Jock Itch Prevention

What is Jock Itch?

Jock itch or tiena cruris is a fungal infection commonly found in people who sweat a lot, are overweight or who have a skin condition called eczema. More common in male athletes, not playing sports or being a guy doesn’t absolve you from the possibility of catching it, it just significantly increases the likelihood. Usually found on your groin, inner thighs or buttocks, this skin infection presents itself as an itchy red, scaly circular rash in areas where the skin overlaps. Cracking, flaking or peeling skin are other common symptoms. In severe, untreated cases the skin may become raw and extremely uncomfortable.

Causes:

• Tight fitting clothes like those worn to workout
• Working out in high heat or high humidity similar to wrestling rooms or jiu jitsu gyms
• Moisture in the groin area from sweating
• Sharing damp towels or sweaty equipment with training partners
• Close contact with someone who has jock itch
• Being overweight
• Diabetes
• Weakened immune system

Treatment and prevention of Jock Itch:

It is important to note that if you suspect jock itch you should go see your doctor or a dermatologist who can test the area for the presence of Tiena cruris. Your doctor will probably recommend an antifungal cream, powder or spray. Contact Sports Soap’s natural probiotic approach is different and has been shown to not only help mitigate the presence if Tiena cruris but also help to prevent it. We tested our product against one of the most common forms of Tiena and found the fungus unable to grow in lab testing. If you don’t feel like having to always use medicated products, Contact Sports Soap can be a great option.

Prevention is simple if you follow these good habits:

• Shower daily and immediately after participation in sports or working out using Contact Sports Soap Hair & Body Wash.
• When showering after training isn’t possible spray down with our Probiotic Sweat Reset focusing on the groin and feet.
• Use a clean, dry towel to pat down the affected area.
• Wear clean, loose-fitting clothes and underwear and change frequently. Boxers are best.
• Apply Gold Bond medicated power or something similar to avoid that swampy feeling in areas prone to sweat.
• DO NOT share personal items like towels, equipment or clothes.
• Make sure you wash the clothes you train in with hot water when possible. Letting rash guards, singlets, uniforms, Gis, swimsuits or leotards sit can promote this type of fungal growth.
• Ensure athletic supporters and cups are clean.
• Always have clean, dry clothes handy.
• Use a separate towel to dry your feet. Try to dry the groin area before you dry your feet to prevent spreading the Tinea fungus.
• Put your socks on prior to underwear.

We can't stress enough how much good hygiene can prevent Jock Itch. No one wants to be scratching their unmentionables or having to walk like they have a fire between their legs. Jock Itch is a common but totally preventable condition if you are knowledgeable about the causes. There is good news, Contact Sports Soap has your back above and below the belt. We recommend the following products to help support the skin’s natural ability to prevent Jock Itch:

Probiotic Advanced Healing Hydrogel - Great for when your skin is raw or chafed to soothe and heal affected areas.

Probiotic Sweat Reset - Great for after workouts. Our probiotics get right to work to restore your skin's natural balance.

Probiotic Hair & Body Wash - Great to wash away the funk acquired during training. Helps maintain a healthy skin biome and reduces your chance of jock itch.