Jock itch can be a real pain, but does jock itch smell too?

There is no doubt that jock itch is a terrible affliction that not only effects your health but can also be a real Debbie Downer on your social life too! What’s worse, you can also fall victim to the jock itch smell. 

Everyone already thinks you’re weird every time you zen out and and look into the distance (not staring… but just focussing intently on NOT scratching your groin) and now there is a gross smell emanating from your crotch as well!
This might be ok when you are on a crowded bus and can pretend it’s someone else, but it’ll sure as hell stop you taking your one true love to the movies on Friday night. The thought of her cuddling up to you then suddenly breaking away once she realises that musty, yeasty smell is coming from your groin is enough to make a grown man cry. Not cool. NOT cool.

So, in answer to the question – Yes, jock itch can smell.

 

Before we look into exactly what causes the jock itch smell, and what you can do to combat it, lets learn more about our adversary.

What is Jock Itch?

Jock itch is an infection of the skin caused by an attacking fungus that typically takes hold in moist hot places….like your groin! Jock itch is caused by fungus called dermatophytes – another name for really itchy f**kers.

what are Dermatophytes you ask? Well, they are a super microscopic fungi that live on our dead tissues (hair, nails, skin etc…charming stuff!). They really, really dig moist, warm places but instead of moving to the tropics or South East Asia, they simply set up shop on your balls or upper thigh.

Why do I have Jock itch? I’m not a Jock!

Let’s get this straight – you don’t need to be a jock to get jock itch! It just so happens to be so common in athletes and sportspeople that the damn condition got named after them. They would have called it “Sweaty, moist, warm, stinky groin itch”, but it just doesn’t have the same ring to it. And, if you haven’t figured this one out for yourselves yet…girls can get it too! Whoa…mind blown!

How do I know if I have jock itch?

Now that we know what causes jock itch, lets just determine if you actually have it or not! How do you know if what you have is actually jock itch? Simple, look at the symptoms. If you seem to have a lot of the symptoms listed, chances are that you have yourself a case of runaway crotch rot! Yeeeee Haaaaa!

Jock itch symptoms include:

• Skin redness around thigh, bum and groin areas of the body
  
• Your skin will have a burning or itching sensation and will be way more sensitive to chafing of the inner thigh.
  
• Elevated rash that is raised from the unaffected skin.
• Cracked skin that appears to be flaking, and when touched, either falls away or can be easily peeled away.
• A musky smell or odor that is emanating in conjunction with any of the above symptoms.

When jock itch symptoms take on a smell, it tends to be something of a cheesy, musky odor. This is due to the yeasty properties of the fungal infection. While it is unlikely to be overbearing, it can definitely be noticeable enough to cause you considerable embarrassment.

How do you stop jock itch from smelling?

The best way to stop jock itch from smelling is to make sure you never get it in the first place.
To do that you have to make sure you are keeping your nether regions dry, towelling off completely and quickly after each and every shower. If you sweat, try to minimise the amount of time between sweating and showering off. Jock itch loves dark, warm and moist places, so try to eliminate these ideal environments as much as possible.

If you want a quick fix – a bigger dose of perfume, aftershave or deodorant might do it, though your perfume might mix with the jock itch smell and become some kind of mystical scent like “Sex Panther” from Anchorman – 60% of the time, it works every time”.

Realistically though, the only sure way to get rid of the smell is to get rid of the problem of jock itch itself, so see our special comparison chart for the best line of treatment for your jock itch.

The sooner you ditch the itch, the sooner you ditch the smell.

As we broke down earlier in this article, jock itch is caused by a fungi called dermatophytes which are microscopic organisms that dwell in the skin and may linger around for long periods of time if they are not properly treated and tended to.

Unfortunately, jock itch is contagious and has the potential of easily spreading through human contact. The cause of jock itch varies and it usually consists of the same type of fungal organisms that are found in athlete’s foot. Therefore, it has the capability of travelling from the feet, to the groin area, to the hands. The same related fungus can spread from towels to towel racks. Therefore, you might want to think twice before you decide to hang your towel up on the gym rack during your post-workout showers. Some douchebag could be spreading his athlete’s foot or jock itch around the gym without even knowing it.

Jock itch organisms tend to dwell in the dampest and most closed environments. Due to these circumstances, one may think that it’s better to be free and open in their style of clothing and fashion (we do an awesome write up on the top types of clothing to help beat jock itch here). However, this isn’t always necessary. As long as the individual doesn’t consistently wear wet and warm clothing, they should be in the clear for potential jock itch fungal opportunities of dwelling.

Those who are at the greatest risks of being a victim to the jock itch are men, tight underwear wearers, the obese, heavy sweaters and those who may have weakened immune systems or other types of skin conditions.
The reason that Men are usually more prone to getting jock itch is because of the dampness that is involved with their hair and sweating. Statistically men sweat more, and their increased amounts of body hair, add to the amount of heat retained in various parts of their body.

It is important to always shower as soon as a sweating activity has ended. This deters any types of bacteria from invading and conquering the body. Those who are overweight or obese usually tend to sweat more, even in the most calmest environments. Therefore, they are more prone to being in comfort in sweaty and damp clothing for extended periods of time. This offers the fungal bacteria an opportunity to grow and multiply among the individual’s body, while making itself available for leaching onto others through contact.

Over the counter creams, powders and sprays are one solution that can help you to clear up your jock itch. Our comparison table lists the best over the counter (non prescription) solutions available today. Have a look and take your first step toward an itch free groin!

There are also natural jock itch remedies available that have been shown to have enormous success in helping people rid their jock itch affliction! Check out our top 10 natural jock itch cures here!

In conclusion!

The Jock itch smell is real and the only way to stop your jock itch from smelling is to avoid getting jock itch in the first place, or to treat it immediately. Whether you chose natural remedies to cure your jock itch, or opt for over the counter creams, powders and sprays that treat jock itch, the choice is yours. Remember, quick fixes such as deodorant and perfume will no doubt mask your musty smell, but won’t fix the root of your stinky nether-region problem.

Any questions, pop them in the comments below!