[YEA]  02/17/2009: Thomas from Homewood, Il / usa: "I've had 'jock itch' now for around 20 years. It comes and goes and is always worse in the summer. I've tried all the creams and sprays and all they do is suppress it and control it. I ordered some food grade H202 on line, 35% and just dabbed it on with a cotton ball and it immediately turned white and started to burn, I let it burn for about 20 seconds then jumped in the shower and rinsed it off. I did this again at night.The next day I diluted it by half and applied it again for as long as I could stand it, no longer then a minute. As I did this I noticed that the fungus was spread around a larger area then I ever imagined. I had small areas that went from my inner leg all the way up above my pubic hair. Anyway after about 10 days the insidious fungus was eradicated and hasn't come back! Thank you Earth Clinic. I am now huffing H202 a few times a day and I gargle with it twice a day and notice my teeth are getting whiter and cleaner. Who knew?"

05/01/2009: Jim from Frankfort, IL replies: "Please be careful! 35% hydrogen peroxide can be VERY DANGEROUS and can cause severe burns. A man on this site writing about using it for jock itch and for oral care did not mention DILUTING the hydrogen peroxide. I believe it is crucial to dilute it properly."

05/02/2009: Annie from Temecula, CA replies: "To Jim: it looks like he dabbed 35% on straight, then jumped in the shower and rinsed it off. I have soaked my nail fungus in 20% H202 for 15 minutes and it hasn't been a problem. But you're right, for the inhalation, it needs to be diluted down to 3%!!"

05/04/2009: Ben from Bellevue, KY replies: "Are you people kidding me diluting the peroxide, it doesnt work anyways but diluting it would only make it not powerful and for using it as mouth wash my grandfather has been doing it for 30 years and he does not dilute it. This is folly, Avoid listening to these."

03/14/2010: Toxeia from Lf, Tx replies: "Hydrogen peroxide (3%, 35%, any concentration) is a carcinogen (read: Can cause cancer). Orally, it is also a bad idea to use as it causes a condition known as "brown hairy tongue." While the name isn't very authoritative sounding, I've seen it myself in patients that claim to use H2O2 as a daily mouth rinse."

03/17/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines replies: "Hi Toxela...Here is the MSDS(Material Safety Data Sheet) -- which accords with ALL research and is the Bible in this regard.

http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/H4070.htm

You will notice that under the Cancer List in the Toxicity Info section, 3% HP has no Known or Anticiated cancer causing effects.

Also you will notice that Phenocetin -- used as the HP stabilizer for 3% HP IS a cancer causing agent.

Therefore 35% pure food grade HP is NOT a carcinogen."

[YEA]  06/16/2010: Jay from Cape Town, South Africa: "I'm not a big fan of pharmaceuticals, so did a little bit of research on my favourite remedy for many things to see wether there are applications for it in treating jock itch - hydrogen peroxide. I applied 3% solution with a drenched piece of cotton wool which burnt like CRAZY, leaving the infected area red, sore and tender. I'm not sure whether the hydrogen peroxide finally aided or not, but in any event I had to do something about the discomfort as it was time to go to work and the next simplest thing I could think of was plain petroleum jelly.

After applying a decent amount of petroleum jelly on the affected area the sting went away and when I got home I applied some more before going to bed. By the morning the rash was more than 90% gone and the itch as well! Amazing! I can't wait until next year to see whether petroleum jelly by itself would be effective-- I've read that this fungus which affects the top layer of skin cannot receive oxygen through oil and thus dies upon the application of most oils or lotions."

[YEA]  02/12/2012: Jack from Montreal, Quebec replies: "Petroleum Jelly works better than anything I've tried so far."

[YEA]  02/22/2012: Tekkers from Austin, Texas replies: "I developed jock itch for the first time in my life and thought it would simply go away with some OTC cream. When that didn't work after a month, a doctor prescribed a stronger cream and some anti-fungal oral pills. That did not work, so I came here. I used regular OTC anti-fungal cream but after it had dried somewhat, I covered the area in petroleum jelly to "seal" it in... That helped a LOT. I should also mention a couple of things the doctor suggested: Keep the area dry, use baby powder in the surrounding area and change towels often. I also changed boxers once a day so I didn't sleep in the pair I wore all day. The doctor also mentioned that if possible (and this is weird if you don't live by yourself or have a very understanding wife like I do) to leave yourself exposed while at home, so that the light helps keep the fungus at bay. Fungus needs darkness and oxygen to grow, so if you keep light on it and seal it in with the jelly that will really slow it down.

