Ringworm of the groin is an infection known in the medical field with the term tinea cruris. It occurs because this area is generally humid and always covered with clothing. Moist skin is the ideal environment for fungal growth. If you suffer from tinea cruris, read on to learn how to treat this infection. If you are looking for information on symptoms instead, read this article.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Home Treatments
Step 1. Improve your personal hygiene
During the treatment of inguinal ringworm, it is very important to take the time to improve personal hygiene. Often, this infection occurs because you don't shower or change your clothes after training. Improving personal hygiene means:
- Wear comfortable underwear and pants. This reduces sweating and increases perspiration, both of which are crucial for successful treatment and prevention of ringworm.
- Completely dry the skin after bathing. This eliminates the best medium for the growth of the fungus: moist skin. Make sure you dry the groin area well.
- Use talc or cornstarch or rice powder. The powder keeps the groin dry by absorbing excess sweat. Reduced perspiration helps the skin to get rid of the fungus proliferation.
- Avoid sharing towels and clothing. Both can be a vehicle for fungal infection.
Step 2. Increase your garlic intake
Garlic contains ajoene, a natural antifungal. It can be easily included in the treatment of infection, simply by adding it as a basic ingredient in your daily meals. You can also find it in the form of tablets or oil. The recommended daily dose for garlic tablets is 600-900 mg per day. In oil it is taken in three daily doses of 0, 12 ml.
Alternatively, you can crush the garlic pieces and apply them directly to the infection 2-3 times a day
Step 3. Try tea tree oil
This oil has natural antifungal properties. You can put a small amount on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area twice a day. Reduces itching and inflammation. Repeat this procedure for a week.
Step 4. Apply vinegar to the affected area
Dip gauze or cloth in diluted white vinegar. Once the tissue has been soaked in vinegar, keep it against infection twice a day. When you remove the cloth, pat the leather dry, but don't rub too hard, otherwise you may cause a scab to form.
Step 5. Use a solution of aluminum salts
These solutions, such as 10% aluminum chloride or aluminum acetate, are effective antiperspirants because they block the sweat glands. To use this blend:
Mix one part of aluminum salt with 20 parts of water. Apply the solution to the infected area and let it sit for six to eight hours. It is best to wear it at night, when the sweat glands are less active. Wash off the solution when you think you'll be sweating again. Repeat this process until the lesions dry out and begin to disappear
Method 2 of 2: Medication Treatments
Step 1. Take 1% hydrocortisone and zinc oxide ointment
These products help to calm itching and reduce inflammation in the affected area. Apply the cream over the rash every 8 hours for temporary relief or as needed.
Step 2. Apply antifungal creams
There are several antifungal lotions to treat inguinal ringworm that do not require a prescription. Apply one of these twice a day for 2-4 weeks. The most important active ingredients are miconazole, clotrimazole, econazole, oxiconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine; the main creams on the market: Lamisil, Micatin and Ciclopirox. To apply them correctly:
- Wash the affected area and pat it dry with a towel; immediately put the latter in the washing machine. Wash your hands with warm soapy water and then apply the cream all over the affected area. You should spread the cream so that it exceeds the infected area by at least 2.5 cm.
- Wash your hands again with soap and water. Avoid wearing any tight-fitting clothing while the medicine is on the infected area.
Step 3. Take oral medications
Doctors prefer to administer them by mouth when the infection is widespread. Oral antifungals help heal the existing infection and fight any recurrence. Some of the more common oral medications are:
- Terbinafine: blocks the formation of new fungal cells.
- Itraconazole: This drug is merciless because it pierces the membrane of fungal cells. It is administered when the infection is widespread because almost all fungi are powerless against it.
- Fluconazole: belongs to the same family as itraconazole and acts in a similar way.
Advice
- Keep the groin area dry. Always carefully dry the genitals and inner thighs with a clean cloth after bathing or strenuous activities. You can put some talcum powder around the groin area to avoid moisture.
- Do not wear too tight clothing that can rub and prick the skin, as they facilitate the formation of inguinal ringworm.
