Jock itch
Jock itch is a fungal infection which occurs in the groin and causes intense itching, burning sensation, blisters and lumps of pus, dandruff-like scales, red ring -shaped rashes and peeling or cracking of the groin skin.
Jock itch Symptoms
These symptoms can involve entire groin area including the penis, scrotum, anus and the crack in the buttocks.
In women, the vagina, labia and the entire inner thighs may be affected.
They may start off mild but can get progressively worse , becoming almost unbearable at times.
If untreated, it would become more severe and may result in breakdown of the skin, in both men and women.
The itching could be so severe that hair combs, brushes, bottle cock and other unimaginable objects are used in scratching affected areas.
Scratching can cause severe bruising and lesions in the affected skin allowing for infections, sores and ulcer to develop.
The victims are usually overweight people who sweat a lot and are also likely to be affected by athlete’s foot and other fungi infections.
Also, diabetics and AIDS patients are even more prone to it because of their weak body immune system.
The fungi, dermatophytes responsible for this jock itch thrive in warm and moist environments, which does explains the susceptibility of specific areas of the body to such fungal infections.
You need to be careful, jock itch is mildly contagious and spread quite easily.
Causes of Jock itch
The causes of jock itch and possible reasons for the spread are:
Moist and damp skins
Naturally a lot more susceptible to infections as the fungi thrive in such environments, as noted above.
Poor personal hygiene
Not changing undergarments after each use also increases the risk of infection.
Also dirty/moldy environment makes for such fungi to breed.
Poor dietary intake and habits.
Direct body contacts
Sexual intimacy could also lead to infection or sharing personal belongings with the infected person.
Tight undergarments/clothes or synthetic clothing
This may aggravate the symptoms.
Weak immune system and individual suffering from skin diseases, mostly hereditary or/and atopic dermatitis could also be susceptible to Jock itch infection
Treatment of Jock itch with Calotropis Procera
It can be extremely unpleasant, discomforting and highly embarrassing but nature has again provided us with remedy as Calotropis procera- Asclepiadaceae(Milk weed family).
Calotropis is the best natural way to remedy from jock-itch, try this and banish all those embarrassing itching-scratching cycle that seems never ending . Your groin will be glad you did.
BARK: Stem bark
Men and women have been relieved of their symptoms by scrapping the powder of the dried bark and applying directly on the affected parts especially in cases where there are rashes which have turned to sores and are either “weeping”, ringing or ulcerating.
This is also made from the stem bark and the paste thereof applied on affected areas. The ash is mixed with Shea butter.
The latex has been used to alleviate many symptoms of the itching especially in cases where rashes appear in rings and are also ulcerating.
Please use with caution as it causes irritation in contact with the eye. Wash your hands carefully after each application and only on the affected areas of the body.
The latex can also be collected in Shea butter to make it milder and applied as cream all over the Itch.
Juice from the leaves
When mixed with cucumber juice, it can be very beneficial.
Ymou can also rub the whole fresh leaves against a smooth stone slab with very little water , make a paste and apply on affected parts.
Fruit
Powder of dried fruits applied singly or mixed with lemon juice is very helpful.
The various parts of Calotropis mentioned above can also be synergically used with other plants like chickweed, dandelion, horsetail, garlic, resurrection plant, and turmeric for more effective result.
The plant combinations are made into creams, ointments and powders as the case might be.
While using Calotropis singly or in any combination with other plants may offer some relief and could even help cure the condition.
It is advisable to consult your health practitioner for proper diagnosis especially in cases of secondary infections and also follow these recommendations below:
- Personal hygiene : It is of the utmost importance: keep the moist and warm areas of the body clean and dry.
Avoid wearing tight or non breathable clothing and endeavor to change your undergarments frequently in an efforts to keep the area clean and dry.
- Preferable wear cotton undergarments and keep the infected skin dry to avoid further spreading of the infection.
You can dust on some chickweed powder before putting on any clothing. Make sure you are completely dry before you get dressed.
- Do not scratch– as much as possible, avoid the urge to scratch the skin.
Apply coconut oil mixed with the juice resurrection plant ( Bryophyllum pinnatum) to soothe the skin and help prevent further itching.
- Proper diet: It is needed to help boost the immunity. Avoid all junk foods, alcohol, caffeine, refined carbohydrates, sugars, cola drinks and generally unhealthy diet and lifestyle.
Your diet should contain a lot of raw fruits and vegetables. Avoid greasy, fried and processed foods.
- As with other fungal infections, anti fungals should be taken internally and externally. For example Momordica charantia– 30 mls of juice taken 3x daily and also applied externally will help minimize itching.
Also the juice fresh scent leaves ( Ocimum gratissimum) can be applied on the itchy patch for relief.
- Try to include good quantity of garlic in your food. Garlic has antifungal qualities, shun the odour please. Try to also avoid the so called antibacterial soaps that are heavily scented; preferably use soap mixed with pure honey, aloe vera and can wood.
After washing, rinse the area with lemon juice or vinegar. Apply natural antifungal lotions/coconut oil.
- Vitamin E oil: Pierce a capsule and apply 2-3x daily to help promote the healing of the skin. You can also apply honey and garlic alternatively on the infected skin.
My Favorite Recipe.
- Boil water with the powders of Cloves.
- Lawsonia inermis and use as antifungal sitz bath 30 minutes every day for 10 days to get into the folds and creases of the skin.
- Make a liquid of scent leaves and curry leaves boiled in water , apply this locally once a day. This will clear the mild itching tendency over the genital areas.
- Drink 3-4 cups of a mixture garlic, ginger, nettle and lemon tea daily.
- Apply chickweed ointment 2x daily.
The best jock itch treatment strategy would involve a combination of its natural remedies along with strict hygiene and self care practice.
Prompt treatment for jock itch symptoms in both men and women is necessary in order to prevent the spread of the infection.
If you’re married, there is a possibility of your partner also having the infection and the treatment of your partner is very Paramount.