Treatment FAQ

jock itch treatment how long

by Dr. Eulalia Ziemann IV Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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With proper treatment, jock itch should clear up in three to four weeks. If you don't treat it, jock itch can last for months. This infection often comes back more than once, especially if you also have fungal infections on your feet or toenails.Jan 22, 2021

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You might get jock itch if you:

  • Wear tight clothes that irritate your skin
  • Have moisture in your groin area from sweating
  • Wear a wet bathing suit for a long time
  • Share damp towels or sweaty clothing with other people
  • Have close contact with someone who has jock itch
  • Are overweight
  • Have a weakened immune system or diabetes

Why does it take so long to cure jock itch?

Most cases of jock itch (tinea cruris) will not go away on their own, but can be successfully treated with an antifungal creams/lotions/gels, many of which are available over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription.

Will jock itch go away on its own?

This is up to two weeks. Topical prescription antifungal creams can get rid of jock itch yeast faster. In mild cases, jock itch will go away within the course of treatment. If it lasts after medication, the doctor prescribes multiple treatments including prescription creams for male yeast infection and oral medicines.

How long does it take to cure jock itch?

  • Keep the skin clean and dry in the groin area. ...
  • Don’t wear clothing that rubs and irritates the area.
  • Shower immediately after athletic activities.
  • Don’t scratch!
  • Wear loose-fitting underwear.
  • Wash athletic supporters frequently.
  • Change your clothes, especially undergarments, daily.

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How can you tell if jock itch is healing?

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How long does it take for jock itch to clear up?

While it might not be possible to completely determine if jock itch is still contagious, the risk of transmission goes down significantly once you start treating your symptoms. Once you begin treatment, it typically takes two weeks for symptoms to clear up completely.

How long should you use jock itch cream?

For mild jock itch, your doctor may suggest first using an over-the-counter antifungal ointment, lotion, powder or spray. Apply the medication as your doctor recommends for one to two weeks even if the rash clears up quickly.

How do you know when jock itch is cured?

When the skin returns to normal (redness, itching, burning and flaking cease), a person is cured of jock itch. However, no matter if the person spontaneously clears the infection or if the individual requires an antifungal medication to clear the symptoms, it is still possible to become reinfected.

Can jock itch be cured in a week?

Topical antifungal medications are enough to cure jock itch in two to four weeks. Most patients (80-90%) will be completely cured using store-bought antifungal creams, gels, sprays, or powders.

What kills jock itch instantly?

Antifungal creams or powders: Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription antifungal creams or powders work well on athlete's foot and jock itch. These products include clotrimazole (Lotrimin®), miconazole (Desenex®) and terbinafine (Lamisil AT®).

Can jock itch last for months?

With proper treatment, jock itch should clear up in three to four weeks. If you don't treat it, jock itch can last for months. This infection often comes back more than once, especially if you also have fungal infections on your feet or toenails.

Does jock itch peel healing?

This means that during the healing process, it can exhibit peeling of the skin or even the scab, to reveal healthier skin underneath. So peeling is a good sign when it comes to the healing process of jock itches.

Does scratching jock itch make it worse?

Scratching the rash can introduce bacteria into the skin, making the problem even worse and the blisters may also become infected. Keeping this area clean and dry is very important to avoid this condition.

What is the strongest medicine for jock itch?

What is the best drug for jock itch? Overall, the best jock-itch drug is a topical antifungal cream like miconazole, clotrimazole, or terbinafine, assuming the condition is produced by a fungus.

Can jock itch spread to hands?

Jock itch is caused by a fungus that spreads from person to person or from sharing contaminated towels or clothing. It's often caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot. The infection often spreads from the feet to the groin because the fungus can travel on your hands or on a towel.

Will shaving help jock itch?

Shaving gives your male genitalia a temporary smooth feel and look. However, for many men, it may result in intense itching. Red bumps and other symptoms may crop up after shaving this sensitive area.

How to diagnose jock itch?

Your doctor can often diagnose jock itch by looking at the rash. If the diagnosis isn't clear-cut, your doctor may take skin scrapings or samples from the infected area for study under a microscope.

Can you treat jock itch with over the counter medicine?

If you also have athlete's foot, it's usually treated at the same time as jock itch to reduce the risk of the rash coming back. Severe jock itch or a rash that doesn't improve with over-the-counter medicine may need prescription-strength creams, ointments or pills.

