Jock Itch Answers Or Will The Guy With The Yeast Infection Please Stand Up?

There seems to be plenty in print in relation to Yeast Infections for the females out there, but isn't it time the fellas got some air time? Their conditions are easily as agonizing and, if we're talking about the groin or genital area, just as embarrassing as the ladies. Let's face it, we're not talking 'man flu' here, this is a genuine problem. Have YOU got Jock Itch?

It might be all well and good telling your best bosom buddy that you've got 'jock itch' and that your penis is sore with a red, itchy rash, but when it comes to informing your sweetheart you could find yourself a bit tongue-tied. The thing here though is, it is very possible that you got your yeast infection from her anyway.

So What Is A Yeast Infection?

What is normally referred to as 'jock itch' may or may not be a yeast infection. There are a few conditions it could be, some of which present similar symptoms. These likely alternatives include atopic dermatitis, irritant or contact dermatitis, dry skin (xerosis), eczema, erythrasma, impetigo, intertrigo, inverse psoriasis, heat rash, and ringworm (also called tinea cruris).

These can be started by tight clothing leading to friction to the skin; sweating, leaving the skin warm and moist for extended periods; or contact with bacteria or fungus. Additional risk factors include diabetes, obesity, exercise, weakened immune system, and athlete's foot infection or other "ringworm" on the body.

Yeast is a fungus, and the fungus most normally responsible for a yeast infection is Candida Albicans. Yeast is, more often than not, found living on normal human skin. Jock itch is, as a rule, found in adult and middle aged males, but anyone can get it. It is understood to affect most people at some time in their lives

Well What Are The Symptoms?

Usually starting with a mild, intermittent itching in the groin area and skin folds, this irritation grows in intensity until, in some cases, it becomes unbearable. The rash can widen to the inner thighs and onto the genitals, including penis, scrotum and anus. To the touch the rash may become dry and rough, developing pus bumps or becoming oozy. It is feasible that the infection may extend to the head of the penis, notably if the man is not circumcised. In acute cases, breaks in the skin can happen, perhaps leading to ulceration, abscesses or even cellulitis.

And The Diagnosis And Treatment Is What?

Diagnosis is typically based on the skin appearance and symptoms. In some cases a skin biopsy (using local anaesthetic) is taken for histopathological analysis, or maybe a skin swab will be taken to uncover any infectious cause. Scans and x-rays are of no use in the diagnosis of a skin infection.

If the jock itch is started by heat and/or moisture, it is crucial to keep the area clean and dry, wear underwear made from natural fibres like cotton or silk, keep away from strong laundry products and fabric softeners. If, on the other hand, you are suffering from a fungal yeast infection, you need to abide by the aforementioned and also apply an anti-fungal cream (e.g. Clotrimazole) continuously for two to four weeks until the symptoms are clear.

How Did I Get It And Can I Pass It On?

A fungal, or yeast, infection could be transmitted by means of close skin or sexual contact, or by sharing towels or clothing. Some people are simply more prone to jock itch because of their overall health condition, activity, anatomy or the presence of other skin conditions such as eczema. If you find your sweetheart also has a problem, you should both be treated at the same time. And, sad to say, you should lay off getting it on until you are both symptom free.


How Do I Prevent It?

It is ill-fated that this information comes at the end, had you read it earlier you might not be suffering now. The next steps will minimize your risk of a return of jock itch.

"Clean the groin and buttocks with soap and water after exercise and sweating.
"Clean exercise clothes, swimwear, and underwear after each use.
"Reduce groin moisture by using loose fitting cotton or silk underwear.
"Change underwear often and especially after sweating.
"Clean clothes and underwear in hot soapy water.
"Keep away from underwear with synthetic fibres.
"Apply an antifungal powder to keep the groin dry.
"Keep away from fragranced or irritating creams or lotions on the groin.
"Keep away from going barefoot, especially in public places
"Treat athlete's foot if you have it.
"Put your socks on previous to putting on your underwear.

Summarise It Then
"Jock itch is a very familiar, itchy groin rash.
"About 50% of cases are started by a fungus, the rest by moisture, irritation, and bacteria.
"Jock itch looks like a pink to red rash on skin folds in the groin.
"Jock itch primarily bothers males, but may perhaps also be seen in females.
"Jock itch is most familiar in older adults and athletes.
"Jock itch is habitually seen in generally healthy people.
"Jock itch is easily treated in most cases and repeatedly vanishes on its own without treatment.
"Jock itch is repeatedly treated with antifungal washes for the groin.
"Challenging jock itch may require antifungal or antibiotic pills to clear.
"Jock itch is prevented by good skin hygiene.