Identify the Symptoms
Runner’s itch, also known as jogger’s itch, is a common skin condition which can affect people who participate in sports or activities that require prolonged contact with water or sweat. It is characterized by red, itchy bumps or rashes on the skin.
To successfully get rid of runner’s itch, it is important to identify the symptoms first. Knowing the symptoms of runner’s itch can help you take proactive steps in order to prevent and treat it.
Itching or burning sensation
Runners itch, also called jogger’s itch, is a common skin irritation. It typically presents as an intense itching or burning sensation on the skin of the lower legs, usually after running.
The cause of runners itch is usually an infection from direct contact with the fungus. Runners who exercise in moist areas, such as wooded trails and near bodies of water are at an increased risk for becoming infected. The infected area will often appear reddish-brown with small red bumps and raised patches of skin. These patches will become extremely itchy and painful if scratched or irritated. They may be accompanied by a mild burning sensation that intensifies when scratched.
Redness and inflammation
When you have runners itch, along with intense itching, you may experience other symptoms such as redness and inflammation of the affected skin. This inflammation may extend beyond the area of irritation and will often have red or pink blotches. You may also notice that you have raised bumps, welts or hives on your affected skin due to the presence of histamine released in response to the infection.
Blisters or bumps
In cases of severe infection, the affected area may become covered with smaller, fluid-filled blisters or bumps. These bumps can range in color from red, to white, to yellow. They may form rapidly and are sometimes referred to as “clusters of vesicles”.
Blisters may be painful or itchy and can easily break open when scratched, leaving the skin significantly irritated. If this happens, it increases the risk of spreading the infection to other areas on the body or to other people who come into contact with it.
Prevention
Prevention is key when it comes to runner’s itch. There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of contracting this condition.
- Of course, the most obvious step is to avoid activities that involve being in contact with water that may contain parasites, such as swimming in lakes, rivers, or oceans.
- You should also wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing when exercising outdoors and apply bug repellant that is specifically designed for ticks, fleas, and other parasites.
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing is a simple way to help prevent runners itch. Tight clothing and synthetic fabrics can cause skin irritation that makes it more likely for the irritation caused by runners itch to occur. Clothes made of natural fibers such as cotton are the best option, as they provide protection while still allowing your skin to breathe and stay cool.
In addition, it is important to avoid wearing clothing that is damp or wet for long periods of time, as this can further increase the chances of developing an itchy rash. You should also take care to keep yourself dry when exercising and bathing, as perspiration or being in water for too long can lead to excess moisture on your skin, which increases your risk of getting a runners itch rash. Keep in mind that different fabrics may also react differently depending on how much you sweat, so be sure to find materials that are comfortable for you and suited for the amount of exercise or activity you partake in.
Avoid direct contact with contaminated surfaces
As with other forms of skin infection, it is important to protect yourself from direct contact with any surface or material that could be contaminated with the microscopic microorganism that causes runners itch. This includes clothing and linen laundered with infected laundry, towels and washcloths. Likewise, avoid contact with pools, showers or any other potentially contaminated surfaces that can be easily contacted.
It is also important to use good hygiene when participating in activities where runners itch may be present. Be sure to wear protective clothing when in contact with water or wet surfaces and take a shower immediately afterward. Cleaning your hands often using warm soapy water can help reduce the risk of infection as well as drying your feet thoroughly after swimming in pools or lakes. Additionally, avoid sharing linens, towels and clothes as this represents an easy way for someone to transmit the parasite to you.
Keep the affected area dry
One of the most important steps in preventing and treating runners itch is to keep the infected area dry. Wash the affected area frequently with gentle soaps and avoid using hot water or detergents. After washing, carefully pat (not rub) the area dry.
It is also important to change out of sweaty clothing as soon as possible after a run and avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing that can trap moisture against the skin. Be sure to completely dry yourself after swimming, especially around affected areas, since moisture can increase irritation and promote an infection.
Home Remedies
Runner’s itch is a common problem for runners and can be caused by a variety of environmental factors. Although there are a number of over-the-counter medications that can be used to treat it, there are also several home remedies that can help.
In this article, we will be discussing some of the home remedies that can be used to treat runner’s itch:
Apply a cold compress
An effective way to get relief from the irritation and itching of runners itch is to apply a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area. This can help numb the area, reducing inflammation, burning sensation, and itching.
To make your own cold compress, place ice cubes in a cloth bag or wrap an ice pack in a towel before applying it to the affected area. Gently press the compress against your skin for 10 minutes at a time. Do not leave it on for too long as this may lead to tissue damage and increased irritation of your skin. Once you have achieved some relief from the Cold Compress remove it and repeat every few hours if necessary.
Additionally, you can try:
- Soaking a cloth with cold water and apple cider vinegar then gently pressing it onto the rash which will provide additional therapeutic benefits.
Use an anti-itch cream
An anti-itch cream or ointment may be used to help soothe the affected area and reduce the urge to scratch. Look for creams with hydrocortisone or antihistamines, such as benzyl alcohol and diphenhydramine. Be sure to read the label before using any new products on your skin, as some may cause further irritation.
Creams containing menthol, calamine lotion, camphor, or colloidal oatmeal may also be used for their soothing properties.
