With the end of summer, more and more men are returning to college and beginning (or resuming) life on campus. For those who live in dorms, this may well mean spending a lot of time with other guys, and that could possibly have some implications for the health of your penis, specifically in the jock itch area. Because the truth is, wherever there is a large gathering of guys living together, even in co-ed dorms where there is a significant female presence, there is likely to be an increased risk of jock itch.

What it is

Sure, almost every guy has heard of jock itch, and most have probably experienced it at one time or another. But many men don’t know exactly what it is. Let’s take care of that right now.

Jock itch is the common name for the condition known as tinea cruris, which is a type of ringworm. But don’t be nervous: ringworm isn’t really a worm. Instead, it is a fungal infection, which presents as an oval patch with a red color. The outer edge of the spot is usually redder and bumpier than the inner edge. Sometimes it presents as a single patch, sometimes as many patches, like a rash. Not surprisingly, jock itch really does itch. A lot.

Jock itch is usually found on or around the penis and balls. Sometimes it can be found on the thighs, and sometimes on the buttocks.

Despite the name, a man doesn’t have to be an athlete to get jock itch, although people who hang out at gyms are more likely to get it. This is because fungus thrives in places that are warm and humid, like a gym, locker room, or like a college dorm bathroom. The fungus that causes jock itch is easily spread through skin-to-skin contact, as well as contact with contaminated areas (such as shower floors) or the towels and clothing worn by men with jock itch.

us campus

Because men living (and showering) in close proximity to each other make it easy for jock itch to thrive and spread, a college campus is a hotbed for tinea cruris. That is why students should take precautions, such as:

– Foot protection. Walking barefoot through a bedroom or bathroom leaves the foot vulnerable to contracting the fungus that creates athlete’s foot, which in turn can cause jock itch. The use of flip flops or waterproof shoes is recommended in common areas.

– Do not share towels. Unless a towel has been freshly laundered, don’t lend it to a roommate or friend. If you have jock itch and have dried your gear with it, the towel can pass it on to an unwitting user.

– Gold knives. Manscaping is all the rage, but borrowing another guy’s razor for that purpose is out. Again, if you have ringworm and you’ve already shaved the back of your neck, it’s a bad idea to let the razor get anywhere near someone else’s penis.

– Or underwear. This really should go without saying, but borrowing a sibling’s underpants or underpants just isn’t hygienically safe. Even if you don’t have jock itch, it’s best to keep another guy’s underwear at a safe distance.

– Stick with personal soap – and other things. Similarly, sharing soap is a good way to share mushrooms. And the same goes for more personal items, like lubricants and sex toys like cock rings, penis sheaths, and dildos.

Jock itch isn’t serious, but it can seriously disrupt the big man vibe on campus. Some of the itching can be relieved by using a top-rated penis health cream. (Healthcare professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven to be gentle and safe for skin.). Make sure the cream has a combination of moisturizers, like shea butter (a high-end emollient) and vitamin E (a natural moisturizer). Keeping your skin well hydrated will reduce the itch factor. The best cream will also include a powerful antioxidant, such as alpha lipoic acid. By fighting free radicals, Alpha Lipoic Acid strengthens and supports healthy penile skin.