Jock Itch and Probiotics: What You Need to Know

Jock itch is an itchy rash that often plagues athletes, and some people are finding that eating yogurt containing probiotics might be helpful in treating this annoying condition.

"Jock itch, also known as tinea cruris, is a fungal infection that arises when dampness and warmth create an environment for bacteria to grow and thrive," according to Livestrong. "The rash appears on the genitals, buttocks and inner thighs, causing redness and, in some cases, a ring-shaped pattern. Jock itch sufferers might notice chronic itching, flaking of the skin and burning sensations. Obese people, athletes and those with a compromised immune system are most prone to jock itch."

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Tinea cruris is a form of ringworm, which is not caused by a worm, WebMD said. It's a fungal infection that affects the outer layers of skin, nails, and hair; it's related to athlete's foot, or tinea pedis.

Although medical research on the use of probiotics – beneficial bacteria or yeast ingested either through foods or supplements – to treat jock itch is almost non-existent, the use is regularly promoted on alternative health websites and by companies that sell probiotics. The connection may be because many associate Candida yeast infections with jock itch, and those have been studied for treatment with probiotics, usually in association with vaginal yeast infections.

However, WebMD said jock itch is not caused by the same fungus as yeast infections.

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"Often the same topical medicine will work for ringworm and yeast, (Linda) Stein Gold told WebMD. There's usually no harm in trying over-the-counter remedies first for uncomplicated skin infections, she says," the website reported.

"If you use one of these OTC products for a few weeks and it's not better, I'd certainly have it looked at," Stein Gold, director of dermatology of Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, said.

Probiotics usually recommended to fight urogenital rashes are those in the lactobacilli genus, such as lactobacillus acidophilus or lactobacillus rhamnosus.

The University of Maryland Medical Center reported that several studies showed L. acidophilus to be effective for treating bacterial vaginosis and said it is sometimes used to treat vaginal yeast infections. More research is needed.

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