Last updated on August 13, 2020
Question
Can you get jock itch on the shaft of your penis?
Answer
What is commonly called jock itch is a fungus that is growing on the skin. The fungus needs a warm, dark, moist place to grow; thus, places like your groin and your feet are prime sites for the fungus to grow.
The feet because many teenage boys have smelly feet, so they leave their shoes on as much as possible to cut down on the smell. Unfortunately, this traps moisture against the skin which allows the fungus to grow, which is called athletes’ foot. Oddly, it also makes a great breeding ground for the bacteria that causes foot odor. The best thing that you can do is wear socks with your shoes to absorb some of the moisture and take off your shoes as often as you can to allow the shoes and your feet opportunities to dry out. By the way, sprinkling about a teaspoon of baking soda in each shoe will kill any odors in the shoes.
The same thing happens around the groin. Many teenagers are in a rush. They jump out of the shower, barely take time to dry off, pull on their clothes, and are out the door. The problem is that it traps moisture around the groin. Add to this the fact that male teenagers sweat a lot and you find that you are providing a great breeding ground for fungus that lasts most of the day. Many times teens who are plagued with jock itch often don’t bother changing underwear except after a shower. Thus, moisture is trapped against the skin for long periods of time. It doesn’t have to be the skin of your groin, though it often appears there because the pubic hairs tend to trap moisture. It can also appear under the waistband of your underwear or any other area covered by your underwear, including the shaft of your penis. To help prevent jock itch, give your skin some drying time. Towel off well after a shower and then do other things, like drying your hair, brushing your teeth, and putting on deodorant before you get dress. At night, wear completely different clothing that is loose-fitting, such as pajama shorts, with no underwear underneath.
If you suspect that you do have an outbreak of jock itch, an over-the-counter medication should take care of the problem. Be sure to follow the directions in the package. Often time men stop using the product once the obvious symptoms disappear. However, because the fungus buries itself in the skin, you usually have to use a product for a period of time even after the visible symptoms are gone to make sure it doesn’t come back.
If you experience swelling or lumps, sores, or spreading of the rash you need to see a doctor. You might have something else. Anti-fungal medications only take care of fungus. It won’t help with problems caused by bacteria or a virus. Also, see a doctor if your rash doesn’t improve within two weeks of treatment.