Over-the-Counter Jock Itch Treatment

Jock itch or tinea cruris is caused by the trichophyton rubrum fungus. It usually affects the folds of the skin near the groin area, including the inner thighs and buttocks. It can also appear on the scrotum or in the anus region. Jock itch can be treated with several over-the-counter medications.

There are five over-the-counter medications that are normally used to treat jock itch. They include Lotrimin (clotrimazole), Micatin and Cruex (miconazole), Tinactin (tolnaftate) and Dermasil (terbinafine). It is best to use the cream versions of the medications as they can better sooth and protect the infected areas. Use the medication up until about one week after the last trace of symptoms appear to avoid recurring infections.

Listerine can be highly effective in curing jock itch. It has actually been used to heal the disease when the anti-fungal creams fail to work. Certain herbal oils such as eucalyptol, menthol and thymol are known to have anti-fungal fighting ability. However, you need to be careful in dabbing it on because of the alcohol content. Listerine works best when there is no blistering associated with a person's jock itch.

It normally takes about two to four weeks to heal jock itch with anti-fungal creams such as Micatin, Tinactin and Lotrimin. Any of these creams should be applied twice daily for the duration of the treatment. Symptoms such as blistering, itching and burning will start to improve within the first two to three days. You should consult a doctor if the rash has not disappeared within a month.

Over-the-counter treatments may be ineffective if your condition is caused by an overgrowth of candida albicans. This fungus is naturally present in the large intestines, digestive tract and skin. The overuse of antibiotics and corticosteroids can spur excessive candida problems. Stress, food allergies, a poor diet and chlorinated water can also trigger the overproduction of candida. This fungus has been known to trigger the trichophytum rubrum fungus that causes jock itch.

You can prevent jock itch by maintaining a healthy diet, practicing safe hygiene habits and changing out of wet and sweaty clothing. The trichophytum rubrum fungus thrives in warm, moist and dark regions of the body. You should also avoid tight-fitting clothing for long periods of time.