After two weeks of this, I still felt like I had it although it was the best it had been (it rarely itched and I could work or go the whole day without even thinking about it). I decided to return to the doctor to see if I could get more prescription strength cream in the hope of finishing it off. This time I saw a dermatologist, who observed that it looked like the fungus was gone, but my skin was irritated by all the medicine. She gave me prescription strength cortizone which after just four days of use I was able to cut down to once a day, and then none at all after 3 more. The area is still healing, in that it no longer itches but it is still a little dry so I'm just not taking very hot showers and using hand lotion now to help it heal. I try not to use the cortizone since it does have a steroid and can thin the skin if used too much.

Anyways, all in all this was three months total of irritation, but I have to thank this forum for the petroleum jelly solution since I believe that is what eventually cured it. It also made it much more tolerable. Best of luck!"

09/15/2012: John from Toronto, Ontario replies: "Ok... This is it! After reading several posts I tried to get rid of my jock itch after seeing my doctor several times and trying numerous creams. The first thing is to use a mild soap to keep the area clean. Once out of the shower, I dried the area with paper towel. Then I rubbed rubbing alcohol on the area. This is painful. Next, I soaked the area with hydrogen peroxide. I put my shorts on with no underwear. When ever I had a chance, I wore nothing. I washed the area after ever bowel movement and used boxers instead of briefs. I also took Epson salt baths regularly. I noticed huge improvement immediately. But it was still there. I decided to buy several bottles of hydrogen peroxide and a large plastic container. I poured the peroxide into the container and soaked the area once a day for a couple of days. I am happy to say it is gone."

03/01/2013: Jaya from Chennai, Tamilnadu And India: "Lemon for jock itch: apply plain lemon juice without adding water. 2 days u get complete cure."

03/01/2013: Louwrence from Rustenburg, North West, South Africa replies: "Hi Jaya, Urine works quicker."

03/02/2013: Fina from Norcross, Ga replies: "We get it, Louwrence - we should use urine to cure any ailment. Coughs, colds, sore holes or pimples on your pecker - use urine. (I'm being silly, not snarky. Couldn't help myself, since week after week, every other post cites urine as a cure, no matter what the ailment.)"

[YEA]  08/04/2009: Petersen from Southampton, Uk: "Listerene (mouth wash) cured my Jock Itch.

I had Jock Itch for years and had tried the usual creams that they advertise, they didn't work. I read on a site somewhere to use Listerne, as I already had some in my bathroom cabinet I decided to give it a trial run.

I applied it to the area (and a bit further) after a shower in the morning, then in the evening before bed. Yes, at first it does burn a little, but after a while you get used to it and the burning does actually decrease (I assume because its working!). I basically nearly went through a whole bottle of the expensive Listerene, but I guess you could use the normal stuff. I have a feeling its the Menthol and/or maybe the Eucalyptol in the Mouth Wash that are the active ingredients.

*Please feel free to amend this email, I DO NOT work for the people who make Listerene! As I said I just have a feeling it was the active ingredients that worked and may exist in other mouth washes.

Thanks"

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  07/29/2011: Jockitchsucksworsethantyphoid from Sydney, Australia replies: "so I am currently suffering from this 'jock itch'(never had it b4) and I swear it is worse than anything I've ever gone through... (n I had gone thru a lot... Near death cases of food poisoning n typhoid) but this itch is unbearably annoying especially when u've got a busy week and work's piling up. I used an otc cloratrimizol or sth like that but it doesnt help the itch much and that's the worst part of this condition then I tried the mouthwash thing and it works well. I don't knw if it cures the condition(still having it... Just my first day of listerine treatment) but it definetly helps the itch although it burns when u apply the listerine but frankly I would gladly take burning and pain than itching. I've also decided to make a paste of the anti-fungal cream with the listerine just to be safe.... Let's see if it cures it... And thanks for the advice"

07/02/2012: Ryan from Northern, Ca replies: "Day one: washed with dandruff shampoo, cleaned with listerine (artic mint), lotramine spray and sure deodorant. Looks inflamed. Will post more tomorrow."

08/16/2012: Dean from Auburn Hills, Mi replies: "Only the Brown Old fashion "Mouthwash" can cure jock itch. The others do not contain the essential Oils like Thymol, Menthol, and the othe two."

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  01/23/2013: Tripod from Tulsa, Ok: "Yesterday I noticed I had what appeared to be jock itch. No discomfort just a discolouration on the inner thigh near the scrotum and upper pubic area. I used a bleach solution 50/50 for about 30 seconds in the shower, rinsed, and repeated. After my shower I dried off well then applied straight ACV. Before bedtime I applied selsun blue to affected area and slept with it on. This morning I showered toweled off then air dried before applying gold bond. Less than 24 hours and it already looks better. I'll let you all know how it goes."

