One of the most common infections in women is a yeast infection. It affects more than 75% of women at some point in their lifetime.
There is, however, another version – jock itch – that is prevalent in men but can be passed on to women under various conditions.
Can women get male yeast infection too?
Below is an in-depth look at the chances of women contracting a male yeast infection, its symptoms and treatment options.
Female jock itch may not be common but that does not mean it is not contagious to females. But why is it possible for women to get a male yeast infection? Under what circumstances?
Jock itch is a fungal infection that primarily affects men and is different from that of women. Sometimes, it has symptoms that are confused with herpes and nappy rash.
Can females get jock itch from men?
Jock itch is not discriminative since it is a skin infection. This fungus belongs to the ringworm family and a woman can contract it just like a man.
It affects the groin, buttocks, anal area and inner thighs.
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When the groin area is moist, warm and dark, a favorable environment for the fungus to thrive is created. This leads to an infection. A number of things could contribute to this.
Tight clothes
Clothes that are too tight give no room for the groin to breath. They also trap moisture making it hard for the area to remain dry. This warm moist environment gives room for the fungus to grow.
Skin-to-skin contact
A woman could also acquire jock itch from their partner. Although it is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), skin to skin contact with an infected person could lead to one contracting it.
Pubic sweat
Where a woman works out frequently, the clothes get moist for a long time from the sweating in the groin area. This provides an environment for the breeding of the fungus.
Sharing public facilities
Where the gym locker rooms are shared, there is a possibility of picking it from an infected person. The same applies to the use of public pools.
Sharing clothes with people who suffer from the condition is not advisable as the fungi could be carried in the garments and onto an uninfected person.
To avoid catching the infection, women should learn how to maintain good hygienic standards. Wear cotton underwear and shower regularly. Change out of swimwear and workout gear as soon as the exercise is over. Shower soon after and dry the crotch area thoroughly.
Pictures
In case you are not sure whether you have sores and rashes from herpes, here are pictures relating to female jock itch to help you identify your symptoms.
We have also included a few more photos in the entire post to explain a few points related to the yeast infections.
Causes
Jock itch in women, just like in men, is caused by fungi known as dermatophytes. These thrive in an environment that is moist, warm and dark.
The groin area, inner thighs, bikini and around buttocks, therefore, becomes a conducive place for them where they feed on the dead skin cells to thrive. This results in irritation and itch.
Is jock itch contagious to women sexually or orally?
When a man suffers from jock itch, it is possible to wonder whether it can be transmitted or passed on to a woman.
In most cases, jock itch is not contagious. However, where there is intimate contact, the closeness of groin areas leads to a skin to skin contact. In case the man is suffering from the yeast infection, it will be passed on to you.
The vice versa is also possible. Although a woman could also develop the infection without exposure, sexual contact increases the risk of it being contagious.
Women could also contract the fungal infection from sharing garments, public facilities, locker rooms, and apparels. To avoid infection, it is important to take care of yourself. If you can, avoid sexual contact with an infected partner.
Get into the habit of showering frequently and keep the groin as dry as you can. Air drying is also important. Wear no underwear at times to give room for the genitals to breath and also avoid sharing towels with an infected partner.
Symptoms
Identifying some symptoms can help you to distinguish such a fungal infection other groin problems. Here are the signs and symptoms you should look out for.
A bumpy rash
The most obvious sign is a circular rash or a bumpy rash on the skin, which occurs as a ring with elevated edges.
The skin in the middle has a normal appearance. Do not confuse this with bikini razor rash or ringworm.
Itchy skin
The affected area will also itch and at times hurt. The itching is a result of fungal activity on your skin that causes discomfort and irritation.
The pain and irritation can start as a mild symptom but progress to become severe if the problem is not treated on time. This may be accompanied by chafing or burning in the groin or thigh.
Small blisters
Severe itching due to skin irritation will make you scratch the area. This will cause small bumps that can quickly become blisters.
With further aggravation, the tiny blisters will break and form wounds and lesions. It is very important to use an anti-inflammation medication to reduce the itching at an early stage of the fungus.
Other symptoms include:
- A burning sensation may also be experienced
- Other than being on the groin, the fungal infection could spread to the inner upper thighs and anal area.
- Inflammation and redness will also be experienced.
- This may be accompanied by flaking of the skin.
Being a fungal infection, you can easily get a vaginal yeast infection. This may be characterized by a white yeast infection discharge (thick milky white discharge with odor).
Women jock itch rash won’t go away
Where the itch is not given due attention, some complications may arise. It may spread past the groin into the genitals. Satisfying the urge to scratch could lead to further infections. If left untreated, it can last longer, and the rash won’t go away or won’t heal on its own.
Skin discoloration could also occur on two levels. There could be resulting hypo-pigmentation where the skin around lightens or hyper-pigmentation where the skin gets darker.
How to get rid of jock itch
You can get rid of male yeast infection in women naturally or using home remedies. One of the best-known home remedies is vinegar. Below are ways on how to get rid of jock itch in ladies fast using home remedies.
1. Use apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has healing and anti-fungal properties. Add a teaspoon in a cup of water and use this mixture to clean the groin. Here’s how to use it as a topical natural treatment.
- Dilute apple cider vinegar to reduce its acidity by mixing two tablespoons with two to three cups of water.
- Clean the inner thighs and groin area affected using this solution.
- Leave it to dry on the skin.
- Do this twice a day until it goes away or is healed.
2. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal remedy that can be applied to the inner thighs and buttocks to help cure this fungal infection.
Since male dhobie itch is a yeast infection, you can eliminate it using a tea tree oil ointment. Here are steps to apply this cure:
- Dab a cotton ball into tea tree oil.
- Apply a little tea tree oil on the thighs, groin, and the area around anus if it is affected.
- Do this twice a day until the jock itch goes away.
Treatment and medications
There are a number of ways to treat female yeast infections. Where one seeks to treat it early enough while it is still mild, one could make use of home remedies.
You could also get a bath soak. This could be made of oatmeal or Epsom salts. Honey can also be applied to the infected area to get rid of the fungus.
Where these do not work, over the counter topical products such as anti-fungal creams may do. The most common ones are Lamisil, Lotrimin, and Micatin. These are quite effective in clearing it up. The medication is to be used as indicated in the package.
Most of the time, these are meant to be used for two weeks. In case it does not respond, this may be an indication some stronger form of treatment is needed. This can be obtained through a prescription. A doctor is likely to recommend the use of both oral and topical medication.
Apply a topical antifungal cream
Antifungal creams and medications can help relieve symptoms such as itching and also get rid of the yeast.
Common OTC creams you can use include:
- Miconazole
- Terbinafine
- Clotrimazole
You may use jock itch medications such as creams and powders but be careful to follow the label instructions. If your yeast infection rash in the groin area does not improve after 3 weeks of using such creams and ointments, consult your doctor.
While undergoing treatment, it is important to observe hygiene to be in a position to get rid of the infection completely. Change the towel daily and ensure it is thoroughly cleaned.
Do not wear any clothes that come into contact with the affected area before washing them. If you suspect to have picked it from public places, avoid them. Also, avoid skin to skin contact with an infected person.