Jock itch

Also known as tinea cruris, jock itch is a growth of fungus in the warm, moist area of the groin.

Fungal infections are named for the affected part of the body. Cruris is derived from the Latin word for leg, hence Tinea cruris, for the fungal rash affecting the area where the leg joins the pelvis. Fungi seem to thrive in dark moist places.

Jock itch has been found most often in males, especially those who wear athletic equipment and frequently use public showers and locker rooms. It is also thought that some fungal infections may be spread by towels that may be inadequately cleansed between gym/spa users, but this has not been clearly documented.

Fungal infections can invade or spread to various other areas of the body, and are named for the affected body part. For example, Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the head, usually resulting in red, itchy areas that destroy the hair in the affected area.

A fungal infection of the skin on the arms, legs or chest is called Tinea corporis. Athlete’s foot or Tinea pedis is a fungal infection in the moist skin fold between the toes. Fungal infection affecting the toenails is called Tinea unguium, and causes thickened, crumbly toenails.

Causes and symptoms

The mode of transmission of fungal infections is not clear, but it seems that some individuals are more prone to development of the infection than others. An average of one in five people develops fungal infection at some point during their lifetime.

Fungal infection can also be carried by household pets, such as cats and dogs, or by farm animals. In animals, fungal infection manifests it-self as a missing area of fur.

In humans, as the fungus grows, it spreads to surrounding tissues in a circular fashion, with the skin in the middle returning to a normal appearance. The borders of the affected area may look red and scaly, and the individual may complain of intense itching and/or burning.

Because the borders develop a raised appearance, there may appear to be a worm beneath the skin and be referred to as ringworm. There is, however, no worm affecting the skin or underlying tissue in cases of fungal infections, including jock itch.

Diagnosis

Often a case of jock itch can be identified based on the characteristic description previously described. If assessed by a conventional doctor, the area of affected skin may be scraped onto a glass slide for definitive diagnosis under the microscope.

In order to determine the exact type of fungus present, a small piece of affected skin may be sent to a laboratory for further study or cultured via scrapings from the affected area.

Treatment

Topical treatments include poultices of peppermint, oregano, or lavender. Tea tree oil diluted with a carrier oil of almond oil can be applied to the rash several times per day. Cedarwood and jasmine oils can relieve itching when applied in the same manner. Grapefruit seed extract can be taken as a strong solution of 15 drops in 1 oz of water.

Bupleurum, or Chinese thoroughwax, is an Asian plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Japanese Kampo formulations to treat jock itch and other fungal skin infections. Bupleurum contains compounds known as saikosaponins, which have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects.

A good remedy for jock itch is to wash the groin area with the diluted juice of a freshly squeezed lemon, which can help dry up the rash. A hair dryer on the cool setting can also be used on the area after showering to dry it thoroughly.

A warm bath relieves itching in many patients. The affected area should kept clean and dry, and patients are advised to wear loose-fitting pure cotton underwear. Fabrics that contain polyester or nylon hold moisture against the body.

Allopathic treatment

Typical conventional treatment for jock itch involves the use of an antifungal cream, spray, or powder twice a day for about two weeks. Two commonly used over-the-counter antifungal preparations are clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and tolnaftate (Tinactin).

While the tendency to discontinue treatment once itching disappears is common, patients should use the antifungal preparation for a full two-week course in order to prevent recurrence of the infection. As of 2002, doctors recommend continuing the treatment for a full week following clinical clearance of the infection.

Expected results

Most tinea infections resolve without scarring or spread of infection below the skin’s surface. Inflammation, however, may require the use of a combination antifungal/steroid medication.

Prevention

Careful attention to skin hygiene, including the maintenance of clean, dry, and intact skin, is the most important step in preventing the development of fungal infection. Light clothing should be worn during warm weather to decrease perspiration and allow dissipation of body heat.

Clean and dry cotton underwear will wick perspiration away from the skin, and prevent jock itch from developing. Use baby powder to keep the area dry during exercise. Do not share towels at the gym. Dietary measures discussed under treatment will also prevent initial fungal infection and/or recurrence.

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Brush your Teeth with the Right Toothbrush

the Right Toothbrush

Many people still fall prey to advertising gimmicks by toothbrush manufacturers causing them to go for design and color instead of ease of use. Similarly, many falls on the misconception that electric toothbrush is better than ordinary toothbrush.

However, electric or not, both toothbrushes are designed to do one thing - to clean the teeth, although electric toothbrushes do the job much simpler.

