatment options.
Jock itch happens when a specific species of fungus builds up on the skin, growing out of control and causing inflammation. Its also called tinea cruris.
Common symptoms of jock itch include:
Most cases of jock itch are mild and easily treated.
But there are some activities and treatments that can make jock itch symptoms last longer. Lets dive into what can make jock itch worse, how to tell jock itch apart from other similar conditions, and how to successfully treat jock itch.
There are a few things you might do that unintentionally make your jock itch worse. Here are some examples:
- Working out. This can cause the infected skin to chafe against nearby skin or with clothing and irritate it, making the skin more susceptible to a worsening infection.
- Having poor hygiene habits. Using improperly cleaned, damp towels or clothing, and not keeping skin dry may promote infection.
- Using the wrong treatment. Spreading an anti-itch cream, such as hydrocortisone, on the infected area wont treat the infection it can actually worsen it. This can increase the area of the infection or make the infection worse.
- Having a weakened immune system. Taking immunosuppressants for autoimmune disorders or having a weakened immune system from medication or conditions like HIV can make it harder for your body to fight off fungal infections.
Some conditions look like jock itch, but they arent, so they wont respond to typical tinea cruris treatment.
Inverse psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis is a type of psoriasis, an autoimmune condition, that may have a genetic basis.
Like jock itch, it tends to appear in the same areas where you skin chafes, like your groin or inner thighs. Some common treatments for inverse psoriasis include:
Yeast infection (thrush)
Yeast infections are a similar type of fungal infection caused by the fungus Candida.
Theyre more common in people with vulvas, but they can also affect the penis from the head and shaft to the scrotum and the nearby groin skin.
Common treatments for yeast infections include:
- antifungal topicals like nystatin or clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
- oral antifungal medications, for more severe cases
With early and proper treatment, jock itch should go away within about a month.
Here are some signs that your jock itch is going away:
- rash or redness begins to fade away
- skin regains its usual color
- symptoms like itchiness or irritation start to subside
Got an especially severe or resistant case of groin itching? Heres what you should do if over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatments dont work.
Take antifungal medication
A doctor may prescribe medication for severe jock itch. Here are some of the options:
- oral medications like fluconazole (Diflucan) or itraconazole (Sporanox)
- topicals like oxiconazole (Oxistat) or econazole (Ecoza)
Use an antifungal shampoo
Medicated shampoos that contain ketoconazole or selenium sulfide are a good, strong treatment for jock itch symptoms. Theyre available by prescription from your doctor or over the counter.
They dont typically have side effects, and OTC versions are easy to buy at most drugstores.
See a doctor if youve used OTC treatments but havent seen any improvements in your symptoms after 2 weeks.
A doctor may be able to prescribe you a medication that can help, or they can evaluate you for another type of skin disorder that can mimic jock itch.
Here are some tips for preventing jock itch:
- Wash your hands regularly. This is especially important when you touch other people or are about to eat with your hands.
- Keep the moist areas of your body clean and dry. This is especially important for areas around your groin and upper thighs.
- Bathe at least once a day. Make sure to use gentle, unscented soap and dry off completely before putting clothes on. Bathe more than once a day if youre active or sweat profusely throughout the day.
- Dont wear tight clothing. It can trap moisture and cause skin to chafe.
- Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear. Itll let your groin and thighs ventilate, especially if you live in a humid climate.
- Wash your workout clothes or any equipment your body touches after a sweaty workout.
- Have athletes foot? Dont use the same towel on your feet and other areas of your body. Athletes foot and jock itch are both caused by tinea fungi and can spread to one another. Treating athletes foot is important for preventing jock itch.
Jock itch is typically easy to treat, but it can often come back.
Practice healthy hygiene habits to help prevent jock itch. Treat it early with OTC topicals when you first notice symptoms. If it doesnt go away after a few weeks, see a doctor.
