Home treatment for jock itch

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

• Wash the rash with soap and water, remove any pieces of dried skin, and 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 medication just because your symptoms go away. If symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks, call your health professional.
• For ringworm of the skin that has large areas of blisterlike sores, compresses (such as Burow's compress, which you can buy without a prescription) may be used to soothe and dry out the blisters. After the skin is dried out, nonprescription antifungal creams may be used.