Lye Soap & Jock Itch

Colors and perfumes in laundry detergent can contribute to jock itch.

Different skin conditions require different soaps. The ingredients in soap making and the additives put in many soaps and detergents can have surprising effects, both good and bad, on various skin conditions, including jock itch.

Chemistry

Soap is the result of a chemical reaction when lye, fats or oils, and water are combined. Therefore, lye is necessary to make soap but there is no lye left in the finished soap. The lye and oil molecules interact with each other and combine to form the new substance: soap. Therefore, the lye used in the soap-making process does not irritate jock itch because, when the process is complete, the lye in its original caustic form has been changed into soap.

Considerations

Jock Itch is caused by a fungus which prefers moist, warm areas. Using a soap made with tea tree oil may help reduce or eliminate jock itch. Some claim using anti-dandruff shampoo on the affected area also helps. Rinse and dry the area thoroughly with a soft towel to make the area inhospitable to jock itch.

Warning

While jock itch is caused by a fungus and, therefore, is treated with anti-fungal creams, ointments or ingredients, some soap additives may irritate the jock itch further. Soaps with heavy perfumes, dyes, or deodorants added should be avoided by those suffering with jock itch.

References

• Hub Pages: Making Soap From Scratch
• Home Remedies: Jock Itch