Jock Itch Prevention: Basic Hacks

A little scratch to the crotch now and then is no big deal, but when a guy’s hand is flying down there frequently, or when he has to excuse himself to go somewhere private for a big, long scratch, then it’s likely that jock itch has reared its troublesome head. One of the most common penis health issues, jock itch is basically benign – but it’s such an annoyance! Knowing how to treat jock itch is crucial – but prevention strategies for the condition are even more valuable. In this article, which was originally published on Ezinearticles.com, we look at the cause of jock itch explore some of the best strategies to treat or prevent it.

An itch by any other name

Jock itch is technically known as tinea cruris, and it is a fungal infection that focuses on the crotch, inner thighs and buttocks. It’s essentially the same fungus as is responsible for athlete’s foot. So since it is a fungus, prevention involves keeping that fungus away from the penis or creating conditions where the fungus is unlikely to thrive.

Prevention strategies

With that in mind, the following are some typical prevention hacks to keep the jock itch away:

- Keep dry. Fungi just love damp, dark environments, which pretty much describes the typical guy’s crotch. Since the penis is typically hidden away beneath clothing, there’s not much that can be done about the “dark” part, so guys need to concentrate on keeping the penis and surrounding areas dry. Be sure to dry off thoroughly after a shower and before slipping into underwear and trousers. If necessary, use some powder to discourage wetness.

- Change clothes regularly. Wearing clean underwear is an absolute necessity for jock itch prevention. Fresh underwear daily is a must; those who sweat frequently should change more often. A dude should never have a workout at the gym and continue wearing the same underwear he worked out in.

- Use fresh towels. Only use clean towels, especially when at the gym or another public space. Never dry off with towels that another guy has used (unless they have subsequently been laundered). One of the main routes of transmission for jock itch is affected material; if a guy dries off his fungally-infected junk or feet and then hands the towel to another guy, jock itch is sure to spread. (Similarly, don’t wear another guy’s clothes, unless they have been laundered – and never another guy’s underwear, no matter how well it has been washed.)

- Don’t ejaculate into socks. When many men masturbate, they prefer to ejaculate into a pair of socks they may have just pulled off. If they have athlete’s foot, that’s a direct route of transmission. Use tissues instead.

- Wear sandals at the gym (and sit on a towel). Wearing sandals helps a guy avoid athlete’s foot fungus at a public gym. Also, bring a towel into the sauna and sit on it; many saunas and steam rooms are multi-leveled, so that bare feet may be trodding up and down on them.

- Air out. Find time when it’s okay to be naked for a while, in order to let the penis and environs “air out.” This can help to keep the area dry. Many men opt to sleep naked as one way of airing out.

One another good jock itch prevention tip: Keep one’s penis health up. This can be aided by the daily application of a top drawer penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Keeping penis skin healthy is crucial for helping prevent jock itch, so find a crème that contains a combination of hydrating agents, such as shea butter and vitamin E. Over-dry penis skin can crack, making for easier access to fungi. Also find a crème with a potent antioxidant, such as alpha lipoic acid. By combatting excess free radicals, alpha lipoic acid discourages oxidative stress and the damage that can bring.