Sure, it’s not uncommon for any man to occasionally need to scratch his penis. After all, an itch can occur anywhere on the body and sometimes it can be so insistent that one has no choice but to scratch. But getting caught relieving an itch on the penis can be a cause of embarrassment – at best, it gives the impression that one’s penis care isn’t the best and at worst it can make a guy seem like he’s so randy that he just can’t keep his hands off himself. So when a man has a bad case of jock itch, the potential for embarrassment zooms. Knowing how to prevent jock itch can help prevent embarrassment.
About jock itch
Known medically as tinea cruris, jock itch is an unfortunately common fungal infection. It’s a brother to athlete’s foot, except it occurs on or around the penis. It presents as a red, flat rash that is clearer on the inside than around the outer edges. As the name implies, it can itch like crazy.
The name also implies that it is an ailment found primarily among athletes, but in fact even sedentary gentlemen can come down with jock itch. As a fungus, it grows more readily in areas that are dark and moist – so a sweaty crotch is the ideal environment for it.
It’s very common for men to get jock itch, but it’s not a dangerous condition. However, because it is inconvenient and embarrassing (and because it can turn off potential sexual partners, as well as be easily passed on to them), it pays to take steps to prevent it from occurring.
Prevention
There are several steps a guy can take to help avoid tinea cruris, including:
– Wash regularly , especially after working out or engaging in a lot of physical activity. Showering or at least washing the groin, buttocks and thighs when they get sweaty can help cleanse unwanted bacteria and fungus before they have a chance to get started on developing an itchy situation. After washing, be sure to dry the area very thoroughly.
– Air out the groin. Especially during hot summer months, sweat accumulates quickly and extensively in the groin. If a guy lives alone (or with sympathetic roommates), it can help to spend an hour or so pants-less and underwear-less to help the area to dry out.
– Be careful with clothing. First, clean clothing is a must – especially underwear. A guy must do the laundry regularly, so that he’s not having to wear pants or underwear that have already been exposed to sweat and potential fungal growth. And don’t wear a wet swimsuit for hours on end, as the moisture can encourage fungal growth. In addition, a man should put on socks before underwear, especially if he has athlete’s foot; putting underwear on first raises the chances that the foot could touch the underwear and pass some fungus on to it.
– Watch the toweling . Speaking of athlete’s foot, a guy with this condition should dry affected feet with a different towel than the one he uses to dry the rest of the body (including the penis) to avoid spreading it.
– Don’t share. Yes, as kids we’re taught to share – but draw the line when it comes to jock itch. Never wear a friend’s underwear, even if it’s been washed, and the same goes for socks. Pants may be okay if they are clean and he’s tinea-free. And don’t use a towel that has not been laundered – especially at the gym.
– If necessary, lose weight. Those who are obese tend to sweat more heavily, making their groins easier targets for jock itch.
Jock itch is a source of embarrassment, but it is easily treatable. A healthy penis responds to treatment better, so regularly use a superior penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). A creme with moisturizing agents like shea butter and vitamin E can help keep the skin healthier. Be sure the crème also contains alpha lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant that fights damaging oxidative stress.
