I’m a GP – how to avoid jock itch this summer after Adele opens up at Las Vegas gig
ADELE bared all in a recent Las Vegas gig, revealing she'd suffered a fungal infection in her groin called 'jock itch'.
The singer said sweaty Spanx were the reason behind her woes - but according to a gynaecologist, anyone can fall victim to the unpleasant rash as the UK weathers up for yet another scorching weekend.
Speaking on stage during her return to her residency at Ceasar's Palace in Las Vegas, Adele said: "Do you know what my doctor gave me? It is a bit crude but I never knew it existed.
"Me and my team were talking about it earlier. Obviously when I do my shows I wear Spanx to keep it all in and make it all fit me.
"And I sweat a lot and it doesn't go anywhere. So basically I just sit in my own sweat. And my doctor gave me Jock Itch [cream]."
Also known as tinea curis, jock itch is a fungal infection that causes an itchy and stinging rash on the skin, typically in the groin and inner thighs. It can also affect the buttocks and lower tummy.
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It's particularly common in athletes, which Adele quipped about on stage.
The Grammy winning artist added: “So it looks like I am an athlete so I have to squirt it on myself. I don't know why the f*** I just told you that.”
Jock itch rash can appear red, flaky, or scaly on lighter skin, while on darker skin it might look grey or brown, according to .
With Britain due to be hit by hot weather this weekend, Dr Sarah Welsh, a gynaecologist from London, explained how heatwaves can “play havoc” with your body – especially if you’re wearing tight clothing.
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The 34-year-old pointed out that sweating is completely normal, but she shared helpful tips on how to avoid a sweaty groin as temperatures rise - from how often to wash your bits to what undies to opt for.
1. Add - don't strip off - layers
Many people's first instinct is to strip off extra layers as temperatures rise.
But according to Dr Welsh, when it comes to hot weather, it’s actually better to layer up.
She said: “It might seem counter-intuitive but more is better when it comes to summer clothing."
However, the kind of layers you don make all the difference, Dr Welsh noted.
“Choose floaty, loose layers in light colours rather than baring your skin," she advised.
“Linen is a real winner as it’s breathable, shades your skin from the direct sun and protects you from burning.
“If you’re commuting in tight clothes on packed trains or battling lack of air conditioning at home, you might find that, like Adele, you’re battling jock itch, or a nasty fungal infection."
Dr Welsh noted that it's perfectly natural to sweat.
“Sweating is your body’s natural response to heat, as when the water in your sweat evaporates, it cools the skin.
“Whilst it’s helpful, it can feel embarrassing or unsightly, especially if you’re in the office.
“Increased sweating can even cause chafing of the thighs or under your breasts, as moist skin is more prone to damage when it rubs against itself or your clothes.”
2. Avoid synthetic materials
Cotton, bamboo and linen are your friends during a heatwave.
Dr Welsh said: “Avoid wearing synthetic underwear!
“Swap to natural cotton or bamboo underwear if possible, and give nylon tights or shapewear a miss where you can.
“If you’re wearing shorts to avoid chafing or ‘chub rub’ that lots of us get in a heatwave, try swapping for an anti-chafing balm instead, which allows more breeze to circulate."
3. Wash your bits regularly
If you’re excessively sweating, it’s good to give your body – especially your genitals – an extra wash now and then.
Dr Welsh said: “It’s important if you are sweating more than usual to flush it away rather than letting it sit on your skin, so make sure to shower daily and/or a quick rinse of your genitals at the end of the day with fresh, clean water.
“Avoid heavily perfumed soaps or body washes, even if you’re feeling particularly sweaty, as these can disrupt your vaginal health and cause yeast infections.”
Extra tips to stay cool
Some of Dr Welsh’s favourite hacks to cool down are super simple - all you need is a running water tap and freezer.
She said: “Running cool water over your wrists can really help you to chill out, or a damp, cool flannel on the back of your neck.
“If you’re struggling to sleep at night, a brief shower in cool (not freezing cold!) water can really help to lower your temperature.
“We’ve heard from Australian friends that lightly dampening a pillow case, freezing it and removing it just before bed can also help to make those sweaty summer nights bearable.”
What could happen if you sweat excessively?
Sweating is normal but excessive sweating can cause some issues, especially in “moist, dark environments” – such as under the breasts or around the groin.
Keep an eye out for the below symptoms and if you’re ever in doubt, always consult a medical professional.
Dr Welsh said: “Yeast infections like nothing better than moist, dark environments.
“Normally, fungus and bacteria live pretty harmoniously in the vagina, but when the fungus Candida increases, it can cause thrush.
“The increased temperature of a heatwave can then create the perfect breeding ground for thrush.
“If you’re working out in tight gym wear in summer, you might also find yourself experiencing bacterial vaginosis.
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“It’s often confused for a yeast infection, but if you notice a distinctive ‘fishy’ smell, greyish, watery discharge or irritation, it’s more likely to be BV.
“Heat rash can also occur in the groin due to the blockage of sweat ducts, and cause redness, itchy clear blisters or a prickling feeling.”
How to treat jock itch
You can try the following remedies to get rid of the infection:
- Apply an over-the-counter antifungal cream, powder, or spray to the affected area
- Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and warm water
- Dry the affected area thoroughly after bathing and exercise
- Change clothes and undergarments every day
- Wear loose cotton clothing
If symptoms don't improve, speak to a GP and they may prescribe something stronger.
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