6 Ringworm Treatments
You can typically get rid of a ringworm infection permanently with over-the-counter antifungal treatments. Certain cleaning practices at home may also help speed recovery.
A ringworm rash can be uncomfortable, but it is common and treatable. Early intervention is critical to prevent the spreading of the infection to others.
Here are six simple ways to treat ringworm.
Most cases of ringworm can be treated at home. Over-the-counter antifungals can kill the fungus and promote healing. Effective medications include miconazole (Cruex), clotrimazole (Desenex), and terbinafine (Lamisil).
After cleaning the rash, apply a thin layer of antifungal medication to the affected area twice a day or as the package directs. Spread the treatment beyond the border of the rash by a couple of centimeters and allow the medication to absorb into your skin.
It may seem logical to keep ringworm covered with a bandage to prevent the spreading of the infection. However, bandaging the rash locks in moisture and slows the healing process.
Its important to keep the area dry, so wear comfortable, breathable clothes to speed healing and avoid spreading the rash to other people. This includes loose-fitting, long-sleeve shirts and pants.
Because ringworm is highly contagious, you should wash your clothes and sheets daily to eliminate the infection faster. Fungal spores can transfer to your sheets and comforter. If you sleep on the same sheets night after night, it can take longer for ringworm to heal, and the infection can spread to other parts of your body. Contaminated bedding can also infect your partner.
Use hot water and detergent when washing bedding and any infected clothes. Hot water alone can kill the fungus. As an extra precaution, add borax or bleach to your wash along with regular laundry detergent.
Borax and bleach can be purchased from a grocery store, and they also kill fungal spores. Follow the directions on the package.
If ringworm develops on your feet or groin area, keep these areas dry.
If you sweat a lot during the day, bathe with an antifungal cleansing bar and then reapply your antifungal powder or lotion. Make sure the area is completely dry before putting on a new pair of underwear or socks.
Sometimes, ringworm develops on the scalp. Symptoms of a scalp infection include severe itching, patches of hair loss, scalp boils, and severe dandruff. If you have ringworm on your scalp, wash your hair with an over-the-counter medicated antifungal shampoo.
These shampoos kill bacteria and fungi on the scalp and stop inflammation. You can purchase them from a grocery store or drugstore. Look for shampoos with antifungal active ingredients, such as ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, and pyrithione zinc. Use shampoos according to the directions on the package.
However, be aware that scalp fungus is nearly impossible to eliminate without oral medications.
Continue treatment with an antifungal powder, cream, or shampoo until the rash disappears. The infection may return if you stop treatment too soon.
See a doctor if the rash doesnt disappear after two weeks of home treatment. A ringworm infection that doesnt improve or that spreads may require a prescription-strength topical cream or oral antifungal medication.
Make an appointment with your primary care doctor or see a dermatologist. Take the prescription medication as directed by your doctor. You may have to take the prescription for weeks to months, depending on the severity of the infection.
What kills ringworm quickly?
Over-the-counter antifungals should treat ringworm. It should go away in about two weeks. If not, see your doctor.
Will ringworm go away on its own?
Its possible for ringworm to go away on its own, but this could take a long time, so youre better off getting treatment. Learn more about how long ringworm stays contagious.
What kills ringworm on the skin?
Typically you need to use an antifungal cream to kill ringworm on the skin.
Dont ignore ringworm. Although its a common skin infection, quick action is necessary to prevent the fungus from spreading. You should also make sure you know how to prevent future infections. For example:
- Dont share personal care items, such as towels, clothes, and brushes, with others.
- Wash your hands often.
- Learn how to recognize ringworm in people and animals.
What Causes Groin Rash?
There are many possible causes of a rash in your groin. It can be the result of something simple like heat and sweat, or something more complicated like bacteria or a parasite. Many causes of groin rash are treatable, and some are even preventable.
Jock itch is a fungal infection due to a fungus commonly found in gyms and locker rooms. It typically appears in your groin area. However, you can also find it in other areas like:
- upper thighs
- scrotum
- penis
- anus
Jock itch is not serious. The itching it causes can become very uncomfortable and even painful, however.
