Jock itch is among the most common fungal infections, and given how easy it is to develop, there’s little wonder as to why. A fungal infection of the inner thighs, buttocks or genitals, jock itch can cause extreme discomfort when left untreated. Luckily, while jock itch is easy to develop, it’s also easy to prevent. As you’ll find, making a few simple changes to your daily routine can dramatically reduce your odds of being afflicted with jock itch.
Never Share Towels Or Clothing
In addition to being fairly unsanitary, sharing towels and/or clothing can be highly conducive to the development of jock itch. Whether it’s a friendly, family member or partner, it’s in your best interest to avoid sharing the aforementioned items – especially if they haven’t been properly washed. So, regardless of how close you are to someone, this is one boundary that should not be crossed.
Furthermore, make a point of using a clean towel every time you bathe. You may think that it’s okay to reuse towels if you’re the only one who uses them, but such behavior can result in jock itch, rashes and a host of other skin conditions. So, no matter how cumbersome you find washing towels to be, it’s strongly advised that you abstain from reusing them.
By the same token, you should avoid wearing unwashed clothing for multiple days on end. Unwashed clothes are laden with sweat, dead skin cells and assorted bacteria, none of which are good for your skin. In addition to changing clothes on a daily basis, avoid sleeping in your clothing, and take care to put on fresh underwear and socks before going to sleep and after waking up. Furthermore, take care to promptly change any clothing in which you’ve done an excessive amount of sweating.
Promptly Bathe After Working Out
Excessive sweat and moisture are synonymous with jock itch and other fungal infections. That being the case, you’ll need to be exceptionally careful when working out. Since many of us work up quite a sweat when engaged in our favorite fitness activities, it’s important to promptly bathe upon the completion of an arduous workout and pay special attention to the areas in which fungal infections are most likely to form.
Additionally, once you’ve finished bathing, take care to thoroughly dry off, again paying special attention to the areas that are most prone to fungal infections. Given how conducive moisture is to fungal infections, make sure that you’re completely dry before proceeding to get dressed.
Wear Breathable Clothing
It’s easy to see why so many people gravitate towards tight-fitting clothes. In addition to accentuating our natural shape, tight clothing can be a great way to show off any gains you’ve made from working out. However, since such clothing has a tendency to trap moisture, anyone looking to avoid jock itch and other fungal infections would do well to seek out more breathable attire. Just remember: the tighter the clothes, the higher the moisture buildup – and the higher the moisture buildup, the more likely the formation of jock itch.
Unsurprisingly, some of our most intense sweating is done in our workout attire. With this in mind, seek out exercise clothes that offer breathability and moisture-wicking. For maximum protection, look into purchasing antimicrobial activewear.
Treat Existing Infections Posthaste
It’s important to understand that jock itch generally doesn’t go away on its own, and the longer it’s left untreated, the more likely it is to spread. So, if you develop a case of jock itch, make a point of beginning treatment posthaste. Virtually any pharmacy – or any place that sells medicine, for that matter – should have a bevy of over-the-counter lotions, sprays, powdersand ointments for jock itch. Should OTC treatment prove infective, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your doctor.
To call developing jock itch easy would be an understatement. Although this type of fungal infection is commonly associated with athleticism and strenuous physical activity, even non-athletes are prone to jock itch. Furthermore, as is the case with other fungal infections, jock itch has the potential to spread if not dealt with in a timely, effective manner. Fortunately, taking preventative measures against jock itch should be well within your abilities. So, if you’re ready to stamp out jock itch once and for all, heed the advice outlined above.