Here are some tips for you on finding the best toothbrush for your teeth:

• Get a soft bristled toothbrush as they are more flexible than hard bristled brush. A soft toothbrush also causes minimal damage on the gums.
• Make sure the handle fits your hands comfortably.
• Choose a toothbrush that has a small head to make cleaning difficult areas much easier.
• Choose an easy-to-use brush, whether it is a powered or manual toothbrush

Now that you've carefully chosen the toothbrush best for your teeth, brushing would be fun and encouraging. But a good brush is not enough to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.

Brush, Brush, Brush! (Rookie Toddler)

VIOlight Personal/Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer

Here's how to get the most out of your brushing:

• Brush at least two times a day or every after meal.
• Give enough time in brushing and flossing, ideally three minutes.
• Use a gentle motion when brushing.
• Don't brush just the teeth; brush the tongue as well to scuff off bacteria.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months.

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Bad Dental Hygiene Effects

Bad Dental Hygiene Effects

Bad dental hygiene can have decremental effects on your health. Specifically, bad oral hygiene can lead to cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, periodontitis, and bad breath (halitosis).

Conversely, Good dental hygiene can have many positive effects in your daily life. It not only strengthens your teeth and gums, but it can have positive effects on your overall health and well being as well.

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums around the teeth. It is often the result of plaque and tartar buildup due to improper cleaning of the teeth or by injury to the gums from vigorous brushing or flossing.

When bacterial plaque accumulates in the spaces between the gums and the teeth, the bacteria produce chemicals and toxins that cause inflammation of the gums around the teeth.

Symptoms of gingivitis can include swollen gums, mouth sores, bright red or purple gums, shiny gums, bleeding gums (even with gentle brushing), itchy gums, and receding gum lines.

Gingivitis is usually reversible, but the best way to prevent it is to brush your teeth gently and thoroughly on a daily basis and to keep your teeth flossed.

Dental Hygiene: Theory and Practice, 3e

Mosby's Comprehensive Review of Dental Hygiene, 7e

Cavities are caused by bacteria that produce acid which in turn eats away at the enamel of the teeth. Specifically, the acidity that is produced in the mouth lowers the pH balance to the point at which demineralization occurs faster than mineralization.

The result is tooth decay. Tooth decay is irreversible. Once a tooth is decayed, it cannot be restored except through dental procedures. The best preventative measure is good dental hygiene.

Cavities are also described as tooth decay. This is the most common disease throughout the world an is an infectious disease that damages the structures of teeth. Cavities can lead to pain, tooth loss, infection, and in some cases, even death.

Periodontitis or Pyorrhea is the result of untreated gingivitis. If gingivitis inflammation is left unattended for years, it can cause deep pockets between the teeth and gums and result in loss of bone around the teeth.

Since the bone in the jaws holds the teeth into the jaws, the loss of bone can cause teeth to become loose and eventually fall out or need to be extracted due to acute infection.

Symptoms may include:

• Occasional redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth, using dental floss or biting into hard food like apples
• Occasional gum swellings that recur
• Bad breath or halitosis
• Persistent bad taste in the mouth
• Recession of gums resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth. (However, note that this may also be caused by heavy handed brushing or using a hard bristled tooth brush.)
• Pockets between the teeth and the gums (Pockets are sites where the jaw bone has been destroyed gradually by repeated swellings).
• Loose, shaky teeth in later stages
• Inflammation of the tonsils and/or throat due to fragments of bone embedded in the tissue

Periodontitis is not reversible but can be controlled with regular cleanings below the gum line. This is best accomplished professionally by a dental hygienist or dentist. This cleaning will disrupt and remove plaque to help prevent further inflammation.

Although plaque will continue to grow even after cleanings, it takes approximately 3 months for the pathogenic type of bacteria to grow back into the deep pockets and restart the inflammatory process. Again, the best way to prevent periodontis is to engage yourself in good oral hygiene to begin with.

Halitosis, also known as oral malodor, breath odor, or most commonly bad breath are terms used to describe unpleasant odors exhaled in breathing. Transient bad breath and chronic bad breath are the two most common conditions that affect people.

bad breath

Transient bad breath is a temporary condition caused by things such as stress, hunger, food, smoking or bad oral hygiene. What is known as “morning breath” is an example of transient bad breath. This condition can be easily remedied by brushing or chewing gum.

Chronic bad breath, however, is a more serious and persistent condition. It is usually caused by persistent overpopulation of certain types of oral bacteria and requires specialized treatment.

The previous conditions are all problems that you might face if you engage in poor oral hygiene. Taking care of your teeth and gums can go a long way in helping you be a healthier person.

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