[YEA]  04/18/2009: Lon from Stanhope, NJ: "My twenty one year old son with Down syndrome has had jock itch since he went through puberty. Over the counter remedies didn't work. Essential oils such as eucalyptus and tea tree helped a little but not significantly, and irritated his already sensitive skin. More diluted mixtures to protect the skin weren't strong enough to help significantly. Eventually the skin became purplish gray (from chronic jock itch, according to the doctor). In addition, the skin on his entire body is always red, very dry and irritated looking.

Recently I had scabies and decided to treat my son in order to prevent him from catching them. The things i did differently than usual were to add some orange oil to his body wash and shampoo, I rubbed his skin with neem oil and/or extract in olive oil carrier daily, and soaked him twice in one week with Ted's borax/hydrogen peroxide soak (not too much peroxide) and left it on the skin. After about ten days, I brought him to the doctor to make sure he didn't have scabies. When the doctor examined his private area, he looked so surprised and commented about how much better my son's skin looked. My mouth dropped open when I noticed that beautiful normal color of his skin of his private area. In fact although still dry looking, the redness that pretty much covers his entire body is about eighty-five per cent gone! I realized that he hasn't been scratching lately either. I don't know which of the three remedies contributed to his improvement, possibly a good combination of treatments. In fact it's early to tell, but he might even be completely cured of the jock itch. I chose the neem for it's anti-scaby benefits, but also because it's said to be kind to the skin. I had the impression from researching that neem eliminates scabies, over time, with consistent daily applications, not a one or two time application to be effective.

BTW, I enjoy sharing effective remedies, because we've been helped so much by the info on the site and i like to give back."

[YEA]  10/21/2012: Ed from Baltimore, Md: "When your tired of keeping your fungal infection around as a pet try Oregano oil, at whatever strength best suits your desire to get rid of it. I used 3 drops straight then washed it off because of pain, regrouped and put one drop on after applying vaseline where I did not want to treat. It caused a lot of redness, pain and a layer of dead skin formed by the next day; but once the dead skin peeled off I could see it was cured. Treated again just to be sure."

10/21/2012: Sara from The Beach, Canada replies: "It is always best to start small and slowly build to the amount that works for you. less is more and in the case of oil of oregano it is doubly true.

Sara"

02/02/2010: Jack from Vernon, Ct replies: "Your husband's sore throat could actually be Candida related as it can be passed from spouse to spouse even though most doctors do not recognize that fact."

04/14/2011: Leo from Selangor, Malaysia replies: "I didn't realise I had jock strap until it spread even in my belly button and armpits. I tried few remedies here didn't work.

I couldn't find any Oregano oil but best method so far for me is using combo of Anti Fungal cream, Anti Fungal tablets, Selsun BLue Shampoo, Anti Fungal Powder & eating lots garlic.

Over here the government funded public hospitals have 1 dollar for general consultations, each time you go you pay 1 dollar and get a tube of anti fungal cream. I went there few times past week to get enough tubes to help with it. Then I went to pharmacy to get Anti Fungal tablets. Very important to have oral meds if its really bad. I read Garlic is good against fungal as well.

I make sure each time I shower I wash those areas with Selsun Blue Shampoo then after shower I would powder those areas with Anti Fungal Powder eg Mecazo Powder.

My was pretty serious before I start acting on it, it looked like it has layers of different shades of red on it. So far within 4 days its no longer reddish only pinkish on all affected skin areas. I think its healing properly."

[YEA]  10/31/2011: Be from Indianapolis, In replies: "I'm in the process of using Oregano Oil. I've been aware of this product for quite some time and knew it would burn. After only 3 days of use, my ailment is nearly gone."

11/01/2011: Larry from Fairfax, Virginia/usa replies: "Glad you're having success with oregano oil. Are you using it straight or as part of a cream or ointment product? How often did you apply it each day?"

[YEA]  05/08/2013: Alex from Los Angeles, Ca: "I had Jock Itch for years. It was horrible. I had tried many of the over the counter jock itch treatments, but they did not work. At times, I wondered whether they actually made the problem worse. Because topical treatments failed to work, my doctor recommended an oral medication, but I was a bit reluctant to take it (having read about potential side effects). I had decided that I would try some of the remedies on this website before taking an oral medication.

At first, I tried Oil of Oreganol. I applied it to the area. It was very painful! For about an hour after applying it, I was in quite a large amount of pain. It was manageable, but definitely quite painful. Nonetheless, it did seem to work. The Jock Itch was subsiding. After using Oil of Oreganol for about a month, the Jock Itch had cleared up by roughly 67%. However, it was not fully gone and I wasn't sure whether the Oil of Oreganol would completely get rid of it.