How to stop 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.

How do you know if jock itch is going away?

How to tell if jock itch is going away. 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.

What is jock itch?

Jock itch happens when a specific species of fungus builds up on the skin, growing out of control and causing inflammation. It’s also called tinea cruris. Common symptoms of jock itch include: redness or irritation. itchiness that doesn’t go away.

What shampoos help jock itch?

Medicated shampoos that contain ketoconazole or selenium sulfide are a good, strong treatment for jock itch symptoms. They’re available by prescription from your doctor or over the counter. They don’t typically have side effects, and OTC versions are easy to buy at most drugstores.

Why is it bad to have an anti-itch cream on your skin?

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 won’t treat the infection — it can actually worsen it.

Can jock itch be treated?

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. Let’s 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.

What is the best treatment for jock itch?

Cornstarch is another natural remedy for jock itch. Cornstarch is derived from dried corn kernels and is the primary ingredient in baby powders. It can help the skin have a fresh, dry feeling while soothing the burning, raw effects from scratching the infected areas.

How to prevent jock itch?

The best thing you can do is have good hygiene. Here are a few key tips to help prevent jock itch: 1 Shower or take a bath daily, especially after playing sports. 2 Keep the area as dry as possible by always using a clean towel after showering or swimming. 3 Avoid sharing towels. 4 Try to avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing and undergarments. 5 Wash athletic supporters as often as possible. 6 Change clothes and undergarments daily.

What is the itch in the groin?

Jock itch, medically known as tinea cruris, or ringworm of the groin, is an infection of the groin area caused by fungus and can be rather annoying to anyone who has it. ( 1a) As the common name implies, it causes an itching or a burning sensation in the groin area, thigh skin folds or anus.

What causes a jock to itch?

Jock itch is caused by several types of mold-like fungi called dermatophytes, including Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum. Everyone has microscopic fungi and bacteria living on their bodies, and dermatophytes are among them.

How do you know if you have jock itch?

Common symptoms of jock itch include: Red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze — and often have sharply defined edges. Patches are often redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center. Abnormally dark or light skin, sometimes permanently.

What to do if lotrimin doesn't get better?

If it doesn’t get better within a few weeks, you may need to see your doctor to discuss your options. Conventional treatment includes using powder sprays, often containing the antifungal clotrimazole. Clotrimazole is also the primary antifungal and so-called “active ingredient” present in the brand Lotrimin®.

Does apple cider vinegar help with jock itch?

Apple Cider Vinegar. Because the acids in apple cider vinegar act as antibacterial agents, it can be a great option for healing bacterial jock itch. In addition, the antifungal activity of apple cider vinegar fights candida and fungus growth, including jock itch. ( 5)

How to prevent jock itch?

The best way to prevent jock itch is to shower immediately after working out and make sure you dry off as much as possible. You should wear loose-fitting cotton underwear and make a habit of switching up your workout gear. .

Why does my jock itch after a workout?

Basically, your crotch is a breeding ground for the fungus that causes jock itch, especially after a sweaty workout. "If you don't have time for a shower immediately after, the sweat and bacteria our pores naturally emit have nowhere to go down there. It creates a tempestuous environment for tinea [fungus]," Dr. Radusky says.

Why do men get jock itch?

While jock itch can happen to both men and women, guys are more susceptible to the condition because of the groin's external anatomy, which causes added friction and a more humid environment.

Is jock itch treatable?

While jock itch is uncomfortable and awkward, it's also super common and, in most cases, extremely treatable. Stop the scratching and learn more about how to treat and prevent jock itch below. This content is imported from Giphy.

Can diabetes cause jock itch?

It creates a tempestuous environment for tinea [fungus]," Dr. Radusky says. If you have diabetes, you also may be more at risk. "Diabetes increases your risk of jock itch in two ways: the excess sugar emitted in your sweat is a fantastic food for fungus, and your immune system is not as strong in general, making you more at risk for common skin ...

Can you put socks on before underwear?

Put on your socks before putting on your underwear. The same fungus that causes athlete's foot also causes jock itch, and "the simple act of passing your underwear through your feet when you get dressed in the morning can pass that fungus up to your groin," Dr. Radusky says.

Overview

Jock itch is a common fungal (caused by a fungus) infection similar to ringworm. Jock itch causes an itchy, stinging, burning rash on the skin around your groin, inner thighs and butt crack (gluteal cleft). Tinea cruris is another name for jock itch. Tinea is another name for ringworm, and cruris means groin.

