Jock Itch Treatment Options and Information
Treatment
The treatment of jock itch is both supportive and specific. The supportive measures include the following:
One has to eliminate the wet, humid and warm environment that allows the fungus to thrive. This means cleansing the groin and anal area with routine soap and water. It really does not matter what type of soap one uses. Some people seem to think the more expensive soaps are better. In fact, bland soaps with less fragrance are ideal because they do not contain a lot of synthetic chemicals which can aggravate the rash. To help dry the skin, one may use any type of absorbent powder which can absorb the moisture. In addition, one should always avoid wearing tight fitting underwear. Clothing that does not allow for aeration such as plastic, rubber or spandex should be avoided. Cotton undergarments are excellent. Once the groin area is kept dry and cool, one will immediately see a big difference in the symptoms in a few days. If the jock itch is mild, these supportive measures will be adequate to cure the infection.
Medications
There are many anti fungal medications available to treat jock itch. Some are powders, others are spray and creams. There are several over the counter anti fungal medications available which can help resolve the condition in majority of individuals. The medications include:
- Terbinafine (Lamisil)
- Naftin
- Miconazole
- Clotrimazole
These medications should be applied twice a day. Prior to application, the area should be cleaned and dried. Some people prefer to use a powdered medication. The powder can also be sprinkled on the undergarment. Once the medications have been started, the symptoms will start to subside in a few days and disappear within 7-10 days. However, to ensure that the fungus has been completely removed, it is important to continue the medications for at least 2-3 weeks. It is important to make sure that the entire skin area is treated- if one also has a concomitant fungus infection in the foot (Athlete’s foot) the medication has to be applied on the foot also.
There are instances when the over the counter medications do not work and one has to obtain more potent anti fungal drugs. These drugs are available with a prescription and include the following:
- Econazole topical cream
- Oxiconazole topical cream
- Fluconazole pill
- Itraconazole pill
The presently available anti fungal drugs are relatively safe. There are no side effects from the topical preparations. However, the oral medications may cause a headache, gastric upset or may also see a raise in the liver enzymes. When the liver enzymes start to increase, the medication has to be stopped.
The prescription medications usually work very fast and the symptoms of jock itch usually subside in a few days. However, the medications have to be taken for a few weeks to ensure that the fungus has been killed. Also there is alternatives to chemicals and drugs that if the infection is caught early these natural remedies work very well.
The treatment of jock itch is both supportive and specific. The supportive measures include the following:
One has to eliminate the wet, humid and warm environment that allows the fungus to thrive. This means cleansing the groin and anal area with routine soap and water. It really does not matter what type of soap one uses. Some people seem to think the more expensive soaps are better. In fact, bland soaps with less fragrance are ideal because they do not contain a lot of synthetic chemicals which can aggravate the rash. To help dry the skin, one may use any type of absorbent powder which can absorb the moisture. In addition, one should always avoid wearing tight fitting underwear. Clothing that does not allow for aeration such as plastic, rubber or spandex should be avoided. Cotton undergarments are excellent. Once the groin area is kept dry and cool, one will immediately see a big difference in the symptoms in a few days. If the jock itch is mild, these supportive measures will be adequate to cure the infection.
Medications
There are many anti fungal medications available to treat jock itch. Some are powders, others are spray and creams. There are several over the counter anti fungal medications available which can help resolve the condition in majority of individuals. The medications include:
- Terbinafine (Lamisil)
- Naftin
- Miconazole
- Clotrimazole
These medications should be applied twice a day. Prior to application, the area should be cleaned and dried. Some people prefer to use a powdered medication. The powder can also be sprinkled on the undergarment. Once the medications have been started, the symptoms will start to subside in a few days and disappear within 7-10 days. However, to ensure that the fungus has been completely removed, it is important to continue the medications for at least 2-3 weeks. It is important to make sure that the entire skin area is treated- if one also has a concomitant fungus infection in the foot (Athlete’s foot) the medication has to be applied on the foot also.
There are instances when the over the counter medications do not work and one has to obtain more potent anti fungal drugs. These drugs are available with a prescription and include the following:
- Econazole topical cream
- Oxiconazole topical cream
- Fluconazole pill
- Itraconazole pill
The presently available anti fungal drugs are relatively safe. There are no side effects from the topical preparations. However, the oral medications may cause a headache, gastric upset or may also see a raise in the liver enzymes. When the liver enzymes start to increase, the medication has to be stopped.
The prescription medications usually work very fast and the symptoms of jock itch usually subside in a few days. However, the medications have to be taken for a few weeks to ensure that the fungus has been killed. Also there is alternatives to chemicals and drugs that if the infection is caught early these natural remedies work very well.
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