The fungus in the groin in men is an extremely unpleasant infection that affects the inner thighs, scrotum, groin, anus and buttocks. The disease causes a lot of inconvenience.
But why does this pathology arise? What is a provoking factor? What symptoms indicate its presence? And most importantly - how to get rid of it? This is now worth telling in more detail.
Causes of infection
The fungus in the groin appears due to human infection with staphylococci or microorganisms such as Tinea cruris. Why is this area of the body affected? Because in the groin the ideal conditions for the reproduction of microorganisms are elevated temperature and humidity.
The provoking factors are as follows:
- Accommodation in regions with a humid, hot climate.
- Non-observance of personal hygiene.
- Regular visits to swimming pools, saunas and baths.
- Wearing stale underwear.
There are also risk categories:
- People with foot mycosis.
- Patients suffering from cardiovascular or endocrine diseases.
- Patients with obesity, diabetes and metabolic disorders.
- Patients with excessive sweating.
- People experiencing stressful situations over time.
- Patients who, in connection with the profession, must remain in the same position for a long time (drivers, crane operators, machinists, etc.).
It should be noted that most often a fungus develops in the groin in men. But in women, such a delicate problem can arise. In addition, the fungus can be transmitted from a partner. Therefore, in order to prevent the development of infection, it is so important to begin treatment immediately, after its initial manifestations.
Symptoms
They are difficult to confuse with the signs of another disease, since they are specific. The first symptom of a fungus in the groin in women and men is a small rash. At first, it does not cause much discomfort, but after a while, the small pink dots turn into red spots, reaching a diameter of 1 cm.
If you do not start to treat the fungus in the groin, then the rash will spread further. Over time, the dots increase in size and merge into a large spot.
Also, a person infected with a fungus is concerned about itching in the inguinal region. It only scratches the pubis or anus.
In especially severe cases, blisters with fluid inside form on the affected area. A person begins to comb this area, as a result of which abscesses and cracks appear, and then - wrinkling and peeling of the skin.
As infection progresses, healthy skin bordering on the affected one becomes dry and red.
The neglected stage is characterized by darkened skin in the scrotum, pubis and hips. Redness often turns into pigmentation, and the affected area turns brown. 2-3 weeks after the onset of infection, painful ulcers begin to appear. In such cases, hospitalization is indicated.
Antimycotic ointments
These are the most effective means in the fight against the infection in question, since they have an antifungal effect. The best are the following ointments:
- "Terbinafine." The active substance inhibits squalene epoxidase in the cell membrane of the fungus. Thus, the pathogen cell dies.
- "Clotrimazole." This ointment inhibits the growth and division of microorganisms, and also has a fungistatic and fungicidal effect. Its active substance disrupts the processes of life in the fungal cell, preventing the formation of DNA, polysaccharides, fats and proteins. And without this, cell structures simply cannot form.
- "Zalain." In therapeutic doses, it has a fungicidal and fungistatic effect. It increases the permeability of the cell membrane, due to which the cells of the fungi simply dissolve (lysis occurs).
- "Ketoconazole." Changes the lipid composition of the membrane of fungi, which leads to their death. It is also effective against pathogens of candidiasis and dermatomycosis.
What kind of drug will need to be used, the doctor will tell the patient. The choice of ointment from a fungus in the groin depends on the degree of infection, as well as on the characteristics and severity of the pathology.
Healing products
Their use is necessary to reduce the inflammatory process. The most effective healing remedies for fungus in the groin are those that contain glucocorticosteroids - substances that belong to a subgroup of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex (artificial or natural origin).
There are only two such ointments. The first is Triderm. This is a combined drug that combines antiexudative, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. The composition contains gentamicin, an antibiotic that has a bactericidal effect and provides local highly effective treatment of secondary and primary skin infections.
The second ointment is Miconazole. This is a synthetic drug that helps relieve the symptoms of a fungus in the groin. It is a derivative of an organic compound called imidazole. It inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol and violates the lipid composition of membrane cells, which causes the death of fungi.
Antifungal drugs
A fungus “settled” in the groin (in the photo located at the very beginning of the article, you can see how the pathogen looks under a microscope) begins to develop if a person does not begin to treat the disease after the first manifestations. And with a neglected form, you can’t do without taking antifungal drugs.
As a rule, such funds are prescribed:
- "Nystatin." Polyene antibiotic, which violates the permeability of the cell membrane of fungi, as a result of which they die.
- "Itraconazole". A triazole derivative that inhibits fungal enzymes, due to which the synthesis of ergosterol in their cell wall is impaired. It is a more powerful and effective analogue of Ketoconazole.
- "Fluconazole." It is an analogue of the previous drug.
All of these tools effectively help in the treatment of fungus in the groin, since they actively inhibit spore growth, preventing the infection from developing.