Symptoms and Causes

Jock itch can burn and itch. Your skin may appear irritated and change colors. It can also appear scaly or flaky. The rash may look like a ring, and the outside of the rash may have small bumps or blisters.

Diagnosis and Tests

Your healthcare provider can typically diagnose jock itch by examining your groin and reviewing symptoms.

Management and Treatment

Jock itch doesn’t typically go away on its own. If it’s left untreated, it can spread to other areas of your body, including your:

How to get rid of jock itch?

Make sure your clothes fit correctly, especially underwear, athletic supporters and sports uniforms. Avoid tight-fitting clothes, which can rub and chafe your skin and put you at increased risk of jock itch. Try wearing boxer shorts rather than briefs.

What is a jock itch?

Jock itch. Jock itch. Jock itch is characterized by an itchy, red rash often on the groin and inner thighs. It occurs in warm, moist areas of the body and is common in athletes and people who are overweight or sweat a great deal. Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a fungal infection that causes a red and itchy rash in warm and moist areas of the body.

What is a ring shaped rash?

Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a fungal infection that causes a red and itchy rash in warm and moist areas of the body. The rash often affects the groin and inner thighs and may be shaped like a ring. Jock itch gets its name because it's common in athletes.

What does it mean when you get a jock rash?

Jock itch usually begins with a reddened area of skin in the crease in the groin. It often spreads to the upper thigh in a half-moon shape. The rash may be ring-shaped and bordered with a line of small blisters. It may burn or feel itchy, and the skin may be flaky or scaly.

How to get rid of athlete's foot fungus?

Stay dry. Keep your groin area dry. Dry your genital area and inner thighs thoroughly with a clean towel after showering or exercising. Dry your feet last to avoid spreading athlete's foot fungus to the groin area. Wear clean clothes. Change your underwear at least once a day or more often if you sweat a lot.

How long does it take for a rash to clear up?

And see your doctor if the rash hasn't improved after a week of treatment or if it hasn't cleared up completely after three weeks of treatment.

How to prevent athlete's foot infection?

Control any athlete's foot infection to prevent its spread to the groin. If you spend time in moist public areas, such as a gym shower, wearing sandals will help prevent athlete's foot. By Mayo Clinic Staff.

How long does jock itch last?

In most cases, jock itch will clear up on its own after 2 to 3 weeks. If you want to speed up the process, you can use an over-the-counter antifungal ointment designed to treat the condition. Apply the ointment as directed on the package for 1 to 2 weeks to see if your rash clears up.

What is the best treatment for jock itch?

Your best options include Lamisil, Lotrimin Ultra, and/or Naftin. These are more expensive, but they will get rid of jock itch faster. Prefer Lotrimin Ultra which contains Butenafine Hydrochloride over regular Lotrimin AF which just contains clotrimazole. Studies have shown Butenafine can be faster and more effective than clotrimazole.

What to do if jock itch is infected?

Antibiotics: If your jock itch has become infected, doctors can prescribe an antibiotic to help clear up the infection. Oral anti-fungal medications: Sporanox, Diflucan or Lamisil are all medications that your doctor may prescribe for you. These prescriptions may be given for one month to one year.

How to treat jock itch in groin?

Use mild soap and water, and avoid anti-bacterial and deodorant soaps. Keep your groin clean and dry at all times. If you find you're susceptible to jock itch, then cover your groin or athletic cup with anti-fungal or drying powders after you take a bath or shower. Avoid clothing or underwear that irritates the area.

How to stop scratching your nails?

Take a cool bath for relief. Sprinkle the water with uncooked oatmeal, baking soda or a substance called colloidal oatmeal ( Aveeno is a good brand) that is made specifically for the bath.

Why do jocks itch?

If you have an impaired immune system (e.g., from having diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or atopic dermatitis – a chronic, genetic skin condition characterized by itchy, inflamed skin and associated with asthma and seasonal allergies), you may be more likely to get jock itch.

What to use for fungus in the body?

Things You'll Need. Anti-fungal cream. Prescription creams, antibiotics or oral anti-fungal medications (don't over do the antibiotics as they don't always work, try taking natural supplements like, spirulina 550mg and sea kelp 150mg) Mild soap, such as a baby soap or oatmeal soap, and water.

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