I noticed that rubbing alcohol had the highest number of successful posts on this website. I also read Gene Keyes story, described above. Therefore, I decided to give it a try. I felt a brief, sharp pain when I applied the rubbing alcohol, but the pain subsided in less than a minute. It was much better than being in pain for an hour with Oil of Oreganol. Furthermore, the rubbing alcohol cleared up the Jock Itch. Within just a few days, the Jock Itch completely cleared up.

It has been gone for two months now.

As described in Gene Keyes' post, daily application of rubbing alcohol (after I shower) does seem to be necessary to keep the Jock Itch away. I run a lot and the Jock Itch seems to come back (a little bit) if I have been sweating during a run or if it is a particularly hot day. But after showering and applying the rubbing alcohol, the Jock Itch quickly retreats again. Thus, rubbing alcohol does seem to be a foolproof preventer of Jock Itch, but not a complete cure, as described in Gene Keyes article (linked above).

But I do not care! Having struggled with Jock Itch for years, I have finally gotten rid of it. It was an embarassing, discomforting situation. It caused me a lot of emotional frustration, as I am sure anyone who has suffered from this condition can understand. But daily application of rubbing alcohol keeps the Jock Itch away. I feel so happy to finally be rid of this skin condition. And even if it does require daily application of rubbing alcohol to keep it away, I couldn't care less. I am so happy that rubbing alcohol works.

To those of you who are out there struggling with this condition, I encourage you to try rubbing alcohol to see whether it works. I am still amazed that rubbing alcohol -- an item sold in the pharmacy just a few feet from the conventional Jock Itch / Athlete's Foot ointments that have failed so many people -- is effective at getting rid of Jock Itch. Equally surprising is that few people are even aware that Rubbing Alcohol can be effective at eliminating Jock Itch (i. E. , there's no mention of rubbing alcohol as a treatment for Jock Itch on the Mayo Clinic website.)

In any case, rubbing alcohol worked for me. I am thrilled to finally be rid of this embarrassing skin condition! I hope that my story helps others deal with this condition."

05/09/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, USA replies: "Alex: I recently added a few drops of Eucalyptus Oil to the Isopropyl Alcohol and find it much more effective for topical applications."

[YEA]  11/26/2008: Duane K from Cardiff by the Sea, CA replies: "I agree with Gene above on the Rubbing Alcohol 100%! I must say it will burn at first, but actually sooths the issue after the quick discomfort. Just rubbed some on with a cloth twice a day and in no issue after 2 days. Again, just rub some on your crotch or anal area and be prepared for a quick joust. Healing occurs quickly though. I am the type to turn up the heat, so Im not afraid to use as much as I think I need. That goes for any healing remedy for that matter. As a healer myself I've always told people to go this website for answers on health challenges. Now my first health issue I didnt solve myself in many years. Gene's story assisted me after a few other remedies didnt work. Thanks Gene and EarthClinic!"

[NAY]  05/04/2009: Ben from Bellevue, KY replies: "I have used rubbing alcohol for a month and nothing went away. The only thing the alcohol did was make me in more pain every morning when I woke up and had been scratching at it in my sleep."

[YEA]  11/14/2011: Chris from Vancouver, B.c. Canada replies: "Gotta give this a firm yes. It's been my cure for years. As a somewhat overweight man, I have had on and off bouts of 'crotchrot' where skin around the scrotum and inner thighs meet, resulting in unpleasant dampness and foul odour.

A healthy swipe of rubbing alcohol in a pad will do two things: #1 Burn like hell for about 20 seconds, and then #2 fade away, usually taking the problem with it. A second application the next morning is sometimes needed as well which will burn far less, and then that's all she wrote!

Glad to see this is a known thing, but I'd like to see it known wider yet so people don't have to battle embarassment and/or waste money on doctors or powders. Just grit your teeth and take it. You'll feel much better once the burn is done, and smell it too!"

[YEA]  12/25/2011: Coach from Philly, Usa replies: "I was using steroid cream to get rid of jock itch, and while that worked, after a couple years of doing this I noticed stretch marks at the very top of my thigh. So I stopped using the steroid. Then I tried every anti-fungal cream, powder, and spray that I could find but nothing worked. In the shower, I was scrubbing the area with diluted bleach and then leaving the rag there for no less than 2 minutes every day. That did not work. Rubbing alcohol worked like a charm for me. I pour some on a makeup removal cotton pad, swab both sides of my groin, and then leave the pad on the problem side, wedged there till I get through my morning routine. I remove the pad and then put baby powder all over before putting my jockies on."

