No matter how many preventative measures you may try to take, sometimes jock itch just happens. It’s a fungal infection that affects the groin and inner thigh areas, and it can be made worse by the moisture buildup from sweat. It’s so named because it afflicts athletes, but it can happen to anyone, especially men and people who sweat a lot. Keeping the groin area clean and dry, and regularly changing underwear and workout clothes, are the best preventative measures, but those don’t always work. Luckily, there are also products that can help treat and prevent flare-ups.
If you need to take extra steps to reduce jock itch, consider a tea tree balm or body wash. Tea tree oil is primarily used as an anti-inflammatory acne treatment, but it can also be an effective and natural way to deal with fungal infections. We’ve included a couple of the best-reviewed natural options in that category. Or, if you need something that you can toss in your gym bag and take on the go, we’ve picked out an effective spray that’s specifically designed for treating jock itch. Sometimes, try as you might, you can’t prevent jock itch. But at least you can quickly treat it.
1. Purely Northwest Anti-fungal Tea Tree Oil Body Wash
This 9 ounce bottle of body wash is free of parabens, silicone, and artificial fragrances. It uses aloe vera, tea tree oil, sea kelp, and other natural ingredients to help treat jock itch, athlete’s foot, and any other kind of fungal infection. The wash can be used alongside other treatments, too.
Pros: Natural treatment for fungal infections, acne, and body odor. Good for sensitive skin.
Cons: Smell of the product may be unpleasant for some.
2. Puriya Tea Tree Oil Balm
Tea tree, eucalyptus, and lavender oils come together to make this balm, and it comes in a 2 ounce jar. It’s designed to be an effective anti-fungal treatment on any moist parts of the body, and it can be an effective way to reduce odor, ringworm, and a variety of difficult skin conditions.
Pros: Effective blend of essential oils like eucalyptus and beeswax with surprisingly good customer service.
Cons: Expensive.
3. Lotrimin Jock Itch Anti-fungal Powder Spray
For an effective, affordable, and convenient option, this anti-fungal treatment comes in spray form. Three 4.6 ounce canisters are included. The active ingredient is Miconazole nitrate, which can work for jock itch, athlete’s foot, or ringworm. It comes out as a dry powder spray.
Pros: Convenient option for a gym bag.
Cons: Can doesn’t last that long before running out.