This article was reviewed by Dr. Emilija Ashtalkoska on August 15th, 2018. Products listed therein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
Overview
Also known as tinea cruris, jock itch is a common fungal infection of the skin in the groin area, which includes the buttock area, inner thighs, and genitals.
Jock itch happens in the warm, moist areas and affects men more often than women, although female jock itch does occur.
The condition is characterized by an itchy rash in the groin area that can be incredibly uncomfortable and even embarrassing.
Is jock itch contagious? The answer is yes. Below we will outline everything you need to know about your fungal infection today.
Jock Itch Contagious – Start Treatment Today
Yes, jock itch can be highly contagious.
If you do not start treating your jock itch as soon as possible, the jock itch can spread throughout your body, or to anyone close to you – this includes your partner, friends, and children.
We have outlined below some of the top jock itch treatments, so you can start treating your jock itch and prevent it from spreading.
Best Jock Itch Treatment #1 – H-Jock Itch Formula
H-Jock Itch Formula is one of the top jock itch treatments on the market today.
The solution uses a powerful blend of essential oils such as Calendula Officinalis, Thuja Occidentalis, Lavendula, Citrus Bergamia Peel, and more to quickly and easily help treat your jock itch, thus preventing it from spreading.
Utilizing the solution is quite simple – apply a few drops of the solution directly to the infected areas twice a day to start seeing relief.
It is important to be diligent about applying the treatment daily, otherwise, you risk having the fungal infection return.
H-Jock Itch Formula is all natural, free of pesticides and other ingredients, and comes with a 90-day money back guarantee.
Click here to view H-Jock Itch Formula on Amazon.com
Best Jock Itch Treatment #2 – EmuaidMAX
EmuaidMAX is one of the best anti-fungal ointments in the world. It can help treat over 75 types of different skin issues, such as athlete’s foot, hemorrhoids, boils, toenail fungus, and course, jock itch.
It is known for its powerful blend of essential oils, including Tea Oil, Argentum Metallicum, Vitamin E, Castor Oil, and more.
It is free of any artificial preservatives, alcohol, fragrances, and other unnatural ingredients.
The EmuaidMAX solution is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory, making it an absolutely incredible option to help treat your jock itch.
Plus, because it is so effective in treating a variety of ailments, it is a perfect addition to your medicine cabinet. Click here to read our full review.
Click here to view EmuaidMAX on Amazon.com
Tips To Help Your Jock Itch
In most cases, jock itch disappears itself or can be treated at home, but when the symptoms get worse, you may face some serious complications.
If you’re experiencing several symptoms of jock itch mentioned above, chances are you’re dealing with this skin condition.
Once a doctor diagnoses they may prescribe the following medications:
- Oral medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan) and itraconazole (Sporanox);
- Topical medications such as oxiconazole (Oxistat) and econazole.
There are also a few methods of helping aide in your jock itch treatment without turning to traditional medications. They are:
- Wearing loose cotton clothing;
- Changing undergarments and clothes each day;
- Drying the affected area thoroughly after exercise and bathing;
- Using soap and warm water when washing the affected area;
- An application of an antifungal cream, spray, or powder to the affected area;
- Utilizing an all-natural antifungal and antibacterial treatment such as EmuaidMAX;
- Treating any other fungal infections, including athlete’s foot.
You can also help treat jock itch at home by:
- Using good hygiene;
- Washing the infected 2 to 3 times a day;
- Wearing 100% cotton underwear to avoid excess groin skin irritation;
- Keeping the infected skin dry;
- Avoiding harsh laundry detergents, bleaches, and fabric softeners.
The holistic treatments are:
- Soaking the affected area in lukewarm water every day with Antifungal Tea Tree Oil Body Wash
- Soaking it each day with a washcloth, which was initially dipped in a diluted white vinegar (4 parts of water to 1 part vinegar) and drying the skin.
Remove The Fungi From Your Life
One of the most important parts of clearing up jock itch or any other fungal infection is to completely destroy the fungi from your life.
What many people don’t realize is that if you have a fungal infection you are leaving spores on everything you come into contact with.
This means that if you have jock itch, there may be fungal spores on your towels, undergarments, linens, and more.
You risk reinfecting yourself every time you come into contact with these fungi.
This is where StinkBOSS comes in – StinkBOSS is a Deodorizer, Ozone sanitizer, and Dryer. It helps to eliminate up to 99% of bacteria and various types of fungi, thus preventing reinfection.
