Millions at risk of 'crotch rot' infection due to mistake while putting on underwear

'Crotch rot' is almost as gross as it sounds and doesn't only affect your crotch.

Have you ever put your underwear on and thought, 'Am I doing this right?' Unless you're recently potty-trained, it's probably not something that goes through your head every morning before heading to work.

But it turns out there is a right way to put on your undergarments. And it comes after Dr Samuel Choudhury says millions are at risk of the grim and slightly embarrassing infection.

The skincare specialist links 'crotch rot' to something also known as 'jock itch'. It's essentially the term for tinea cruris, a contagious fungal skin infection in the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks.

'Crotch rot' causes an itchy, red rash that appears in warm, moist areas, often spread from athlete's foot or sweaty clothing.

Fungal skin infections are thought to affect an estimated 20 to 25 percent of the world's population at any given time (Getty Stock Images)

Where can 'crotch rot' spread to?

The infection can sometimes spread to the genital and groin areas through the feet. The good news is Dr Choudhury says it's 'common' and around 70 per cent of people will get it at least once.

“If and when that time comes, this is the right way to wear your underwear so you don’t get jock itch,” he said in a video shared on social media.

How 'crotch rot' spreads

He warns that by putting on your underwear while your feet are bare and you have foot fungus, you’re going to spread the infection due to it being so contagious.

“The underwear comes in contact with the rash,” Dr Choudhury explained. “It can carry the fungal spores all the way up to your groin.”

And while it’s such a simple way of causing yourself to get ‘crotch rot’, there’s a very simple way of avoiding it.

“You want to wear your socks first,” he continued. “This acts as a barrier so you can safely wear your underwear, so that now you can just focus on treating one area.”

Those who have a ‘persistent’ itch in their groin should think about seeing a doctor.

Prevention involves keeping the area dry, wearing loose-fitting clothing, changing clothes regularly and maintaining good hygiene.

'Crotch rot' is easily treatable (Getty Stock Images)

How to get rid of 'crotch rot'

The Mayo Clinic says it 'doesn’t typically go away on its own' and will need over-the-counter medication.

"It’s important to finish your full course of medicine. If you stop too soon, your jock itch may come back and be harder to treat," they noted.

"The fastest way to cure jock itch is to use an OTC or prescription antifungal cream, ointment, gel, spray or powder.

"In more serious cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe antifungal pills to treat jock itch."