To eliminate itching
This unpleasant phenomenon is often accompanied by skin fungus in the groin (and in other parts of the body). To eliminate itching, doctors usually prescribe such means:
- Zirtek. Taking this drug helps not only to alleviate the course of allergic reactions, but also to prevent their development. It has antiexudative and antipruritic effect. One of the most effective means, the effect occurs already 20 minutes after administration.
- "Loratadine." A blocker of histamine H1 receptors, which has an antiexudative, antipruritic, and also anti-allergic effect. Also, this tool reduces the permeability of capillaries and prevents the development of edema.
- Suprastin. Antiallergic drug, also having m-anticholinergic and antihistamine action.
- "Diazolin." In addition to all the previously listed actions, this drug also produces a weak sedative effect.
The intake of tablets must be combined with the use of the above drugs. After all, itching is one of the symptoms of infection. It cannot be eliminated forever if you do not directly influence the reason why it appeared.
Other treatments
In addition to the above, to eliminate the fungus in the groin, it will be necessary to drink a course of immunomodulators and dietary supplements. During the fight against infection, the body, as never before, needs an additional source of vitamins, macro- and microelements.
It is also recommended to use tinctures based on herbal ingredients, diluting a small amount of a concentrated medicinal composition in water. Here are the best options:
- Tincture of Echinacea. It is successfully used as an anti-inflammatory agent, as well as a medicine against fungi, bacteria and viruses. Echinacea enhances immunity, as it contains polysaccharides that activate tissue repair and interferon production.
- Tincture of Rhodiola rosea. Helps eliminate inflammation and metabolic problems. It is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It treats skin diseases and has a restorative effect. You can also make baths and lotions with this tincture.
- Ginseng tincture. Increases immunity, normalizes metabolism, improves the activity of the endocrine system, helps in the work of the sex glands and increases vitality.
All of these tinctures can be bought at the pharmacy, and at a very reasonable price (up to 100 rubles).
Alcohol tinctures
Treatment of a fungus in the groin in men can be carried out with the use of folk remedies. Tinctures are very popular, and here are the recipes for the two most effective of them:
- In a large jar of dark glass, place the leaves of white birch (150 g). Pour a liter of vodka. Close the jar tightly and put in a dark place for 5 days. Shake once a day. After a period of time, use the product to wipe the affected skin. 4-5 procedures per day will be enough.
- In the same container, mix the poplar and birch buds (2 tbsp each.). Pour a liter of vodka and leave in a dark room for one week. After the time has passed, strain the tincture and use in the same way as the previous one, but not more often 2-3 times a day.
If you believe the reviews, a few days after the start of use there is a mitigation of symptoms. But the recommended course of treatment with tinctures lasts one month.
Infusions
They are no less popular. Therefore, talking about how to treat a fungus in the groin in men or women, it is necessary to mention several proven recipes for infusions. There is nothing complicated in their preparation:
- In equal proportions mix yarrow, violet, St. John's wort, eucalyptus, lingonberry leaves and chamomile flowers. Take 50 grams of the collection and pour boiling water (0.5 l). Then cover the bowl and leave for 20-30 minutes. Strain the infusion and drink it in a day in three divided doses. The course of treatment is 20 days.
- The crushed oak bark is mixed with flaxseed and yarrow (1 tbsp each). Pour boiling water over a liter, let it brew for 1-2 hours. Use infusion for lotions after applying zinc ointment.
- Mix tricolor violet (5 g), lingonberry leaves (15 g), yarrow (10 g), chamomile (15 g), eucalyptus (10 g) and St. John's wort (20 g). Take 2 tablespoons of the collection and pour a glass of boiling water. Leave for 2 hours. Drink half a glass once a day for 25 days.
These infusions not only help to cope with the fungus - they also help strengthen immunity.
Skin Tonic
It’s very easy to cook at home. You will need sage (40 g) and burdock (30 g). This simple collection must be poured with two glasses of white wine and sent to medium heat. Boil for 20 minutes, then remove and let it brew.
When the composition cools down, it will need to be filtered into a separate clean container. The resulting tonic should be applied to a cotton pad, and then treat it with the groin area several times a day.
You can also make a tonic from clematis. Pour 100 grams of chopped leaves with boiling water (0.5 L) and insist for half an hour. Do not filter. Use in the same way as the tonic made according to the previous recipe.
Home ointment
Finally, it is worth recalling another popular recipe. To make an effective ointment for fungus, you need to mix egg white with castor oil and tar (1 tbsp each). Leave the resulting mass in a cool place overnight. And then use - apply it twice a day on affected skin.
This is an effective tool, but it can not be used for a long time. Because tar can cause severe allergies. For the same reason, it is not recommended to use this ointment for people with especially sensitive skin.