Jock Itch – What to Do If Over the Counter Medications Don’t Work

Jock itch is the common term used for rashes with irritation that occur in the groin area such as fungal infection, (intertrigo), yeast infection, bacterial infection and other forms of dermatitis which occur in the folds of the skin. Although it is most commonly found in men, women can also be afflicted. Occlusive clothing, heat and moisture are key elements that allow fungal, bacterial, and yeast organisms to grow and become a discomfort to the host. Since the groin contains folds of skin that hold in heat or have friction that generates heat and you perspire in this area, it is a prime location for fungus to take up residence and flourish.

What causes jock itch?

Skin irritations and inflammation in the groin region can be caused by a variety of reasons. Tight fitting clothing that traps moisture and sweat (hence the name “jock” itch), introduction of yeast, fungal or bacterial infection to the area or moisture, warmth and friction in the groin folds may all cause this affliction. Jock itch is also sometimes caused by athlete’s foot or ringworm. You may be contaminating your underwear when you put your feet through the openings for the legs and introducing the infection to the groin area when getting dressed. Be sure to inspect between your toes to make sure this is not the source of your problem.

How do I treat jock itch?

The first thing you should do is try to figure out the cause of the infection and take steps to prevent it from happening again. This can involve taking a skin scraping for microscopic examination when a patient comes in for an office visit.

• Wearing loser fitting cotton underwear will allow better airflow to the groin and allow sweat to be wicked away from the skin.
• If you are prone to heavy sweating, using an absorbent powder will help remove the excess moisture.
• Use a hair dryer on low setting to thoroughly dry the folds of the skin after you bathe or shower.

There are many over-the-counter remedies available to help treat or prevent fungal and yeast infections, including jock itch. For most people, these medications are sufficient to manage or eliminate problems in these regions. The main active ingredients in over the counter medications include clotrimazole, terbinafine, and miconazole. Some home remedies that are sometimes effective include applying diluted plain yogurt that has active bacterial culture if you suspect the cause is a yeast infection. If the irritation is caused by friction and acidic urine an application of an antacid such as Maalox may neutralize the acid and stop the burning. For some, however, it is necessary to take more aggressive action when over-the-counter medications and home remedies do not alleviate the symptoms and eradicate the infection.

What do I do if over the counter medications won’t get rid of jock itch?

If you have tried over-the-counter medications and the symptoms continue to worsen or just won’t clear up after a normal period of time, you need to seek the help of a medical professional. In addition to obtaining a complete medical history looking for possible contact exposures or occupational causes of groin rashes such as eczema conditions in welders, cultures or additional skin scrapings may be required. Your dermatologist may determine you need prescription strength medication. In many cases, it is possible that what you think is jock itch is actually another disease altogether. There are other skin disorders that can mimic the appearance of intertrigo. These include: Psoriasis, seborrhea, contact dermatitis, lichen planus and acne inversa. Only an experienced skin specialist will be able to determine exactly what is going on with your skin.  So, if a rash in the groin area does not clear up in one or two weeks of using over the counter products, it is time to seek professional treatment.