Before starting a battle with jock itch, you have to know its causes. Jock itch is caused by a fungus that is most commonly trichophyton rubum. Other contributing fungi are trichophyton mentagrophytes, candida albicans, and epidermophyton floccosum. These fungi begin to develop in the moist areas of the body, which get warm quickly and sweat. If you wear tight underwear and tight clothes like bathing suits, you are more likely to catch this infection. If you have other fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot, you are also more likely to get it. If you like sharing towels or clothes, don’t be surprised if one day you wake up with an irresistible urge to scratch your groin area.
The first thing that you should avoid if you have it is wearing tight clothes. This aggravates the condition. You should also keep the moist and warm areas of your body clean and dry. If you don’t want to apply anti-fungal cream or powder, and you’re looking for alternatives, you’ll be glad that there are many. The best part is that you can easily prepare them at home.
Some people use anti-dandruff shampoo on the infected skin. It sounds silly but it really works. Dandruff is also caused by fungi and it can also solve your jock itch problem. However, if you are going to use anti-dandruff shampoo, using an anti-fungal cream for jock itch makes more sense.
Tea tree oil is a natural anti fungal. You can apply it on the infected skin as well. Garlic is also a natural anti-fungal agent. You can apply it with honey on the affected area or you can simply include a lot of garlic in your diet.
Speaking of diet, there are certain foods you need to avoid to prevent jock itch from worsening. Refrain from eating refined carbohydrates, sugar, and food items containing yeast. Refrain from drinking alcohol because your body converts alcohol to sugar. Forget about French fries and other greasy, fried foods. Processed foods can also make your condition worse. What you should include are raw fruits and vegetables.