Jock Itch is a fungal infection that occurs on the skin of the groin area. Jock itch can be inconvenient, annoying, and, in some cases, rather painful. Knowing what jock itch is and what causes jock itch are the first steps in dealing with the problem.
Jock itch occurs because the environment of the groin tends to be extremely moist and warm. This makes the groin area the ideal growing place for a fungal infection to incubate. The fungus that most often causes jock itch, known as Trichophyton rubrum, is the same fungus that can cause a fungal infection of the toes or other parts of the body. There are other fungi, as well, that can cause jock itch, but this one is by far the most common. Generally speaking, these fungi live on the dead skin cells on top of the skin. Jock itch can be recognized by a rash on the groin area. The edge of the rash will usually be scaly.
What exactly is it that causes jock itch? As noted above, it is the presence of a fungus. There are specific behaviors that can increase the risk of jock itch, including: wearing many layers of clothing, wearing wet clothing for extended periods of time, etc. Really, anything that will make the groin area more most or warmer can cause jock itch. Men are more prone to getting jock itch than women are.
There are several things that you can do to prevent jock itch from happening or from re-occurring. These include:
* Wear clothes that are made of cotton or synthetics designed to get moisture away from the skin's surface.
* Wear loose-fitting clothing.
* Don't share towels or wash cloths with others, as those may have the fungus on them.
* Don't share clothes with others, either, for the same reason.
* After you shower, let the groin area dry sufficiently. Don't put on clothes until after the groin area is dry.
* Use over-the-counter antifungal medications, such as sprays or powders, to help prevent infection.
If your jock itch is severe or persistent, it may be worth speaking with your healthcare provider about options that you can pursue to clear up your jock itch.