Jock itch can be a pain regardless of the season.
Medically known as tinea cruris or ringworm of the groin, jock itch is an infection caused by a fungus that loves warm, moist places — like down there.
Although it occurs year-round, there appears to be an uptick of jock itch during summer months when people are more active, and the weather is hotter and more humid. However, those who workout in an air-conditioned gym are also susceptible to the infection.
Here are a few tips to help you avoid jock itch:
- Bathe and dry the groin area daily, especially after exercise
- Change underwear daily and wear boxers not briefs.
- Consider cotton in undergarments; it breathes better than synthetics.
- Don’t wear clothes that are tight around groin.
- Use antifungal powder to wick moisture around groin if you’ve had prior infections.
- Don’t share towels: they can harbor bacteria that cause jock itch.
- Towel dry your feet last if you have athlete’s foot. It is also a tinea infection.
- Wash athletic supporters frequently, please!
- Lose weight. Overweight people are more prone to developing the condition.
One last fact: women can also get jock itch from intimate contact.