Take an over-the-counter antihistamine
An over-the-counter antihistamine may help relieve the itching associated with runners itch. Antihistamines work to reduce inflammation in the skin and can help to ease discomfort. Examples of commonly used antihistamines include cetirizine (Zyrtec®), loratadine (Claritin®) and fexofenadine (Allegra®). Follow the dosing instructions for your chosen medication, taking care not to exceed recommended doses.
Keep in mind that some antihistamines may cause drowsiness as a side effect; if this occurs, take caution when performing activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Additionally, it may be beneficial to speak with a doctor or pharmacist before starting an over-the-counter medication to ensure the medication is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
Medical Treatment
When it comes to getting rid of runners itch, medical treatments are usually the first line of defense. These treatments can vary from over-the-counter medications, to prescription medications and even to home remedies. Depending on the severity of the condition, medical treatments can be used to treat the itching and reduce the inflammation associated with runners itch.
Let’s look at some of the treatments available and see how they can help you get rid of runners itch:
Prescription steroid creams
Prescription steroid creams are a type of medication used to reduce inflammation and itching on your skin. They work by blocking the production of certain chemicals that the body releases, which can lead to an itchy sensation. Additionally, they reduce redness and swelling in the affected area by reducing blood flow and allowing fluid to be expelled from swollen tissue.
Steroid creams do not cure runners itch but can provide relief for the itching and discomfort associated with it. Side effects are uncommon but may include skin thinning, stretch marks or even a skin discoloration if it is applied too often.
In order to apply a prescribed steroid cream correctly, be sure to:
- Thoroughly clean and dry the affected area first.
- Apply a thin layer of cream over your entire rash until it disappears completely.
- Avoid contact with your eyes or nostrils while applying it, and then rinse your hands afterward.
- Don’t cover the rash up with anything like bandages unless you have been instructed to do so by a medical professional as doing so could cause further irritation.
- Stop using any nonprescription medications on runners itch until you have consulted with a doctor regarding them as some topical products can worsen your condition if improperly used when treating runners itch.
Antifungal creams
Antifungal creams can be applied to the affected area to help get rid of runners itch. The most commonly used antifungal compounds are clotrimazole, miconazole, and terbinafine.
To use antifungal creams, apply a thin layer to the affected part of the skin two or three times a day. Wash your hands before and after applying the cream, which should be done in accordance with the instructions provided with the cream. Don’t forget to cleanse the affected area before each application as well.
It usually takes four weeks for signs of runners itch to go away after using antifungal cream. If there is no improvement in your condition after four weeks of continuous use, contact your doctor and stop using antifungal creams.
Oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics have been shown to be effective in treating severe cases of runners itch. Antibiotics such as doxycycline, minocycline and tetracycline work by fighting bacteria which can cause skin irritation, inflammation and infection.
The type of antibiotic and the length of treatment will depend on the extent of your infection and skin condition. Treatment usually lasts for several weeks, with some cases requiring up to three months of therapy. Oral antibiotics should only be prescribed after a doctor has examined your affected area to diagnose your condition correctly.
It is important that you follow instructions when taking any medication, and contact your doctor if any side effects occur or if your symptoms are not improving after the prescribed course of treatment.
Lifestyle Changes
If you are experiencing runners itch, making some lifestyle changes may help in reducing your chances of developing the problem. These changes may include:
- Reducing your exposure to the sun and humidity.
- Avoiding irritating fabrics.
- Washing clothes with mild detergents.
Making these simple lifestyle changes could help you better manage your runners itch.
Reduce stress
Stress is a major contributor to runners itch and needs to be managed effectively in order to reduce or prevent symptoms. Practices such as yoga, meditation, and tai chi can help to reduce overall stress levels and promote mental health. Additionally, regular physical activity can play an important role in relieving stress through the release of endorphins which lead to improved moods.
Eating healthy foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as avocado and salmon, can also help to reduce stress levels. Reducing stress as much as possible is an essential part of any lifestyle change when attempting to avoid runners itch.
Avoid strenuous exercise
When dealing with runners itch, it is essential to reduce levels of strenuous exercise. Strenuous exercise can cause an increase in perspiration, which in turn can make skin more vulnerable to infection.
Find alternative forms of exercise such as swimming or daily walks and focus on the cool-down process at the end of the walk or swim session. It is also important to pay attention to how much time is spent outdoors; if possible, limit outdoor time during high heat without a break from the sun’s rays. For outdoor exercise sessions, wear clothing that allows skin to breathe and that isn’t too tight or restrictive.
Wear moisture-wicking clothing
In order to manage the symptoms of runners itch, it is essential to understand how the condition is triggered. Runners itch occurs when moisture from perspiration is trapped in the creases and folds of skin, usually in areas with more body hair such as the thighs, groin, stomach and armpits.
By wearing breathable clothing that is designed with moisture-wicking technology, you can protect your skin from trapping sweat and thereby reduce your chances of developing runners itch.
When selecting clothing for running or any other activity that causes you to perspire heavily, look for fabrics that are made using synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon. These materials are designed to wick away moisture from the body so it evaporates quickly rather than being trapped against your skin. In addition, choose clothing that fits snugly – not too tight or too loose – so it can keep up with your body’s natural temperature fluctuations during exercise. Additionally, avoid wearing cotton t-shirts because they tend to trap moisture against your body instead of allowing it to evaporate quickly.