01/13/2012: Fety from Somewhere In, Wa replies: "Rubbing Alcohol is very toxic while it is absorbed into the body. Listen to Dr. Kenneth Sutter explain on OneRadioNetwork how his daily use of rubbing alcohol during the Vietnam war helped lead to his liver cancer. http://www.oneradionetwork.com/?s="sutter"&x=0&y=0"

[YEA]  01/14/2012: Hadtoshare from Slo, Ca/usa replies: "Rubbing alcohol 100% worked for me. I applied with cottonball saturated in in rubbing alcohol morning, noon and night. It burned a little with the first application, but for me it was not that bad at all. After first application I believe the fungus was gone (it stopped burning and appeared white and flaky, apparently dried up) but I am continuing to apply three times daily for a week or so to make sure I am cured. I am also treating my feet, (although I can't see any athlete's foot) just to ensure I knock this out once and for all. I read that most people with jock itch also have athletes foot and it could be the source for jock itch. Additionally, I am changing clothes frequently and laundering everything I wear daily. Treating shoes and socks for athletes foot as well.

I have been battling this for five months on and off and at last feel I am almost done with this thanks this site and rubbing alcohol, cheap and effective. The over the counter creams worked but as it kept returning I think I was missing areas. The alcohol being fluid covers more area faster, easier and neater. I prefer it over a cream and like the fact that it is so inexpensive as well. Thank you so so much to the people above for taking the time to post your experiences."

[YEA]  04/25/2012: Tinea-be-gone from Detroit, Mi replies: "After dealing with jock itch for 1.5 years, I have to give the rubbing alcohol remedy a big YEA. Here is my story detailing everything I tried along the way, perhaps it will benefit others that are afflicted with this fungus.

By the time I relized I had jock itch (tinea cruris) I was about 2 months in and had a pretty bad case by then. I puchased some anti fungal cream as recommended @ $10 per ounce at the drug store.

Anti fungal cream :::

Don't waste your money. After about 3-4 weeks of faithful application twice daily I thought the problem was cured, but 2-3 weeks later the infection was back with a vengance. After repeating this cyle for 3 more tubes of cream I realized that the cream was merely keeping the infection "at bay" and not killing the fungus off. My mindset was, kill the fungus, problem solved.. I read many posts that merely address the symtom, they say I used X and the problem (itching) went away. I can tell you it doesn't work that way. I figured if I killed the root of the problem (the fungus) I would be cured and back to normal. Not so, in my experience..... I now believe there is no "cure", only prevention.

BORAX :::

After giving up on the anti-fungal cream I came across earth-clinic and decided to give something else a try. Borax WAS effective however I found it difficult to administer I used it for about 3 weeks. The day after the first application I noticed what looked like red spider veins further down my thighs on both sides in what was virgin skin.... The fungi were actually running away from the borax.... A good sign!!! The best way I found to apply the borax solution was just to wet down the crotch and anal area, but then you have to wear wet shorts after... I imagine some type of small tub that you could sit and soak in may have worked but I didn't get that far. The blistering and oozing of the skin continued during the borax treatments but things were getting better. I began using rubbing alcohol as well.... borax before bed and alcohol during the day and thats when things really started to improve.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) :::

The Apple Cider Vinegar burned my skin .... After about 2-3 days I quit that.... Skin was very sore and tender to the touch ( 1st degree burns )

Rubbing Alcohol :::

The holy grail..... Easy to apply, odorless, evaporates..... Yes, there was quite a bit of stinging for the first couple weeks, but now my skin is healed. I have not had any eruptions (blistering / oozing) for over 4 weeks now I have been wiping down using a cotton cosmetic pad 1-2 times per day.

Conclusion :::

Per Mayo Clinic "Jock itch is caused by fungi called dermatophytes. These microscopic organisms are normal inhabitants of your skin, and their growth stays in check as long as your skin is clean and dry. But on some areas of the body where skin is more likely to be moist and warm, such as the groin, the fungi grow and thrive, resulting in a fungal infection. "
I stated earlier there is no cure... So what caused this infection in the first place? since these fungi normally exist on our bodies. The only logical explanation is that the immune system can not deal with it for some reason (perhaps weakened due to age) Therefore the only logical way to deal with these "normal" fungi is to kill them off in the moist areas where they thrive. Rubbing alcohol is the easiest simplest and cheapest way to do that."

[YEA]  05/29/2012: Ang from Chicago, Illinois replies: "I read this earlier today, took a shower, air dried, took a couple of cotton balls soaked in rubbing alcohol, wiped the affected area & then placed it on it for a few minutes, i let dry, then i put baby powder to keep fresh & dry, i looked at it abt 2 hours later & guess what? its practically gone! i'm going to continue to practice this routine till its completely gone! i had also used listerine but alcohol showed immediate results!"

