I participate in a lot of sports and am constantly getting jock itch. Over-the-counter antifungal medicine takes care of it, but is there any way to prevent getting it in the first place?

ANSWER:

Some patients tend to get fungal infections -- such as jock itch, ringworm and nail fungus -- more frequently than others. We don’t know why this is, but we do know that keeping the skin barrier in good shape and dry is the best way to prevent jock itch.

Powders like Gold Bond or Zeasorb can help absorb excess moisture. Another good tip is to use a hair-dryer to make sure the skin in the groin is fully dry after showering. Finally, make sure you shower and change your underwear after working out or if you sweat a lot during the day.

When you have an active jock itch, try an over-the-counter cream that contains clotrimazole. If the area is very inflamed, add a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream as well for up to one week. If it doesn’t go away after two weeks, visit your dermatologist! -- As told to Mike Hammer

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