Warm and moist might sound nice for tea cake, but in your pants and in between your toes, not so much. Jock itch and Athlete's Foot (aka Tinea) are both fungal infections, typically caused by the same fungus - dermatophytes - which thrives in moist and warm environments.
Sweating, wearing tight clothes and sharing amenities with others can increase the likelihood of either of these unpleasant, itchy and inflammatory rashes. If you are a cyclist, surfer, gym goer, Yogi or Pilates person, or you partake in any other physical activity prone to wearing lycra and tight pants, you may have experienced itchy feet, groin, buttocks and thighs.
Common OTC (Over The Counter) options include anti-fungal creams, and we won't name names, but many of these chemicals have some nasty side effects that often make the problem worse with swelling, burning, stinging and further skin irritation.
There are some very simple and effective, time-tested remedies you can choose to prevent and heal from these fungi infections without the side effects. Your grandmother probably used these remedies! Natural, effective and accessible. Learn more below.
What are Athlete’s Foot (Tinea) and Jock Itch?
Both Athlete’s Foot and Jock Itch are common fungal infections that lead to red, scaly and itchy skin around the groin area for jock itch and in between the toes for Athlete’s Foot.
As mentioned, they are both caused by the fungal infection dermatophytes which incubates and grows in moist and warm areas.
Symptoms of Jock Itch and Athlete’s Foot
Jock itch is commonly found in the groin area, inner thighs and buttocks. It causes discomfort in these areas including itching, stinging and burning sensation. The rash can spread out from the groin and may present in a ring shape. It can be scaly and raised on the skin and may flake or crack the skin. Typically causes redness but can also present as grey, brown or purple.
Athlete’s Foot is very similar in presentation and symptoms although appears on the feet and mostly in-between the toes but can also spread to infecting toenails. As well as itching, burning, redness and cracked, peeling skin, Athletes’ foot may also cause blisters, fissures or cracks and has a very unpleasant odour.
How do you contract Athlete’s Foot and Jock Itch?
These fungal infections are contagious and can be spread via skin to skin contact with an infected person or by coming into contact with contaminated items such as towels, clothing or surfaces like gyms, public bathrooms and changing room floors.
Sweating increases the risk factors as it rises the heat in these areas on the body. Tight fitting clothing and fabrics that are not breathable can trap moisture and create a favourable environment for the fungus to grow. This is why Jock Itch and Athlete’s foot are common for people who cycle in Lycra, surf in wetsuits, do exercise like running, Yoga and Pilates in leggings.
Having a skin condition like eczema can also increase a person’s susceptibility of having either of these skin conditions.
Unfortunately for males, you are at increased risk particularly young adults and teenagers – this is primarily due to higher likelihood of participation in sport and increased sweating due to hormone changes. Paying attention to hygiene can mitigate this risk.
Likewise, public bathrooms are a common spreading place for the fungus to be found. Wearing tight shoes with limited ventilation or socks made from unnatural fibres can support fungus growth especially if they get overly sweating.
How to avoid Athlete’s Foot and Jock Itch
- Shower daily especially after playing sports or sweating, ensure you dry well after to avoid leaving the area moist
- Wear natural fibres for underpants, socks and workout gear. Cotton, linen and hemp are good natural options. Try and keep clothing loose fitting.
- Change underwear everyday
- Use clean towels and don’t share underpants, socks or towels
- Surfers and cyclists (and anyone in workout gear that has gotten sweaty), change immediately out of gear, rinse, dry and change into clean, dry clothing. Wash used clothing and air out your wetsuits and hang to dry completely. Spray with The Pure Oil Spray with Tea Tree’s antifungal properties to help stop fungus growing in the wetsuit.
Shop Pure, steam extracted Australian Tea tree Oil, 50mL, $58. A powerful antifungal to naturally treat athlete's foot and Jock Itch
How to naturally treat Jock Itch and Athlete’s Foot
If you want to avoid harsh chemicals and OTC fungal creams which can cause more symptoms and side effects like redness, peeling and burning, we recommend these tried-and-true ways to soothe and treat fungal infections:
- Tea Tree is one of nature’s most powerful antifungal and is widely known and researched for its antifungal properties. Add 20 drops of Pure Australian steam extracted Tea Tree oil to 4 cups of water and soak feet for 10 minutes. Dry thoroughly. For Jock itch soak a clean face cloth in the mixture, and wipe over affected area. Repeat twice daily until infection eases.
- Wash the cloth through the washing machine after one use - add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to the wash to kill germs and stop contamination. Avoid baths while you are infected as the fungus can spread in the water to other areas.
- Add 10 drops of Tea Tree oil to 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil like coconut (also antifungal properties) or calendula which is very soothing and healing and apply a thin coating on infected areas on feet, toes or groin area twice a day. This will help to soothe the symptoms while also killing the fungus. Consistency with the remedy is key.
- For convenience use ETTO’s The Pure Oil Skin Spray with 25% Australian Tea Tree and Blue Mallee Eucalyptus – two of nature’s most powerful antifungals and antibacterials. The dry spray is easy, light and packs well into gym bags. Spray directly onto feet and toes and into shoes.
- Go to your doctor or health care professional if you experience swelling or signs of infection (like pus, elevated body temperature) or if the symptoms don’t improve within two weeks of treating.
Shop The Pure Oil Skin Spray, 100g, $40. Easy and natural spray on treatment for Athlete's Foot and Jock Itch.
A strong immune system helps prevent Jock itch and Athlete's foot
Finally, a strong immune system can help to fight the fungal infection and will aid in recovery if contracted. Keep your immune system strong by eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and wholefoods. Get plenty of sleep and aim to reduce stress. Ensure adequate levels of vitamin C, zinc and iron.