It can work with your shoes, undergarments, socks, and more.
3 Natural Remedies For Jock Itch
Avoid synthetic sprays and lotions by trying these all-natural remedies for jock itch:
Epsom Salt And Oatmeal Bath
This bath provides relief and speeds up the healing process. Add a cup of Epsom salt and 2 cups of oatmeal to your bath and soak for 15-20 minutes.
Ensure your water is warm, but not hot. Hot water causes irritation and worsens itchy skin.
Add a few drops of essential oil like lavender oil for a relaxing effect.
Once you have finished bathing, make sure you wash off the infected area with warm water and dry it completely.
Fungi thrive with moisture, and this can make your infection even worse.
Cornstarch
One of the primary ingredients in baby powders, cornstarch helps the skin have a fresh feeling as well as soothes the burning sensation in the infected area.
Just apply a bit of cornstarch to the affected area and leave it overnight.
Make sure you completely remove the cornstarch in the morning, either with a wet washcloth or paper towel.
Once the cornstarch has been removed, make sure you are completely dry.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Known for its powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar is an effective way to cure bacterial jock itch.
It helps to combat fungus and candida growth, including jock itch. Mix equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar, pour into a spray bottle and place in the fridge.
Spray onto the affected area to fight the infection and provide a cooling effect and relief.
Please keep in mind that these home remedies may only work for mild cases of jock itch.
We recommend utilizing them as stopgap solutions, while you wait for H-Jock Itch Formula or EmuaidMAX to arrive.
What Are The Risk Factors And Causes For Jock Itch?
Jock itch produces a mild or intense itch, which is associated with a pink or red rash in the genitals and groin folds.
Adolescent boys and men have a higher risk factor for this skin condition than women because of the male genitalia – the anatomic structures unique to men.
Primarily seen in the groin area, jock itch can spread to the inner thighs and genitals.
The condition causes a well-demarcated, scaly, and dry rash, or in some cases, a collection of small, pinpoint pink or red bumps at every hair follicle.
Due to its vivid red edge with a central clearing, this type of eruption is called ringworm.
Although jock itch can affect people who have no health issues, obese people and those with diabetes are more susceptible. The major causes of jock itch are:
- Infections caused by certain fungi;
- Infections caused by yeasts and fungus, such as Epidermophyton (fungal molds), Trichophyton, and Candida (yeast);
- Tight and occlusive undergarments and clothing that trap in a lot of sweat;
- Compounded by skin friction, warmth, and moist areas.
What Are The Symptoms Of Jock Itch?
Jock itch usually affects the inner thighs and groin area, but can spread to the buttocks and abdomen. The major symptoms of jock itch include:
- A rash that spreads or worsens with time;
- Changes in the skin color;
- A rash that worsens with activity or exercise;
- An unpleasant, yeast-like smell;
- Redness in the affected area;
- Cracking, peeling, or flaking skin in the affected area;
- Burning sensation and persistent itching in the affected area.
How Is It Diagnosed?
A doctor diagnoses jock itch by doing a physical exam and examining the affected area. In certain cases, doctors take the scrapings of the skin cells from the affected area to diagnose jock itch.
This way allows a doctor to set the right diagnosis and rule out any other similar skin disorder like psoriasis.
Please keep in mind that this website does not provide any medical advice. If you believe you have contracted jock itch, talk to your doctor immediately.
Is Jock Itch Contagious?
Like many other skin infections, jock itch is contagious. If you wear the piece of clothing that someone with jock itch wore before, you’re more likely to develop this condition as well.
The direct person-to-person contact can increase the risk of the condition, and jock itch may be transmitted through something as simple as sharing a towel.
Additionally, it is important to note that jock itch, if left untreated, can spread to the hands, nails, feet, and even face.
This is part of the reason why it is so crucial to start treating your fungal infection as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Is jock itch contagious? Yes! Jock itch is highly contagious if left untreated.
This is why we highly recommend starting an anti-fungal treatment today to prevent the risk of jock itch spreading. Please keep in mind that this website does not provide any medical advice.
If you believe you have jock itch or any other medical issue, talk to your doctor immediately.
I am the founder of DestroyNailFungus, and I do my best to provide comprehensive guides on health and wellness.
When I’m not running the site, I enjoy spending time outdoors and drinking coffee.