[YEA]  07/09/2012: Steve from Statesville, Nc, Usa replies: "This worked like a CHAMP. Thank you to those before me who recommended this. The initial sting lasts a brief second, especially if you've been scratching prior to use. After that it is an oh so wonderful feeling of relief. Multiple days of use have shown no more flare up and itching. I applied right after a shower with the alcohol dabbed onto a cotton facial pad, also called makeup removal pads. This is cheap, and it works."

08/16/2012: Golfer from Charlotte, Nc replies: "Thank you for the tip - I was pleasantly surprised!! After 2x daily application, I have amazing relief. I add baby powder for additional relief. I would highly recommend this cheap but very effective therapy - thus enormous value. Give it a try - I was suspect at first but the results have been great."

[YEA]  08/31/2012: Mostlybetternow from Vancouver, Canada replies: "It stings, but it works. I saw the 8 yeas for Rubbing Alcohol and decided to give it a go. The creams weren't doing anything and I wanted a quick fix so I gave RA a shot. Burned like the dickens the first few applications on the raw spots but after only two days everything is starting to heal and things are lookin up in my world! Thanks Earth Clinic!"

09/02/2012: Miko from Cebu City replies: "what type of rubbing alcohol to use ethyl or isopropyl? i've been battling this jock itch for about 3 years now... Nothing really works what to give rubbing alcohol a try."

[YEA]  09/10/2012: Itchy from Boston, Ma replies: "I too have had rot for a few days and had been using creams and spray but it wouldn't go away. I tried the rubbing alcohol and while it stings like a b---ch the first time you put it on, I have to say it worked wonders overnight. Thanks Earth Clininc!"

[YEA]  09/17/2012: Wine Guy from North Salem, Ny replies: "Have to say after dealing with Jock Itch for 6 months and using every imaginable OTC and prescription cream from my dermatologist. The rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) did the trick in less than a week! I was truly amazed. Thank you EarthClinic!"

09/20/2012: Louwrence from Rustenburg, North West, South Africa replies: "Hi Wine guy, Rubbing your own urine on cures it within a day & costs you nothing."

11/30/2012: Great Balls Of Fire from Orange, Ma replies: "Ok, so I have been trying the Cider Vinegar, and it works slowly, but it leave me itching way more, so I used epsom salts to cure that.. Just tried the selsun blue shampoo ( has an anti fungal in it) , then applied the isopropyl.. Whoa! I swear I saw the guy from the Hellraiser movie appear in my bathroom! Be prepared to call the name of your maker when you do this. I counted the longest 24 seconds of my life and the burn was gone. now we shall see if this is just some cruel joke or if it actually works."

[YEA]  08/06/2009: Anonymous from Palm Coast, Florida: "i went swimming in a clorinated pool to clear my jock itch and it worked. i figure the the clorine had something to do with it. i just went swimming for an hour every other day till it went away. clorine is the main ingredeint in bleach which is well known to kill EVERYTHING."

08/06/2009: Goodtimecharlie from Miami, Fl replies: "Could you kindly let us know where you went for your treatment? So we can stay away from that pool!"

[WORKED TEMPORARILY]  01/27/2012: Yeastman from Poway, Ca, Usa replies: "My results were not so much swimming in a chlorinated pool as they were bathing in a chlorinated bath. I added about 1/4 cup of bleach to a bath and soaked in it nightly for around 1/2 an hour for two weeks. Briefly relieved itching, but did nothing for symptoms."

04/04/2012: John from Sydney, Australia replies: "My hard-won insight is that, after all, it seems the operators of chlorinated public swimming pools do have some clue as to what controls fungus.

Over the course of several weeks I'd tried alcohol, vinegar, Lamisil, Vaporub, tea-tree oil, Canesten (clomitrazole). I gave each a fair time to show clear improvement, and all did have some seemingly good effect. But after those weeks of experience it seemed none was clearly winning the battle - there was no sense of a complete and proper solution at hand.

An allergy to tea tree oil caused an actual flare-up of the infection (as a side-effect it seems to the skin irritation the allergic reaction caused); five days of Lamisil showed not enough improvement when the tube label claimed seven days in total should be all that was necessary; the alcohol followed by vinegar was helping but wasn't promising to fully clear the infection.

Having seen others mention bleach, and one person the public swimming pool, the thought came ... Chlorine? it really does kill most things doesn't it? Sodium hypochlorite bleach producing free chlorine in solution. I also found claims that bleach baths worked not only for fungus but on conditions like eczema as well. And they were recommended for babies with persistent skin irritation so the bleach couldn't be too harsh, right? Then, when I smelt the bleach, came back memories from childhood of swimming training in chlorinated pools, and it seemed the stars were aligning to suggest that chlorine had been the obvious but overlooked answer all along.

