Jock itch is a very common medical condition, but living with it is no fun.

Anyone who suffers from jock itch--medically named tinea cruris--knows the symptoms all too well.  The skin in the groin area will start to itch, and this sensation can spread to the thighs, buttocks, and if you're unlucky, around the genitals.  Soon, the skin will dry out, and it might start flaking and cracking. Sometimes jock itch can cause a scaly rash, which can range from shades of red to shades of tan.  Additionally, blisters might form.

Most of these jock itch symptoms are manageable, but it's important not to ignore them because untreated jock itch can cause complications.  Some complications include a more severe rash or an infection.  So if you notice oozing sores or worsening pain and redness, it's probably time to see a doctor.  For that matter, you should see a doctor if you have diabetes or certain immune deficiency disorders (such as HIV/AIDS), because jock itch can potentially lead to a dangerous infection if these conditions are present.

There's also a danger of contacting jock itch if you suffer from athlete's foot.  That's because both conditions are caused by a similar type of fungal infection, and they can spread through contact, often from clothing.

The good news for those who suffer from this condition is that there are many simple treatments for jock itch.  The most popular treatments are different anti-fungal creams, lotions, and sprays.  Some of these drugs include the relatively fast-acting allylamines, such as Naftin, Lamisil AT, and many others.  In additional, there are slower acting anti-fungal drugs called azoles that can treat jock itch.  Examples are Lotrimin AF and Micatin.

For more severe cases of jock itch, a prescription medicine might be needed. Some of these are topical creams, but there are also some oral medications that might be recommended.  These oral treatments are more powerful, but they also cause more side effects, like gastrointestinal problems, and they can potentially damage the liver.  However, oral treatments, when used properly, are an overall safe ways to treat jock itch.

If you want to avoid taking any of these medications, you can always try a jock itch home remedy.  There are a wide range of possible cures, ranging from soaking in Epsom salts to more unconventional treatments.  Also, it's smart to improve air flow and dryness to the affected region.  Most of these techniques are simple, and best of all, many of these treatments actually do work.

Of course, the best way to deal with jock itch is to prevent it.  First of all, it's called "jock itch" for a reason.  People who work out and exercise a lot often sweat more, and this increases the likeliness of catching it.  Therefore, a variety of hygienic practices can help prevent jock itch. And obviously, you don't have to be a "jock" to get jock itch.  Contrary to popular belief, anyone can get it, women included.

It's important to understand that jock itch is caused by a fungus, so it can be caught from someone else (even from having sex), or spread from a case of athlete's foot.  Therefore, you need to take extra precautions in places like public showers or locker rooms.  And if you or someone else in your house has it, then it's best to use disinfectants in the bathtub, as well as practice some other common sense preventive techniques, like not sharing clothes. 

Again, jock itch is a very common problem, and can be cured through conventional or nontraditional methods.  However, it's important to do something to treat it, because when untreated it can become serious.  So if you get jock itch, realize that you aren't helpless against it--there are many ways to fight back!  To learn more about the subject, check out the other sections of this site.