Jock Itch, Causes & Treatments

Fungal infections of the skin are very common for candida sufferers. Not only does it involve fungal infections, but it can also involve reactions by the skin to candida toxins.

Like athlete's foot and other skin infections such problems are often found to contain a combination of fungi and bacteria.

Fungal infections of the skin are caused by a depressed immune system and/or a lack of adequate blood circulation to the extremities, and inadequate oxygen in the blood.

This primarily occurs in diseases such as diabetes, and heart disease, but it also occurs in many other diseases, including candida and candida-related diseases.

Fungal infections of the skin are usually accompanied by candida overgrowth in other areas of the body, mainly in the intestinal tract.

Like other evidence of candida overgrowth in the body, i.e. thrush, vaginal yeast, etc. it is a definite sign of more serious problems caused by a weakened immune system.

Ordinarily healthy skin secretes acid on its surface. This acid layer is necessary for the health and integrity of the skin, which also acts as a protective barrier.

However through malnutrition, constant showers and bathing, soap and lotion that remove the acid layer, toxins, poor blood circulation, low oxygen levels in the blood, etc. the health of the skin is compromised leaving it more vulnerable to fungal overgrowth.

Fungal infections of the skin can be treated directly. Even though direct treatment will provide some measure of comfort and relief of the symptoms it will not be totally eradicated until the immune system is functioning normally.

This is only accomplished by the entire Candida Program, including diet, supplements, antifungals and probiotics. True healing only occurs with proper nutrition and elimination of toxins.

Jock Itch (tinea cruris)

This fungal infection is called "jock itch" because it occurs in sportspeople. It is sometimes called crotch itch, crotch rot, crack fungus, bag rot, dhobi itch, eczema marginatum, and ringworm of the groin.

It causes an itchy, red rash in the groin and surrounding area and is commonly seen in men who have been sweating a lot. Often the man also has athlete's foot.

This infection causes intense itching, which can be disabling. In addition to intense itching, red areas with many small blisters and dandruff-like scales develop on either side of the scrotum. It can involve the entire groin area including the penis, anus and the crack in the buttocks.

The type of fungus that most commonly causes jock itch is called Trichophyton rubrum. Some other contributing fungi are Candida albicans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum.

All fungi respond well to the Candida Program I recommend. Therefore, as with all other fungal infections, the main treatment is a strict diet, supplements, and antifungals and probiotics taken internally.

Jock Itch Treatments

There are some direct treatments which can help relieve symptoms to some degree:

Avoid using scented or antibacterial soaps, instead us a good quality coconut oil based soap available at the health store, or wash thoroughly with plain water.
After washing or bathing, rinse the area well with an apple cider vinegar or lemon juice and water mixture (mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or the juice of 1/2 lemon into 2 cups of warm water). Pat it dry, but do not rinse it off. Any smell dissipates quickly. This restores the natural acid layer of the skin which helps fight fungal infections.
Wear 100% cotton loose underwear, such as boxer shorts, and change it frequently, particularly if it gets damp or sweaty.
Do not wear tight fitting clothing made of synthetic fibres. Instead wear natural fibres like 100% cotton. Natural fibres allow the skin to breathe which helps keep the area dry as well.
Sleep with a nightshirt or in the nude so the entire area can breathe.
After cycling, exercising, or doing any other activity that creates a lot of sweating and friction, rinse off well with plain water. It is best to avoid the use of soap whenever possible. Keep a spritzer handy which contains 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or the juice of 1/2 lemon mixed into 2 cups of water and spray the entire area completely to replenish the acid layer to the skin. Pat it dry, but do not rinse it off. Any smell dissipates quickly.
Rub coconut oil into the affected areas as often as possible.
Twice a day rub antifungal solutions well into all areas that are affected (use 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 4 to 5 drops of one of the following (or use a combination):
- tea tree oil
- oil of oregano
- clove oil

You make these mixtures ahead of time. There is no need to refrigerate them. Multiply the amount of coconut oil as well as the number of drops accordingly.

Try to take an antifungal sitz bath every day because it is the best way to get into all of the folds and creases of the skin. The best solution to use is the garlic tea recipe, in our Recipe Folder, which also contains lemon.

That is because it also leaves an acid layer on your skin. Make a double batch of the garlic tea, and cool it enough so it is still warm, but not too hot.

Put a dish pan in the bathtub (one that is just large enough for you to sit in, but not too big). Pour the garlic tea into the dish pan and sit in it for 15 minutes, rinsing well with the solution using a wash cloth. Pat dry and then apply antifungals.

References

iHerb.com