Causes and Treatment of fungal-related jock itch

Jock itch is caused by fungi called dermatophytes .The cause of jock itch is a common fungal or yeast infection. Although the term "jock itch" implies some sort of relationship with athletics, this is not necessarily true. Jock itch is particularly related infections from microorganisms and environmental factors such as humidity and friction, which can irritate the skin. Jock itch generally suffered when the body's defenses are slightly down. Jock itch is more common in men than in women simply because the presence of male genitalia leads to increased friction and humidity. Women are actually predisposed to develop a similar condition underneath their breast. Jock itch is most often caused simply by noninfected skin affected by friction, humidity, and heat. However, it is not uncommon for microorganisms like fungi and bacteria to simultaneously infect the skin.

Some people are particularly sensitive to jock itch and need to take care with their diet, and avoid eating yeasts and refined carbohydrates. This is why Yeast sensitivity can be classed as Food Intolerance. However it can also be confused with other conditions.Jock itch can spread from person to person by shared use of contaminated towels or clothing or through direct contact during sexual intercourse with someone who has the infection.

Fungal molds like Epidermophyton floccosum and Trichophytin species are occasionally responsible for the epidemic infections in dormitories, barracks, and similar situations in which people live close together and in which towels, sheets, blankets, and other items may harbor a fungus for years.
Bacterial jock itch can be easily diagnosed because the affected skin glows a coral red color when illuminated by a black light.

Jock itch can be prevented by applying large amounts of lubricant, like petroleum jelly, to areas likely to be affected. Wearing tight clothes or athletic supporters can predispose one to infection or aggravate the problem further.The fungus is spread by contact with the spores, which may survive on dead skin cells or objects for a long time.

Jock Itch Treatment

Treatment of fungal-related jock itch may include one or a combination of antifungal shampoos to wash the groin, antifungal creams, and rarely antifungal pills. Treatment of jock itch that is not caused by fungus involves proper groin hygiene, keeping the area clean and dry, and washing frequently with gentle soap and water. Jock itch is best treated with topical creams or ointments since the fungus only affects the top layer of skin. The creams and ointments can be purchased at a pharmacy or prescribed by your doctor. If what you have is jock itch, it usually improves within two weeks from the start of treatment. Treatment consists of:

* Be careful not to over treat the area, as this can lead to further irritation.

* Clean the area using mild soap and warm water. Hydrogen peroxide is not recommended because it can irritate and worsen the infection. Use drying powders if excessive perspiration is an issue.
Avoiding chafing by wearing loose fitting cloths.

* Applying over-the-counter anti-fungal creams or powders recommended for jock itch, following the regimen outlined in the accompanying instructions.

* Washing and thoroughly drying the affected area, especially after workouts.

Jock Itch - Fungal Skin Infections

Jock Itch - Fungal Skin Infections :

Jock itch is a pretty common fungal infection of the groin and upper thighs. It’s part of a group of fungal skin infections called tineatinea and also known informally as crotch itch. It affects men and women. Men are affected more often than women. In men, the penis and scrotum are seldom affected.

Jock commonly involves the inner thighs and adjacent skin, including the scrotum in males. Jock itch, also known as tinea cruris, is a fungal infection of the skin in the groin. The warm, moist environment is the perfect place for the fungus to grow. Anything that enhances that environment puts the person at risk of getting jock itch. The rash may affect not only the groin, but it can involve any areas of skin that overlap, including around the anus and in the various skin folds of obese individuals. Jock itch affects men and occasionally women throughout the world.

* The Jock Itch risk factor are as fellows:-
* Humidity
* Damp skin folds as may occur with obesity or excessive sweating
* Heat
* Tight clothing

The infected area is somewhere below and on the sides of the scrotum and the middle portion of the penis. Is it recommended to use hydrogen peroxide to clean the infected area prior to using anti-fungal creams. The body normally hosts a variety of bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others can multiply rapidly and form infections. Jock itch occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies in the groin area.
It can be passed from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with unwashed clothing. Jock itch may be contagious. It is often less severe than other tinea infections, but may last a long time. Jock itch may spread to the anus, causing anal itching and discomfort. Jock itch usually stays around the creases in the upper thigh and does not involve the scrotum or penis.This is particularly true of combat athletes due to the heavy skin-to-skin contact associated with the sport. In most cases friction is the cause of Jock itch, however several microorganisms have been identified as causing the rash as well. Common microorganisms like fungi and bacteria can infect the skin.

Symptoms of Jock Itch

Common Jock Itch symptom are itching, chafing and burning. Lesions usually appear as a rash with defined, elevated edges. Affected areas may appear red, tan, or brown, with flaking, rippling, peeling, or cracking skin. The rash appears as raised red plaques and scaly patches with sharply defined borders. The itching can get worse and become unbearable in some cases. The rash is usually on both sides of the groin and affects the folds.

Jock Itch is Curable and Contagious

People are more prone to developing jock itch because of their overall health, activity, anatomy, possible altered immune status, exposure history, and other predisposing skin conditions like eczema. In many cases jock itch are not contagious the infection may be transmitted through skin or sexual contact towel sharing of swimwear. People with athlete's foot are more prone to developing jock itch. It is possible to transmit fungal jock itch to someone else through close skin contact. To prevent jock itch, you must always dry your skin thoroughly after taking a bath. It is also advised to wear loose fitting clothes and underwear. Sharing of towels, hair brushes and combs are discouraged.
Know more jock itch facts http://www.defensesoap.com/jock-itch-facts.html