Home Remedies for Tinea Cruris

Tinea cruris, commonly referred to as jock itch, is a fungal skin infection that mainly affects the inner thighs, groin area, and the buttocks.

It is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes that like to grow on skin that’s moist and warm and thrive in areas where skin comes into contact with other skin. Some symptoms of jock itch are red rashes on the affected area, burning sensation, itching and peeling of the skin.

This infection is common among people who sweat a lot. It can affect both men and women, but men are more likely to get it. Also, overweight people and those with diseases like AIDS or diabetes are more prone to tinea cruris.

Regularly wearing tight clothing and living in hot and humid climates are other factors that increase the chance of developing this infection.

Excessive scratching can severely damage your skin, so you need to treat this problem as quickly as possible. Before running to the drug store for over-the-counter medicine, you can try some simple and inexpensive home remedies.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for tinea cruris.

1. Tea Tree Oil

As tea tree oil has natural antifungal properties, it is often used to treat different fungal infections including tinea cruris. This stimulating oil with strong antibacterial properties can give instant relief from itching and inflammation when it’s applied to the infected area.

1. Put a few drops of tea tree oil on a cotton ball. If you have sensitive skin, then use the oil after diluting it with vitamin E oil, coconut oil or any other vegetable oil. You can dilute 10 to 15 drops with two tablespoons of base oil.
2. Gently press it on the affected area.
3. Allow the oil to dry on its own.
4. Follow this remedy twice daily for a few days until your symptoms disappear.

For effective results, you can also use soap or shower gel containing tea tree oil, or simply soak in bath water mixwed with a few drops of tea tree oil.

Note: Before applying tea tree oil, it is advisable to test a drop of this essential oil on a patch of skin to determine sensitivity.

2. Salt

Bathing with salt water is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to treat tinea cruris. Salt will speed up the healing process as well as help control the growth of the fungus causing the infection.

1. Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water.
2. Add two cups of regular table salt to it and stir it in thoroughly.
3. Soak in this warm solution for half an hour.
4. Do this twice a day for at least one month for best results.

The same process can be done with Epsom salt.

3. Garlic

Garlic is well known for its antifungal properties and can effectively treat tinea cruris. It will stop the fungus from spreading as well as give you instant relief from itching and inflammation.

• Put three to four fresh garlic cloves and one teaspoon of olive oil in a blender. Blend it until you have a smooth paste. Spread the paste on the affected skin. Follow this remedy two or three times daily until you get rid of the infection.
• Alternatively, mix five to six crushed garlic cloves and one teaspoon of honey. Apply the mixture on the infected area and allow it to dry on its own. Then wash the area with normal water. Do this twice daily to get positive results.
• Mix one tablespoon each of white vinegar and tea tree oil in a fine paste of four or five garlic cloves. Let it sit for a day. Finally, apply this mixture generously on the affected area twice daily for a week or two.
• Also, use fresh garlic when cooking or take a garlic supplement daily to speed up healing.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Getting rid of tinea cruris is easy with apple cider vinegar. The acidic property of apple cider vinegar helps kill the fungus and stop the infection from spreading rapidly. Also, it helps draw out extra moisture from the infected area, which in turn speeds up the healing process.

• Make a solution of two cups of water and one-half cup of apple cider vinegar. Wash the affected area with antiseptic soap. Then soak a clean washcloth in the mixture and apply it to the affected skin. Allow it to dry on its own. Then clean the area with a wet cloth and pat it dry. Follow this remedy twice daily for several weeks.
• Fill a spray bottle with equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water. Spray the solution liberally on the affected area. Allow the area to air dry. Repeat two times daily until you get the desired results.

5. Indian Lilac

Indian Lilac, also known as neem, is used to treat many skin problems including tinea cruris. It has antifungal properties that help eliminate the fungus that causes tinea cruris. Plus, it has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that help in the healing process.

• Grind equal amounts of neem leaves and turmeric root to form a paste. Apply the paste on the affected skin. Allow it to dry on its own. Finally rinse with lukewarm water and pat it dry. Follow this remedy once daily for several months to prevent the fungus from spreading.
• Apply pure neem oil directly on the affected area and massage gently until the oil penetrates deep into the skin. Wait a few minutes and then take a bath. Follow this process daily for a few months to help soothe itching and speed up healing.
• You can also apply a mixture of one-half teaspoon of neem oil and one cup of aloe vera gel on the affected area once daily for a few days until the infection clears.

6. Onion

The presence of antibiotic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties in onions help kill the fungus that causes jock itch.

1. Put one medium-sized onion in a grinder to make a paste.
2. Apply the paste on the infected skin.
3. Allow it to sit for half an hour.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water and dry the area well with a blow dryer.
5. Follow this remedy once daily until your condition improves.

Also, use onion in your cooking or add onion slices in your salad to help speed up the healing process.

7. Listerine

Listerine can also be used in the treatment of tinea cruris. While its antiseptic properties will relieve soreness and inflammation, the alcohol present in it will kill the fungus that causes this infection.

You may experience pain when you initially try this remedy, but it quickly passes.

1. Pour a small amount of Listerine in a bowl.
2. Soak a cotton ball in it and apply it on the affected skin.
3. Allow it to dry on its own.
4. Repeat this process three times a day for a few months for complete relief.

8. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil works as an effective remedy for tinea cruris. This oil has antifungal as well as antimicrobial properties that help kill the fungus that causes the infection.

• Apply pure coconut oil topically on the affected area three or four times a day until you notice improvement.
• Alternatively, mix one tablespoon of coconut oil and four or five drops of oregano oil. Apply this mixture to the affected skin. Do this two or three times a day until your skin improves.
• Also, use extra-virgin coconut oil in your cooking to speed up the healing process. Start with one teaspoon of coconut oil and then gradually increase the dosage to up to three tablespoons daily.

9. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another effective home remedy for tinea cruris. Baking soda helps reduce moisture in the infected areas, eliminating one of the things fungi need to thrive. Plus, it will help neutralize the skin’s pH level, which is essential for faster recovery.

1. Add one cup of baking soda, two cups of Epsom salt and one cup of sea salt to your bathtub filled with lukewarm water. Stir it in thoroughly.
2. Soak in the bathtub for at least half an hour.
3. Then take a shower and wash the affected area with an antibacterial soap. Rinse the infected area with cold water.
4. Use a blow dryer to dry the infected area and then rub some coconut oil on it.
5. Follow this remedy three times a week for several weeks to prevent the fungus from spreading.

10. Olive Leaf

Olive leaf has been proven to be an excellent herb in the fight against many skin infections including jock itch. It contains antifungal as well as antimicrobial properties that help kill the fungus that causes tinea cruris.

1. Grind three to four olive leaves into a paste.
2. Using cotton balls, apply the paste directly on the affected area.
3. Leave it on for half an hour.
4. Rinse the area with lukewarm water and then pat dry thoroughly.

These home remedies will facilitate as well as speed up the healing process. Along with these remedies, you need to give extra attention to personal hygiene.

Try to keep the infected area clean and dry and avoid wearing tight undergarments. Plus, avoid sharing personal items like towels or clothing as it can cause the infection to spread quite easily.