Will jock itch go away on its own?

Jock itch doesn’t typically go away on its own. If it’s left untreated, it can spread to other areas of your body, including your:

Nails: Fungal nail infections can be more difficult to treat. They’re often more resistant to many treatments.

Hands: A similar fungal infection can spread to your hands. This happens when you scratch your infected groin with your hands or use the same towel to dry off both areas.

Feet: The same fungus that causes jock itch can also spread to your feet. It’s a condition called athlete’s foot. The fungus typically spreads from your groin to your feet through your underwear. It can also spread by using the same towel to dry off both areas.

Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription antifungal creams, ointments, gels, sprays or powders effectively treat jock itch. These products contain clotrimazole, miconazole, tolnaftate or terbinafine.

Some prescription antifungal medications are pills. These pills contain fluconazole, itraconazole or terbinafine.

It’s important to finish your full course of medicine. If you stop too soon, your jock itch may come back and be harder to treat.

The fastest way to cure jock itch is to use an OTC or prescription antifungal cream, ointment, gel, spray or powder. In more serious cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe antifungal pills to treat jock itch.

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For faster recovery, it’s also important to keep the area clean, dry and cool.

Rubbing alcohol may help cure mild jock itch. Rubbing alcohol can prevent or stop fungal growth on the surface of your skin. However, rubbing alcohol can make your skin dry and tight, and it can make irritation worse.

In addition to rubbing alcohol, a few home remedies may help prevent or treat jock itch.

Some essential oils can prevent or stop the growth of bacteria. These include tea tree, bitter orange, peppermint and eucalyptus oils. However, they may not completely get rid of a fungal infection.

Garlic contains a compound called ajoene. Ajoene can prevent or stop the growth of bacteria. But, like essential oils, it may not completely get rid of a fungal infection.

If you’re allergic to essential oils or garlic, don’t use them to treat your jock itch.

Keep your groin dry, clean and cool. Use a powder or spray to absorb moisture around your groin, particularly after bathing or working out. Avoid wearing tight underwear or pants. Avoid scratching your groin. Scratching your groin may cause the fungus to spread to other parts of your body.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, your jock itch should go away in one to eight weeks. And, be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.

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It’s also important to finish your full course of medicine. During the early healing stages, itchiness and irritation will fade. Even if your symptoms go away, you may still have jock itch. If you don’t finish your full course of medicine, your jock itch can come back and be harder to treat.