Aaargh! Jock Itch Gets in the Way of Cycling
by John Dugan OwnerJock itch is a pain in the manhood for many men, whether they are
jocks or couch potatoes or something in between. But this common male organ
health condition does seem to be more likely to occur in men who are more
physically involved, such as jocks – and including those who are active in the
sport (and pastime) of cycling. Let’s take a look at this common (and often
vexing) cycling issue.
Basics: Jock itch
For those who go in for such
things, the medical name for jock itch is tinea cruris. (It is related to – think
first cousin – athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedia.) Every guy has reason
at some time to scratch their member and sacks, but when they are visited with
jock itch, the need to scratch can be increased dramatically – and
embarrassingly.
So what is jock itch
exactly? Well, it’s a fungal infection, just as athlete’s foot is a fungus.
Jock itch occurs on the manhood sacks, buttocks, thighs, and/or midsection. It
presents as a red, ring-like or circular rash, which may occur singly or in
groups. The border of the rash tends to be raised, and the skin may be flaky or
scaly.
As male organ health issues
go, jock itch is not serious, but it can be inconvenient. Some people find the
rash can burn or sting a bit, but most cases are marked by the severe itch that
gives the condition its nickname.
Cycling
Jock itch is most often
found in a warm, moist environment, which accurately describes the
midsection. This kind of environment is heaven for a fungus, and
it’s the kind of environment that is very common among athletes – including
cyclists. When a cyclist has jock itch, it can get in the way by creating a
distraction, a need to scratch, that keeps the cyclist from keeping focused on
his goals.
Biking shorts can contribute
to the issue. The shorts tend to provide compression, which is helpful for
cycling but which also increases heat and therefore sweat. Finding shorts made
of a material that allows the skin to “breathe” can help decrease the chance of
developing jock itch. It’s also extremely important that bikers wash their
shorts thoroughly and regularly; allowing the sweat to accumulate can only add
to the possibility that the fungus will find it a nice place to put down roots
and grow.
If a guy has athlete’s foot,
he needs to take special care to prevent jock itch. The fungus that causes the
former also causes the latter. So, don’t go to the shower, wipe down the feet
with a towel and then use the same towel to dry off the midsection; using a separate
towel for the feet is highly recommended. By the same token, put on socks
before putting on bike shorts or underwear, so that the athlete’s foot fungus
doesn’t transfer.
It’s also important not to
share towels (or certainly underwear, shorts or socks) with another cyclist; if
he has jock itch, sharing towels or clothing increases the chance of it
spreading. And if at the gym, wear flip-flops or other appropriate footwear to
the shower and sauna. (Needless to say, those who sauna in the nude should put
a clean towel down before sitting in the sauna.)
Cycling enthusiasts who do
come down with jock itch have several over-the-counter options to use. A
persistent case may require a visit to the doctor.
Jock itch, whether
in a cycling enthusiast or a desk jockey, may benefit from the daily
use of a superior male organ health oil (health professionals
recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which
is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Jock itch often feels better
when the skin is moisturized, so select an oil with a combination of hydrating
agents, like vitamin E and shea butter. The oil ideally should also contain
vitamin B5, aka pantothenic acid, a vital nutrient that is required for cell
metabolism and the maintenance of healthy tissue.
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Created on Feb 26th 2020 22:54. Viewed 365 times.