Lucky me, I’ve always been conscious with personal hygiene so I never experienced the bane of active little boys - jock itch. Simply put, jock itch is a fungal infection of the crotch. Since fungi make their home in damp and dark places, the groin area is a potential breeding ground for these little buggers. Reading about jock itch is enough reason to take precaution simply because it’s nasty. You can Google the pictures if you want (maybe NSFW), it’s like ringworm around your crotch. It itches and it burns. But a little precaution and some good ol’ hygiene and chances are you won’t even contract this, ever.

No sharing. I wouldn’t know who’d be intimate enough to share underwear with another person but it’s a surefire way to get jock itch. If you share your underwear with an infected person, chances are you’d also get the itch.

Don’t touch. Another way to get it is if your don’t wash your hands before handling your family jewels. You might have touched something that has fungi and handling yourself with dirty hands may just transfer the little buggers to your crotch.

Wash often. If you’re active and you always get sweaty, be sure to wash up and change in clean underwear every time. Letting your crotch soak in sweat is an invitation for fungi to breed there.

No tight undies. Fungi love cramped, damp and warm spaces. Be sure to have plenty of circulation in your crotch area. Wear boxers instead.

Treatment. Treatment starts by starting a good hygiene routine. Dry yourself with a clean towel and apply anti-fungal cream or powder. Keep going through the treatment process until your itch has been “scratched.” If you’re concerned about the rash or flaking of skin, don’t hesitate to consult with your doctor.