Symptoms of 'crotch rot' infection millions are at risk of due to one mistake when putting on underwear

Millions of people across the world are at risk of contracting a 'crotch rot' infection and it could be due to a common mistake when putting on your underwear.

You've probably been putting on your underwear the same way for most of your life, unless you like to pretend you're a Brazilian Samba-style footballer and flick them up over your head before slipping them on.

But that could be a terrible mistake and could lead to the infection known as 'crotch rot' or 'jock itch', which commonly occurs in the nether regions in the warmer months.

And while 'crotch rot' is unlikely to lead to anything too drastic, it can be painful, smelly and just generally embarrassing. And it's also probably the last thing you'd want to be suffering from if you're planning a hot girl (or boy) summer.

'Crotch rot' is not something you're going to want to experience (Getty Stock Image)

What is 'crotch rot'?

Dr Samuel Choudhury, a GP specialising in skincare, recently shared a video on social media explaining just how people can contract the infection, suggesting that it can often stem from a foot fungus which is transferred onto your underwear.

He said: “If and when that time comes, this is the right way to wear your underwear so you don’t get jock itch.

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

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

A doctor advised putting socks on first (Getty Stock Image)

What are the symptoms of 'crotch rot'?

So, if you're worried that you might be suffering from the infection or simply want to know how to treat it early if you do contract it, Mayo Clinic says these are the symptoms to look out for:

• A spreading rash that begins in the crease of the groin and moves down the upper thigh and bottom
• A rash whose centre tends to clear as the rash spreads
• A rash that may be full or partially ring-shaped
• A rash surrounded with small blisters
• Feeling itchy
• Scaly skin
• A rash that appears red, brown, purple or grey, depending on your skin colour

Advice also suggests that young lads who exercise a lot are likely to be more at risk of the infection, so make sure you're practising good hygiene if that applies to you.

It's a common mistake to make (Getty Stock Image)

How to prevent 'crotch rot'

When it comes to prevention steps, you should also look to wear clean clothes, ideally made of cotton, while tight boxers are also a bad idea as they're more likely to chafe the skin.

It's also a good idea to dry your feet last after a shower to prevent the fungus from being transported to your groin via your towel.

Crotch rot usually goes away within a few weeks if you treat it properly with anti-fungal creams, but you should contact your doctor if the rash persists or if you develop a fever.