your local gym — or from another part of your own body. Hands, towels, and stepping into underwear are common culprits. The symptoms include a patchy rash on the groin or inner thighs, along with the telltale itching. It’s treated with nonprescription antifungal creams. Keeping the area dry and avoiding tight clothing helps to avoid a repeat engagement.
12. My Toes are Dry and Stinky. Could It Be Athlete’s Foot?
When the fungus that causes jock itch targets the feet, you have athlete’s foot. Walking barefoot in locker rooms or near pools is the most common way to pick up this infection. Symptoms include itching, burning, blisters, or cracks on the feet and toes.
Tea Tree Oil
Said to have antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is an essential oil that has a long history of use in Australia as a topical remedy for athlete’s foot.
Sosa
Sosa (Solanum chrysotrichum) is an herb used in Mexico as a remedy for athlete’s foot and related fungal skin infections.
Athlete’s foot may also be treated with antifungal cream. If you have both jock itch and athlete’s foot, be sure to treat them at the same time.
13. My Ingrown Nails Hurt Sometimes. Should I be Concerned?
Grooming your nails may not be the highlight of your day, but it’s worth your time to get the job done right. Clumsy nail trimming is the top cause of ingrown toenails, which can cause pain, swelling, and infections. The most common mistake is trimming the nails too short. To avoid this, check your drugstore for nail “nippers” that are shaped to follow the natural curve of the nail.
One of the fastest and easiest ways to treat a case of an ingrown toenail is to soak the affected toe in an Epsom salt solution. The best way to do this is to put the toe in water while rubbing the Epsom salt into the affected area.
Using cotton and dental floss is an easier way to remove portions of the nail that may have grown deep into the skin. After you have soaked your feet and used Epsom salt as well, place cotton around the affected area. Once this is done, you can use the dental floss to pull out portions of the nail by flossing it out. Be sure to be gentle and not to harsh on the skin, as this is a sensitive area.
14. No Matter How Much I Brush, I Have Bad Breath. Can You Help?
You probably know that smelly foods and smoking can sabotage your breath. But the most common culprit is bacteria. When you brush your teeth, brush your tongue as well to banish the bacteria that thrive there.
When chewing gum doesn’t work, here are some natural remedies:
- Drink Water. Dry mouth will cause you to have bad breath
- Clean Your Tongue
- Eat Plenty of Fruits and Veggies
- Rinse With Warm Salt Water
- Swish or Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
- Chew on Cloves (And Other Herbs!)
- Brush or Rinse with Tea Tree Oil
If good hygiene doesn’t sweeten your breath, see your dentist and your doctor. Gum disease, dry mouth, or acid reflux could be part of the problem.
15. I Can’t Perform in the Bedroom Like I Used To. What’s Wrong?
Men may not be eager to discuss sexual troubles, but nearly a third of guys experience problems. This may include a sagging libido, premature ejaculation, or erectile dysfunction (ED). ED means a man is unable to develop or sustain an erection. Risk factors for ED include diabetes, heart disease, neurologic conditions, smoking, circulation problems, and some medications.
Changing your diet to more healthy vegetables and engaging in a consistent workout plan may help. Also, talk to your doctor if you have ED or other sexual problems to help evaluate the problem and recommend treatment.
16. I’m Losing My Hearing. Can I Save It?
Men are more likely to experience hearing loss than women, and noisy jobs may contribute. Think miners, carpenters, and soldiers. But any loud or continuous noise can damage delicate ear structures, including music piped in through ear buds. On the job, use special ear protection. Keep personal music players at or below 85 decibels (dB). Most can crank up to 105 dB, louder than a motorcycle, wood shop, or snowmobile.
17. I Have an Enlarged Prostate. What’s the First Step?
Along with wrinkles and gray hair, an enlarged prostate is an unavoidable part of aging for many men. The medical term is benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, an enlargement of the gland that surrounds the urethra. This growth causes symptoms in about half of men over age 75. As the prostate grows, it may squeeze the urethra, making you feel nature’s call more often. There are strategies and medications to help reduce the symptoms.
One treatment for BPH is called enucleation of the prostate. Using the orange analogy, the goal of this option is to remove the fruit (the adenoma) from the inside while leaving the peel (the capsule) behind. This technique results in a wide-open channel for the urine to pass out of the bladder.
There are different ways to perform a prostate enucleation:
- Through a large open incision called a simple prostatectomy
- Through small incisions and using a surgical robot
- Through the urethra without any incisions called transurethral
Sure, it can be tough to be a guy, but by focusing on living a healthy lifestyle, and checking in with your doctor regularly, you can better handle most of life’s curve balls.