For me at least - so it proved. After the first bath in bleach at about 1 part per 1000 - say just 50ml in 50l of bathwater - and about 20 minutes of gently washing the bathwater over the skin, the problem began clearing immediately and by the next morning was looking and feeling much better. I repeated the one bath per day for five days but also continued to apply Canesten (clomitrazole cream) to the hotspots. After five days what had been a persistent, entrenched, widespread problem was all but entirely gone, just a couple of small red spots remaining.

From my experience then I feel chlorine bleach to be the simplest, most effective, most obvious solution to fungal infections of the skin ... And anyone who like me has in the past spent significant time around public pools could probably have come to this conclusion far sooner than I did. That's all, good luck everyone!"

09/10/2012: Ed from Baltimore, Md replies: "Bleach in bathwater is effective. It wouldn't cure it completely though. I used many treatments in addition to bleach. both kinds of vinegar. Also visited the lotrimin website for information and photos to help determine which kind of infection it was. Jock itch seemed to match the best. So purchased Lotrimin ultra in the yellow packaging for jock itch and also the spray powder. Lotrimin claims the ultra penetrates deeper than other remedies. Still it couldn't quite cure it completely. Next I used a hair dryer to dry the affected area before applying the Lotrimin ultra, then again after application to try to melt it into the skin. That seems to have worked and finally finished it off."

[YEA]  12/25/2008: Mel from Austin, TX: "I have purchased numerous remedies over the years but the tea tree oil is all I found that worked, and incredibly fast. I used it for maybe two weeks, once a day, and the problem was gone. I had previously tried the colloidal silver alone, but with no significant results. This was a maybe 6 months ago and have had no recurrences.
Peace
Liberty
Mel"

[NAY]  11/24/2010: Drew from Atlanta, Ga replies: "Be careful about using tea tree oil for jock itch, it actually made my condition worse. Maybe give it a try with a small area after a week or so of no improvement please discontinue use."

11/26/2010: Andrea C from Cardiff, Wales Uk replies: "Hi drew x jock strap is a very common ailment which effects males, even baby boys. I do belive its caused by a fungus called lichenus plantus, this is caused by sweating around your scrotum area. Anyway, the best thing you can do without going pharmacutical, give your downstairs department is

1. Give those panty baseballs as much air as possible x

2. dust them babies with sodium bicarbanate to keep them dry, don't use talc, its just powdered aluminium. Wear only cottton underpants and if you have a shower, use that rather than a bath hope this helps you andrea c X X X X"

11/26/2010: Thenewguyintown from Westwood, New Jersey, Usa replies: "After many years of suffering on and off with jock itch AND athletes foot, I have found a good technique for minimizing the occurrences. Its quite simple and also helps with "butt zits" too. The trick to minimizing all of the above is to completely dry the problem areas prior to the use of clothing. Therefore, when you are finished bathing or showering, take few minutes and use a blow dryer to help ensure ALL the moisture is gone. Since employing this technique I have cut my occurrences down by 98%! As the saying goes ~ Sometimes its the simple things that work the best."

11/27/2010: Tom from Toronto, Ontario replies: "I agree Newguy... I will add that switching to lose fitting boxer shorts instead of the tighter fitting underwear has made a difference for me as well."

[BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS]  04/21/2011: Jen from Singapore replies: "Seems to be working when combine with some OTC meds, pour the tea tree oil on the affected skin few times a day and felt it really burns. Oh the pain.

Tried Miconazole creams generic Antifungal tablets for over a week not working. Even tried briefly Tolnaftate creams.

What seems to be working is Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera, Garlic Pills, Selsun Blue Shampoo, Lamisil, Sporanox. The combo isn't cheap but after 3 days of this the affected skins are peeling off. Anybody can tell me how long it takes to get my light skin color back on those areas? Now those areas are dark pink colored?"

04/22/2011: Bill from San Fernando, San Fernando, Philippines replies: "Hi Jen... I had extensive dark red welts from front to back when I had jock itch some years ago. What got rid of it for me was simple Milk of Magnesia. I would have my last shower of the evening before bed, then topically spread the MoM completely around the jock itch area and let it dry to a whitish powder and go to bed. When applied, the MoM feels cool and soothing and does not cause pain. The next morning, wash off the MoM with another shower, put on some coco butter cream(or whatever you like) and then repeat this treatment again in the evening. Took only two days to clear up my own jock itch problem -- and normal coloured skin again.

MoM is powerful because it has an alkaline pH of 10 which will kill any microbe or fungus. MoM is also hydrophobic -- drives water away and sucks water out of microbes and kills them that way as well. And MoM is so cheap and easy to use."

