Recently, parents of athletes have been itching to ask me lots of questions about jock itch.
Let me do more than scratch the surface on this bothersome, but not very serious, problem.
Jock itch, which also carries the medical name of “tinea cruris,” occurs when you generate lots of sweat and moisture in your groin or inner thigh area. This moisture can serve as a great environment for fungus or mold to grow, causing itching, flaking, peeling and cracking of the skin along with a red raised rash in the groin area.
Jock itch need not occur in just “jocks” but in anyone who sweats a lot.
Hot and humid weather, friction from tight clothing like a bathing suit and sharing clothes with others that already contain the growing fungus can all contribute to your child or teen getting jock itch.
HELPFUL TREATMENT APPROACHES
Antifungal creams are available over-the-counter and should usually provide both relief and resolution. Treat twice a day for two weeks or until the rash has been gone for at least one week. Apply the cream not just to the rash, but also to the area around it to prevent further spread.
The good news is that jock itch is not life-threatening and can be treated. Prevention is the key to avoiding jock itch.
Listed below are five suggestions that can help prevent this problem from occurring:
— Encourage your child or teen to wear loose fitting clothing made of cotton or synthetic materials to keep moisture away from the skin surface.
— Tell them to avoid sharing clothing, towels and washcloths with others who have exercised since this is a great way to spread the infection.
— Allow the groin to dry after showering, which should occur at least daily, and after playing sports before putting on underwear. Your child or teen should be changing their underwear at least daily.
— The use of an athletic supporter or jock strap can also absorb some of that moisture from irritating the skin.
— The use of antifungal powders or sprays can be used once daily for prevention if someone is prone to jock itch.
Hopefully tips like these will allow you to be a true supporter of your child or teen when it comes to their wearing of a clean athletic supporter as a means of not developing the heartbreak of jock itch.