Home Treatment for Jock Itch

Most infections of the skin, such as jock itch, can be treated at home with creams and powders you can buy without a prescription. But any persistent, severe, or recurrent infections should be checked by a doctor.

  • Wash the rash with soap and water. Spread an antifungal cream over the rash. Apply the cream beyond the edge of the rash.
  • Use an antifungal cream or powder containing miconazole or clotrimazole that you can buy without a prescription. Brand names include Micatin, Monistat, and Lotrimin. Terbinafine cream (Lamisil) is also available without a prescription. Follow the directions on the package, and don't stop using the medicine just because your symptoms go away. If symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks, call your doctor.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised March 1, 2011

Last Revised: March 1, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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