Does Rubbing Alcohol Cure Jock Itch and Athlete’s Foot?

Jock Itch and Athlete’s Foot are common fungal infections. The only common thing between both of them is their appearance in warm, moist, and joint body areas. However, the occurrence and trouble of both can differ.

Fungal infections can hit a number of people in different parts of the body. And the irritation caused by it is never-ending as well as highly annoying.

While a lot of individuals swear by Rubbing Alcohol for Jock Itch and Athlete’s Foot, few of them deny this solvent entirely. Here is our take on “Is Rubbing Alcohol Safe for treating Jock Itch and Athlete’s Foot?” Have a look:

Can you use Rubbing Alcohol to treat Jock Itch?

Jock Itch is a fungal skin infection that appears on the inner thighs, buttocks, and skin of the genitals.

It is more common on individuals who wear tight-fitting clothes or have moisture trapped in for a long. For treating fungal conditions, especially Jock Itch, Rubbing Alcohol is one of the most common remedies.

Rubbing Alcohol for Jock Itch is as effective as any other anti-fungal lotion. However, unlike anti-fungal creams/ ointments, using Rubbing Alcohol has its own side effects.

While anti-fungal topical ointments and lotions work for curing and soothing the infection, Rubbing Alcohol only cures.

It being one harsh alcoholic chemical can irritate the fungal infection for some individuals. Also, due to its drying properties, Alcohol at times can worsen the infection.

How to Prevent Jock Itch with Rubbing Alcohol?

If you are a male, you may already know the trouble of Jock Itch. While this fungal infection is rare in females, almost 90% of males suffer from it at least once or twice in their life.

However, the good news is some precautions and cures can help you stay safe from Jock Itch. For example, if you have a bottle of Rubbing Alcohol at home, you might not need to suffer from this fungal infection anymore.

Rubbing Alcohol on Jock Itch kills the fungus causing bacteria which basically leads to the whole infection.

Being an excellent disinfectant, Alcohol, on the one hand, fights with bacteria and, on the other hand, keeps the fungal part dry. Though it cannot prevent Jock Itch, it may help your cure or improve the fungal condition.

Step-by-step process of using Rubbing Alcohol for treating Jock Itch.

  1. All you need for this process is a bottle of 70% Isopropyl Alcohol, circular cotton cosmetic pads/ microfibre tissue or cloth. Because tiny fibers from cotton may get stuck at the fungal infection, making it worse, we suggest you preferably go with microfibre tissue/ cloth.
  2. Take the microfibre tissue or cotton pad and splash some Isopropyl Alcohol into it. Make sure it is wet enough.
  3. Now apply the tissue/ pad on the Jock Itch-infested region, ensuring Alcohol spread evenly.
  4. If the fungal infection is mild, following this process once during the morning is enough. However, if the infection is widely spread, you can repeat the Alcohol application process twice or thrice.
  5. Also, every time you apply Rubbing Alcohol on the Jock Itch infection, make sure the region is free from sweat and any other odd moisture.

Jock Itch – Is Rubbing Alcohol helpful or harmful?

Rubbing Alcohol is both helpful and harmful on Jock Itch. This solvent, though it kills off the fungus on the skin surface, may also leave your skin red, irritated, and extremely dry.

Also, because Rubbing Alcohol quickly absorbs through the skin, it isn’t really safe for using on Jock Itch and similar fungal infections.

Rubbing Alcohol for Jock Itch- How many days?

Like any other topical ointment or lotion, Rubbing Alcohol too will take 2 to 4 weeks for treating Jock Itch.

Even if you apply it vigorously twice or thrice daily, estimate about ten days for complete improvement.

However, using Rubbing Alcohol for such a long time in one particular area can also lead to Alcohol poisoning.

Is Rubbing Alcohol an anti-fungal?

Rubbing Alcohol isn’t particularly anti-fungal, but it can prove effective for the same. Isopropyl, by denaturing organism protein and dissolving their lipids behave effectively on most of the fungus causing bacteria.

It is only ineffective on bacterial spores. Also, the Rubbing Alcohol solvent is only meant for treating surface-level bacteria in the earliest stages of infection.

Once the infection develops and spreads, you may not notice any benefits from Isopropyl usage.

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Does Alcohol kill ringworm spores?+(Does Rubbing Alcohol Kill Ringworm on the skin?)

Rubbing Alcohol effectively kills Ringworm spores that are on the skin surface. It also objects to the spread of infections like Ringworm.

However, because a majority of ringworm infections lie under the skin surface, you may also experience failed results with Rubbing Alcohol.

For treating Ringworm most safely and effectively, always choose topical anti-fungal medication.

