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Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)
What is Jock Itch?
Skin fungal infections which present on the skin are caused by fungal organisms. These fungi are mostly unharmful to humans however if the spores begin to reproduce and spread this is when conditions such as Candida, athletes foot, jock itch occur. The environment these fungi need to increase and cause complications is in a dark, moist, and warm environment. Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris) is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the inner thighs, buttocks, and genitals and is caused by a group of fungi called Dermatophytes which are closely associated with the organisms that cause athlete's foot, tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp), and tinea versicolor (skin fungal patches). Normally these organisms live on the skin and do not cause an infection, however, when areas of the body are frequently moist, the fungi may grow uncontrollably. This is because a warm and sweaty environment provides an especially good habitat for fungi. Jock itch is mildly contagious although not a serious infection. It is spread through physical contact or after using shared items (e.g. towels) that came into contact with the infected person's skin.
Please remember that treatment time of these skin conditions is a relatively long period and results will be seen when many areas are addressed (immunity, liver function, anti-fungal treatment, diet, anti-oxidant status). It pays to persist and address this condition for at least a period of 3-6 months to reduce the chances of it re-occuring later down the track.
Diet tips for jock itch
- Include yoghurt in your diet, to establish good bacterias within your digestive system or take a probiotic supplement to establish a good microflora environment to ward off detrimental bacteria which contributes to this condition
- Add Garlic and onion in your cooking, for good microbial protection through the whole body
- Plenty of water, fresh fruits and veges to alkalise the blood, change the pH of the blood and encourage alkalinity to discourage the bacteria which thrives on acidic blood
- Begin each day with a glass of lemon juice in a glass of warm water every morning to cleanse the body
- Alternatively use apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice taken before meals. You can even rub this on your skin for great results and temporary relief from the itch associated with this skin condition
Lifestyle factors for jock itch
- Practicing good hygiene is imperative to reduce the risk of further infection or transfer of infection to others
- Address underlying immune weakness and Candida
- Consider liver detoxification
Natural remedies for jock itch
- Zinc supplementation helps maintain healthy skin and fight infections. Improve your anti-oxidant status by increasing Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium which may all improve the overall health of the immune system and reduce inflammation
- Herbs which contain natural potent anti-fungal herbs such as Pau D'arco, Wormwood, Rhubarb, Picorrhiza, Garlic, Oregon Grape Root, Olive leaf, Thuja, Barberry, Black Walnut, Cloves, Myrrh, Neem and Oregano
- Probiotics may help to re-establish healthy bacteria in the gut, bowel, skin and immune system
- Use a base oil of Avocado or Wheat germ oil and add any essential oils and apply to the affected area numerous times a day. It is also quite important to ensure that the area is free from sweat and clothes which rub and irritate the area. Natural anti-fungal herbs that can be rubbed onto the skin are: Propolis, Calendula, Tea tree, Garlic, Lemon myrtle, Lemon grass, Patchouli, Thuja, Olive leaf, Colloidal silica, Poke root, Oregon grape root
For further information see the Ask a Naturopath.com webpages concerningCandida, food choices and fungal skin infections