by Tony Isaacs

(The Best Years in Life) Itching in the groin area due to the condition known as “jock itch” can be quite the annoying problem - and embarrassing too if you are caught scratching and rubbing in public while trying to relieve the bothersome symptoms. Fortunately, natural remedies can quickly relieve and eliminate the itching and prevent potential embarrassment. There are also steps one can take to minimize the chances of getting it again.

Jock itch, also known as tinea cruris, is a fungal skin infection that thrives in the warm and moist environment of the groin area. It is caused by a fungus called Trichophyton rubrum. This fungus mainly affects skin of genitals, inner thighs, groin area and buttocks. Symptoms include burning and itching sensations and may also include blisters and cracked skin.

Jock itch is far more common in men than in women and overweight and profusely sweating people are especially prone to getting the infection. While it often causes a lot of discomfort, it is not generally a serious infection.

Though jock itch can sometimes be persistent, most often it will disappear within a few days. If it is persistent or if you don't want the discomfort of waiting it out, here are some of the items which have been used effectively to eliminate and relieve it are:

Garlic
Apple Cider Vinegar
Tea Tree Oil
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)
Colloidal Silver

The most effective way to treat jock itch, especially persistent jock itch, is to combine one than one item. Following is a suggested combined approach:

1. Take a warm (but not hot) healing bath which includes a cup or more of vinegar, Epsom salts, and a good squirt or two of H202.
2. After soaking in the bath for 20 minutes or longer, dry off and then apply a 50/50 solution of H2O2/water to the affected area. Let dry.
3. Apply colloidal silver liberally to the area and let dry.
4. Apply apple cider vinegar to the area and let dry.
5. Eat lots of garlic for its anti-fungal properties.
5. Follow the suggestions below for preventing jock itch.

Here are suggested ways to prevent the occurrence of jock itch:

*Shower or bathe regularly and rinse well.

*To prevent the fungus from spreading, keep the groin area as dry as possible and don't let the area collect sweat.

*Lightly dust the groin area with powder whenever you change your underwear to prevent moisture accumulation. Read the powder label to be sure it does not contain dangerous chemicals.

*Wear loose fitting cotton clothing or materials designed to wick moisture away from the skin. If you wear athletic supporters, wear a pair of clean, all-cotton shorts underneath to prevent rubbing and accumulation of perspiration.

*Change sweaty workout clothes and undergarments as frequently as possible. Do not put any clothes back on without washing them first.

*Don't share your clothing or towels and be firm about letting others share yours.

*Add bleach when you wash undergarments and bed sheets.

*Shed extra pounds if you are on the heavier side so that you do not have extra skin folds that provide a damp and moist environment to the fungus.

*Avoid refined carbohydrates, sugar, alcohol, food items that contain yeasts and greasy fried foods. Eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables.

If you follow the above suggestions, your unpleasant jock itch problems should soon become a thing of the past.

Notes:

Do not use bleach, as it can be harmful and potentially cause scarring when applied to skin with open sores and blisters.

Jock itch usually spares the genitalia in men. If they're affected then the most likely culprit is Candida albicans. To get rid of Candida, see:

Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections and Candida

Sources included:

http://www.homeremedyhaven.com/remedies/jock-itch-treatment.html
http://www.natural-cures-for.com/remedies/jock-itch
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Jock-Itch.html
http://www.wikihow.com/Cure-Jock-Itch