Some of the common and effective topical medications include:

McKesson 2% Miconazole Nitrate 4 Oz Tube
  • For the treatment of most athletes foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), ringworm (tinea corporis)
  • Fungal infection cream helps improve surface skin infections distressed by yeast and is useful in lessening skin damage in moisture-prone skin fold areas
  • Antifungal tube of cream moisturizes the skin and reinforces the area as a supplement during incontinence or wound drainage for relief from health concerns
Sale
Terbinafine Hydrochloride AntiFungal Cream 1% (1 oz.)
  • Cures Most Athlete's Foot
  • Not for toe nail fungus. Best results while used for infections between the toes or on bottom/sides of foot.
  • AntiFungal Cream
  • Full Prescription Strength
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Miconazole Globe (3 Pack) Nitrate 2% Cream 1 oz, Cures Most Athletes Foot, Jock Itch, Ringworm and More.
  • WHAT'S INSIDE: (Ingredients) Globe Miconazole Medicated Cream contains 2% Miconazole as its active ingredient. Miconazole is a highly effective defense against Athletes foot, Jock Itch, Ringworm and more.
  • FRONTLINE TREATMENT: What to know; Miconazole 2% Medicated Cream relieves the itching, burning, cracking and scaling associated with Athletes foot, Jock Itch, Ringworm. For best results, cleanse the affected area with mild soap and warm water, pat dry and apply the medicated cream in a thin layer, twice daily. GLOBE brand Miconazole 2% Medicated Cream is available in a convenient 0.5 oz tubes and is an excellent addition to any home first aid kit.
  • PHARMACIST RECOMMENDED: Our pharmacist says: “Globe brand miconazole works as an effective non-prescription cream for the treatment of common conditions including athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm (tinea corporis)."
  • TREATMENT: Treat your itching, cracking, scaling, burning, redness, soreness, chafing and irritation by applying this Globe Miconazole 2% Strength Cream. Globe Miconazole 2% Cream will treat cases of ringworm, jock itch and athlete's foot.
  • EFFECTIVE RELIEF: Globe Brand Miconazole Medicated Cream USP 2%, Cures athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), ringworm (tinea corporis). Relieves the itching, irritation, redness, scaling and discomfort which can accompany these conditions.

Can you get rid of Athlete’s Foot by Rubbing Alcohol?

Yes, Rubbing Alcohol helps in getting rid of Athlete’s Foot quite effectively.

It basically kills the fungus that causes toenail infections, especially athlete’s Foot.

All you need to do is,

  1. Take a tub and mix 70% Isopropyl and Water into it (3:1).
  2. Now soak your feet into the Alcohol and water mixture for about 30 minutes.
  3. Later, pat them dry, especially the area between and under your fingers. If the infection is high, consider applying a topical lotion as well.

Will the Athlete’s Foot go away on its own?

No, Athlete’s Foot doesn’t go away on its own; thus, one should treat it immediately. If left untreated, it will spread to other parts of your foot within no time.

And especially if the infection reaches your nails, the treatment further will become tough.

Nails are resistant to several fungal infection treatments; thus, treat your Athlete’s Foot before it becomes worse.

How do you use Rubbing Alcohol for fungal infections?

A natural bactericidal treatment, Rubbing Alcohol comes in handy for several fungal infections. This solvent won’t necessarily prevent the fungal growth but will surely kill some bacteria.

For treating fungal infections with Rubbing Alcohol, either soak your body part into an Alcohol and water mixture or apply Alcohol directly upon the fungal infection.

Tips and Tricks to prevent fungal infection like Jock Itch and Athlete’s Foot

The best way to fight fungal infections like Jock Itch and Athlete’s Foot is to prevent their occurrence in the first place. No such infections occur on their own, but your certain lifestyle habits invite them.

Here is how you can avoid Jock Itch and Athlete’s Foot, especially if you are prone to them:

  1. Maintain a healthy hygiene habit. This includes bathing and cleaning daily, using fresh towels and fresh clothes, and keeping your body dry.
  2. If you are prone to Athlete’s Foot, make sure you wash and dry your feet daily. Focus primarily on the area between your toes. You can also apply a small amount of anti-fungal powder to your feet.
  3. If you are prone to fungal infections, avoid using swimming pools, public showers, and other such areas the most. Maybe your sensitive skin doesn’t take all of these in the best way.
  4. Do not repeat undergarments for more than a day. Or during summers, if you sweat excessively, considers changing your undergarment and even upper garments twice a day.
  5. Avoid using any cosmetic powder/ lotion and things from your pantry for treating any infection. 
  6. Always wear clothes that are made up of breathable material, ideally cotton.

Wrapping up…

Rubbing Alcohol can definitely prove effective for treating Jock Itch and athletes’ feet. However, above any such quick remedy, we still recommend you to use an appropriate anti-fungal cream.

Either go for the common over-the-counter topical creams or consult your doctor for a stronger grade cream that can treat persistent infections.

After examining the severity of the fungal infection, your doctor may also advise you on some oral medication.

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