7 Tips To Prevent Sweat Below the Belt
No sweat area is more uncomfortable than under your pants. (Photo: Eric A. Nelson / Getty Images)
As temperatures rise and your body starts sweating, no area can get more uncomfortable than your groin. What’s worse, if you remain sweaty and wet below the belt, you open yourself up to skin infections like jock itch. "Fortunately, there are products and practices that can bring guys relief,“ says dermatologist Jeffrey Benabio, M.D. Follow these simple hygiene tips to prevent and treat sweating down below.
Related: 12 Things Every Man Should Know About His Penis
Shower With Moisturizing Body Wash
(Photo: Courtesy of Dove)
Showering at least once a day is important in all climates, but particularly brutal summer days can sometimes call for two or more showers, especially for guys with jobs that are physically demanding or outdoors. "Excessive sweating and washing can lead to irritation and dryness,” says dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey Benabio, “for cleansing, I recommend a moisturizing body wash.” Dove Men + Care’s Body Washes are a good choice to fight dryness which can occur from having to wash frequently during the summer.
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Cycle in Acne Wash
(Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images)
“A great tip that most guys don’t know about is to use acne wash with 5 percent or less benzoyl peroxide 2 to 3 times a week,” says Dr. Benabio. Acne wash helps kill the bacteria that causes odor, but using it too frequently is another good way to quickly have dry, irritated skin. “Be sure to rinse off thoroughly as it can bleach your towel,” says Dr. Benabio.
Related: The 9 Best Face Washes
Fight Odor With Dandruff Shampoo
(Photo: Courtesy of Head and Shoulders )
“Men with particularly smelly groin area can wash the area with anti-dandruff shampoo, which can reduce the yeast that causes itching and irritation,” says Dr. Benabio. Many product lines carry an anti-dandruff shampoo, including American Crew, Suave, and Head and Shoulders.
Related: 6 Tips to Smell Better
Wear Breathable Clothing
(Photo: Courtesy of Antoine Arraou / Getty Images )
It might seem like an obvious one, but wearing the right clothing is the first step to keeping it dry down there. “Wear stuff that’s breathable, like cotton,” says Urologist Dr. Paul Turek. This also means avoiding tight clothing that causes friction, during the summer, “guys should save their skinny jeans for the winter months,” says dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey Benabio.
Prep With Talc
(Photo: Courtesy of Dry+Goods)
Start your day prepared: dry off completely after showering and apply a talc-based powder before getting dressed if you know it’s going to be a sweaty day. Simple Gold Bond powder or baby powder will do the trick, “you can spend a lot of money, but with guys I like to keep it simple,” says Dr. Turek, “talc up twice a day. Treat it like a baby’s skin.” However if you’re looking to avoid that distinct baby powder smell or potential mess that powders bring, try Dry+Goods Athletic Spray, a powder spray that goes on quickly and lasts all day.
In a Pinch, Use Deodorant
(Photo: Courtesy of Puneet Vikram Singh / Getty Images)
“After showering and drying completely, you can apply antiperspirant deodorant to your groin area which will fight both wetness and odor throughout the day,” says Dr. Benabio. Use a sprays instead of a stick deodorant, they’re easier to apply and will feel less sticky.
Related: 6 Natural Deodorants That Safely Keep the Stench Away
Beat Jock Itch
(Photo: Courtesy of Tolnaftate)
Serious cases of sweat in the summertime can lead to jock itch, a fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist areas. It’s itchy and annoying and hopefully you’ve been able to avoid it, but if not the best way to deal with it is through the use of tolnaftate powders. Tolnaftate is an anti-fungal agent that is most closely associated with the treatment of athlete’s foot. It can come in two varieties, creams or powders, but the experts suggest powders. “Creams can lock in moisture,” says Dr. Turek. And the goal is to keep everything as dry as possible down there. Although creams can work a little faster for immediate jock itch relief, ultimately they are counterproductive.
By Shawn McCreesh
