Overview

Jock itch is a fungal skin infection that causes rashes which is itchy that mostly occurs with favourable host condition and climate, mostly occur in warm, moist areas of the body, such as the groin and inner thighs it takes shelter.  The condition is also called tinea cruris.

It's common in athletes and in those who sweat a lot, creating favourable conditions. 

Causes

• Rubbing from clothing                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

• Excessive sweating                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

• In those with an immune deficiency and present co-morbidities like diabetes and obesity.                                                                                                                                                                                                    

• It is contagious and can be transmitted from person to person through skin contact or by contact with contaminated things, mostly towels, clothes.

• The type of fungus -Trichophyton rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosum, less commonly Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton verrucosum.

Symptoms

• Discolouration, which is grey, white or purple in appearance.

• Persistent itching

• Burning sensation post-itching

• Flaking, peeling, or cracking of skin 

Ayurvedic View

Kshudra kushta -Due to causes like adhyashana(eating food before digestion of previous food),virudha ahara(intake of incompatible food), diva swapana(day sleep), intake of abhishyandi ahara(food that is mucus-forming-like curd), etc, all lead to low digestive fire, which forms ama(a toxin that can cause the disease in the body)and along with kapha dosha aggravation, there is excess of dampness created in the skin, causing this infection. Ayurveda's way of approach is to improve agni(metabolism-immunity), bring dosha back to balance, reduce the symptoms by ayurvedic panchakarma treatment and prevent the recurrence of this disease by guiding in maintaining hygiene, proper diet and lifestyle.