Is jock itch contagious? Can it be transmitted if you have sex with a partner who has jock itch?


Yes, Jock itch can be mildly contagious in sexually intimate situations. The condition can be transferred to another individual during sexual contact. However, rather unlike Sexually Transmitted Infections which are transferred in bodily fluids, the condition is transferred from one person to another by direct skin contact.

Here's how it can happen. During intimacy, skin contact in the groin area is common between the individuals involved. Jock Itch develops in the groin area. Consequently if one person, has an active case of Jock itch, this condition can be transferred to other person when the two individuals groins touch during the mating process.

Since Jock Itch is a skin condition, the condition is mildly contagious and is easily transmitted through skin contact. Jock Itch likes a warm moist environment and is easily transferred to any other moist and warm skin surface. Since the groins oth both individuals are warm during intimacy, there is a possibility that the condition will transfer from the infected individual to the unknowing partner.

There are several Jock Itch home remedies that can be used to treat the condition. However a person infected Jock Itch should see a doctor if the condition becomes severe.

The best way to avoid Jock Itch transferring to a sexual partner, is for the infected individual to not engage in sexual activity while the condition is active. By not engaging in sexual activity when a contagious condition is present on the skin, the infected individual is showing responsible behavior. It is always good to show responsibility when dealing with any condition that can affect a partner.

answered by S P

A fungal infection that affects the skin in the groin is medically referred to as tinea crusis and commonly known as Jock itch. The infection develops in the warm, damp environment of the groin which is ideal for the growth of the fungus. The use of sweaty or damp clothes during summer and wearing many layers of clothing during winter lead to a greater possibility of being affected by jock itch. Research has shown that men are more likely to be affected by jock itch rather than women.

Jock itch normally begins in the folds of the groin on either side. When the rash expands, it normally goes down along the inside of the thigh. The growing rash is more reddish than the areas which had been infected earlier. Jock itch generally does not include the scrotum and penis. If those areas are affected it is usually due to candida albicans which is the same yeast which causes vaginal yeast infections.

The ideal way to treat jock itch is to use topical creams or ointments as only the upper layer of skin is affected by the fungus. Most antifungal medications need to be prescribed by a doctor, however there are a few which are easily available over the counter. Ointments used for treating jock itch should normally be applied in the morning as well as in the evening for two weeks. You can stop using the cream no sooner one week after the rash has disappeared. Care should be taken to not only apply the cream at the affected point, but also around it. If you notice blisters at the edge of the rash or it is very reddish and itchy, you can opt for a steroid such as hydrocortisone, but be sure to consult your doctor before consuming it. It is worth remembering that using steroids independently of other medications can sometimes aggravate the rash.

Indeed, the best way of treating jock itch is to avoid them. There are several options that can be used to prevent jock itch from occurring. Always ensure that you wear loose fitting comfortable clothes produced from cotton or synthetic materials which are created to keep moisture away from the surface of the skin. Keep away from sharing clothes, towels or washcloths. Make sure the groin area is always kept completely dry after a shower before you wear your clothes. It is a good idea to use anti fungal powders or sprays in bid to prevent any infections.

Jock itch can be spread through direct skin to skin contact as it is a fungal infection. It would be advisable to wait for at least a week after the treatment before you resume your sexual relationship.

answered by G M

If you can bear with the strong stinging sensation, apply a mixture of 1/4 tsp Cinnamon powder with honey to itchy area. For half an hour there will be strong discomfort, but antifungal and antibiotic effect of honey takes care of itch rapidly.

Despite antifungal creams, home remedies, jocky itch will not cure if blood sugar is high. THe fungus and yeast thrive on blood sugar. So instead of poisoning fungus, better to starve it. Best remedy to tackle this issue is Bitter gourd juice, (bitter melon, Momordica charantia) which has anti-malerial effect also and is used in every anti-diabetic herbal formulation. Take it in small amount say 20 ml, as loose motions are caused by excess juice. Take this juice thrice a day. In about 3-5 days itch should minimise.

To take care of intense itching apply Margosa oil. Amongst all oils, margosa oil has very strong anti-itch power. IF you have Holy basil plant in the house, juice of its fresh leaves can be applied on the itchy patch for relief. Holy basil also has anti-fungal properties.

answered by S B

Jock itch is a fungal infection of the skin, which occurs mainly in moist, warm areas of the body like inner thighs, buttocks and groin region. It is caused by the fungus trichophyton rubrum. It causes itchiness, redness and ring shaped rash leaving you in an uncomfortable condition.

Yes jock itch is contagious, and it can be transmitted if you have sex with a partner who has jock itch.

So treat the infection first by applying OTC antifungal cream or powder over the infected skin. Tell your partner to wear loose, preferably cotton undergarments and keep the infected skin dry to avoid further spreading of the infection.

answered by S P


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