[YEA]  07/03/2011: Lovelyrita from Arvada, Co, Usa replies: "[YEA] After looking at the Earth Clinic stories with my boyfriend for his jock itch, we decided to try a Selsun Blue wash and Tea Tree Oil. It worked great. He used the Selsun Blue in the shower as a wash, then applied tea tree oil (full strength even though I had recommended he dilute it) to his area, and did not wash it off. He said it felt like menthol on his area, and had a cooling sensation. He did this two days consecutively. It was burning him a little the second day, but the third day his itchy area began drying up and started PEELING because of the tea tree. By the 4th day, the superficial layer of his skin had peeled off and completely rid his skin of his jock itch/fungal infection.

A dilution of 2/3 tea tree and 1/3 vaseline may prevent the burning discomfort, but as far as we are concerned, it was worth it to get rid of his jock itch and had no negative side effects--unlie some of those crazy anti-fungal creams out there. I was not going to let him use one and worsen the situation by becoming resistant. The tea tree oil had the effect of an intense skin peel.

We also thoroghly washed and bleached his jock strap, setting it out in the sun to dry. The jock itch hasn't returned. We did buy a bottle of Gold Bond, only used it once, and didn't seem to have a curative effect but may certainly be good for prevention."

07/04/2011: Robert Henry from Ten Mile, Tn Usa replies: "Hope this does not come out rude and crude, but it has worked for me for 40 years. When a person sweats some of it passes into the crack of your buttocks and into your crotch. Naturally this liquid is laden with lots of bacteria and such. To avoid this I add a pad of toilet tissue to absorb the sweat. It is there night and day. I no longer have the Jock Itch. One day I forgot to remove the pad before being examined by a doctor. Wow, I was speechless and he laughed.

Cure your problem , try this and maybe it won't come back. "

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  01/27/2012: Yeastman from Poway, Ca, Usa replies: "Applied liberally with a paper towel before sleeping for 2-3 weeks. Almost immediately dried out my moist, itchy red gonads and helped alleviate some of the symptoms of jock itch. However, it did not cure my case of jock itch so I continued to try other remedies.

Also, tea tree oil has an incredibly strong and long lasting odor. It may not be practical to use this during the day.

On the plus side, it has anti-bacterial properties so will help clear up any accompanying bacterial infection. This and its drying ability also makes it great for clearing up acne."

08/19/2012: 1sttimejockitch from Toronto, Canada replies: "After reading the suggestion on the sight I decided give the Tea Tree Oil 100% a go. I bought it from a local grocery store. I applied it to the affected area (inside of thighs and scrotem) in its full strenght. This thing burned like nothing I have felt before. I left it on as long as I could take it, approximately 10 mins, then washed it off and applied coconut oil.

The next morning my scrotem looked like it was roasted on an open fire. But by the evening, after numerous applications of coconut oil, the skin started peeling and itching subsided drastically.

Day 2 morning shower I washed off most of the peeling skin with wash cloth. Skin was quite tender but for the rest of the day I was not itching very much.

Day 3 4 I used 3% hydrogen proxide solution in a spray bottle and soaked the area 5 minutes before showering both morning and night. This caused the rest of the peeling skin to come off. I applied coconut oil after each shower liberally.

Day 5 I diluted the Tea Trea Oil with coconut oil in 1 to 4 ratio. I drop of TTO for every 4 drops of CO. This worked best for me as there was only a tingling sensation instead of out right burning.

I'm only 5 days in and this is my first time suffering from this condition. The itching is almost none existant. The rash on my inner thigh has peeled and is barely noticeable but it is still there however. I will continue this regiment until gone completely.

I will update in a week or so, hope this helps!"

[WARNING!]  10/09/2012: Jimmaya from Sebastopol, California replies: "Please be careful when using this on severe jock itch, I just used it full strength and it burned like hell for about the 20 minutes I could bare the pain, before I hastily washed it off. However, I hope the pain is a sign its killing the infection. ;)"

[YEA]  10/13/2012: Joseph from Toledo, Oh replies: "I used this remedy successfully to clear my jock itch within 3 days. I saturated a cotton applicator pad with pure tea tree oil and applied it up to 3 times a day in the affected area (I did not dilute the oil). I made sure to rub it in really well. After day one I noticed improvement; after 2 days I was virtually symptom free; on day three I did it just as a precaution to make sure it was all gone. Worked great!"

08/21/2009: Paranoi17 from Glendale Heights , Il replies: "so i have a question..... i used tea tree oil to get rid of jock itch but i noticed that it dried out the infected area. is that normal? if so, how long does it took for you get rid of your jock itch? please reply fast this thing is killing me..."

11/17/2012: Dr G from Victor Harbour, Australia replies: "Try using eucalyptus oil, won't burn, but will dry skin a bit and takes 1-2 days to work and very cheap. It is completely safe to use this product."