How To Tell The Difference Between Herpes And Jock Itch

By Author: John Dugan
Total Articles: 508
Comment this article

Red spots on your member or in the midsection area? Are you having a panic attack yet? You start to think of all the possible things it can be and reason it down to herpes or jock itch. But you don’t know how to tell the difference between herpes and jock itch. Thankfully, reading on can help. Let’s learn about herpes and jock itch, how to tell the difference between them, and finally, how to prevent them.

Herpes 101

You've likely heard about the herp. A fairly common partner-transmitted infection, herpes is contracted by having intimate contact with a person who already has it, even if they are not currently having an outbreak. It’s reported that 15 percent of people 14-49 have it. Herpes is a chronic disease, meaning it is incurable, but it is manageable with medication and lifestyle choices.

Herpes flies a bit under the radar, and it is easy to think it’s something less serious, like an ingrown hair or a pimple.

That said, here are some of the more noticeable herpes symptoms:

- Small sores that grow into skin ulcers and scabs

- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, swollen glands, and body aches

- Itching in the reproductive area

- Pain in the reproductive area

Men should visit their physician or go to a clinic immediately for diagnosis and treatment if they believe they have herpes.

Jock Itch 101

Tinea cruris, also colloquially called jock itch, is a highly contagious skin infection. It’s caused by a fungus similar to that which causes athlete’s foot (seeing a pattern yet?). Jock itch likes to go where all the action is, namely a man’s junk, posterior, and the inner thighs because it loves warm, moist places. Jock itch is a ring-shaped rash; this makes sense because it’s a type of ringworm, which makes it easier to remember.

Here are some common symptoms of jock itch:

- A red, round rash that has raised edges and can be a bit scaly

- Cracking, flaking, or peeling skin

- Itching and burning

Jock itch is not only for the athletically inclined; it can affect anyone. Those who are especially likely to catch it are men who are overweight, sweat a lot, wear tight clothes, have eczema, or have been in contact with someone who already has jock itch.

Treatment is simple but not exceptionally fast. Usually, a pharmacist can recommend an over-the-counter antifungal cream; however, it can take up to several months to clear up.

How to Tell the Difference Between Herpes and Jock Itch: The Quick Guide

It’s easy to confuse one with the other, but there are a few ways to tell the difference. These 2 things should show a man how to tell the difference between herpes and jock itch. First, check the location. Herpes usually shows up on the male organ shaft and glans, but jock itch very rarely will. Next up is texture. Herpes looks like crusty blisters, and jock itch has ridges or raised edges.

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

Regardless of whether it’s herpes or jock itch, there are ways to prevent both that can keep a member healthy and bright. The first step is practicing safe relations every time. That means having a conversation before engaging in intimacy for disclosing any relevant medical information. The next is by using latex protection as well as barriers for any type of relations.

Next, establish a simple hygiene routine (it even rhymes!) to both keep rashes away and also to give a man a daily opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with his unit. Start by washing the member and friends daily with a gentle cleanser and rinse thoroughly. Pat or air dry to decrease the instance of moisture in the area.

Once dry, massage a specially formulated male organ health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) onto the member. It’s vital to use an oil that includes rich moisturizers like shea butter and vitamin E, which lock in moisture and keep this delicate skin adequately hydrated and healthy. Another ingredient to be sure is included is vitamin A, an antibacterial agent that also destroys less-than-awesome midsection odors caused by bacteria that multiply in warm, dark areas, such as the privates area.

Visit www.menshealthfirst.com for more information about treating common male organ health problems, including soreness, redness and loss of male organ sensation. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous online web sites.