The symptom of jock itch is a rash that involves:
- itchiness
- raised and scaly edges
- redness or discoloration
- areas of oozing
- reddish-brown center
Jock itch is due to exposure to a fungus. This can happen through:
- skin-to-skin contact
- infected clothing
- damp towels
- public shower facilities
- locker rooms
Molluscum contagiosum is an infection resulting from a type of pox virus. This infection typically causes a mild, benign skin condition. It appears as lesions anywhere on your body, including:
- genital area
- face
- neck
- arms
- legs
- abdomen
Molluscum contagiosum typically clears on its own within
The lesions from molluscum contagiosum typically look:
- small and raised
- white, pink, or skin-colored
- dimply or pitted in the middle
- pearly
- smooth and firm
These lesions may also become:
- itchy
- red or discolored
- swollen
- sore
Heat rash is a common and harmless rash. It is typically very itchy. Heat rash appears in areas that tend to collect moisture when you sweat, such as:
- groin
- underarm
- under the breasts
- chest
- back
- elbow creases
- behind the knee
- waist
Heat rash is more common when you sweat more, such as in the summer or in hotter climates.
The symptoms of heat rash typically last from 23 days, and include:
- small red or discolored spots, or clear blisters
- itchiness
- sensation of prickliness
- redness or discoloration
- swollen areas
Intertrigo is a rash that typically appears in the folds of your skin. It is common in areas where the skin rubs together and holds moisture.
Intertrigo is most common in people who have:
- overweight
- diabetes
- weakened immune systems
- decreased mobility
- bowel or bladder incontinence
Intertrigo rash typically appears red, reddish-brown, or discolored. It may itch or burn. In some cases, the rash can ooze and have a foul smell. It may also crack and bleed, depending on the area it is in. While intertrigo can appear anywhere on your body, it is most common in these areas:
- groin
- armpits
- underneath breasts or belly
- creases of the neck
- between the buttocks
Learn more about skin conditions here.
Erythrasma is a common skin condition that typically affects the folds of the skin. The most common areas to find it are:
- groin
- armpits
- between the toes
Erythrasma is the result of a bacteria called Corynebacterium minutissimum.It can affect anyone. However, it tends to occur more frequently in People of Color or when people experience:
The rash associated with erythrasma typically presents with:
- pink, brown, or discolored patches that are well-defined
- fine scaling
- superficial fissures
- itchiness
Other causes of groin rash
There are various other reasons you may develop a groin rash. These other causes include:
How do you treat groin rash?
Treatment for groin rash depends on the underlying cause of it. Some common treatments for causes of groin rash include:
- antibiotics, both oral and topical
- antiseptic cream
- emollient moisturizers
- antifungal cream
- steroid creams
Some causes of groin rash are self-limiting and do not require treatment. If you notice a rash in your groin area, contact your doctor so they can diagnose the cause and recommend the most effective treatment.
Read about when to see a doctor for a rash.
How can I prevent groin rash?
Many of the causes of groin rash are preventable. To help prevent groin rash, try these tips:
- Only use mild soaps.
- Avoid using products with fragrance.
- Change your underwear daily.
- Wear clean clothes and remove wet clothes right away.
- Maintain a moderate weight.
- Practice proper hygiene habits.
- Avoid sharing gym clothes, equipment, or towels.
- Use a condom or another barrier method when you have sex to prevent STIs.
There are many possible causes of a rash in your groin area. Most of these causes are treatable, and many are preventable.
If you develop a new and unexpected rash in your groin, contact your doctor. You might be able to treat it with over-the-counter products. However, it is important for your doctor to diagnose the underlying cause of the rash to recommend the most effective treatment.
With any kind of rash, avoid scratching it as this can lead to infection. If you notice symptoms of infection like pus, skin feeling hot to the touch, and inflammation in the area, contact your doctor right away.
