Expert: Robert Borucki - 4/25/2004

Question
Hi Dr. Boruki, I suffer from a mild case of jock itch. Do you have any recommendations for a remedy? Thanks for your help. Danny  

Answer
I actually have a minor case myself right now, so I can speak from experience.  Mine is limited to one side, in the crease of my leg/pelvis.  The skin is red and inflamed and somewhat raw.  The reason I am telling you the gorey details is that if yours is also, one treatment can be quite painful.  The best over the counter treatment is spray Lamisil, found in the foot care section of a pharmacy.  But, this burns like fire on the inflamed area.  If it is simply there, with no raw areas, you should be fine.  If it is raw, then I would switch to the Lamisil creme (AF).  I would also get hydrocortisone 1% and use that... it will decrease the inflammation.  In addition, use some powder during the day to soak up any moisture.  Jock itch is fungal, and fungus likes it warm and wet.  So if you can keep the area cool and dry, it will go away faster and not come back.

If the over the counter stuff doesn't work, see the doctor for either mycolog II which is antifungal and steroid creme or Nizoral creme 2% and add in the hydrocortisone.

Hope this helps...