Yeast Infections in Men: What to Know

Yeast infections are usually associated with women, but men aren’t safe from these infections, either.

The term “yeast infection” generally refers to a vaginal infection caused by the yeast Candida albicans, and less commonly other Candida species, including C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei. (1)

But yeast infections, or candidiasis, can affect other areas of the body.

For instance, a yeast infection of the mouth is called thrush, or oral candidiasis, and a yeast infection of the skin (such as the armpits and groin) is called cutaneous candidiasis. (2,3)

A yeast infection of the penis is called candidal (or candida) balanitis, or balanitis thrush.

The term “balanitis” refers to an infection of the glans penis, which is the head of the penis. Candida infects the glans penis more often than any other infectious agent.

If the yeast infection also affects the foreskin, it is known as candidal balanoposthitis. (4)

Prevalence of Candidal Balanitis, a Yeast Infection of the Penis

Candida yeasts are responsible for 30 to 35 percent of all cases of balanitis. (4)

Other infectious sources of balanitis include streptococci and staphylococci bacteria, Herpes simplex virus and human papillomavirus, and a sexually transmitted bacterium called Mycoplasma genitalium. (5)

But candida balanitis is not well studied, so it’s unclear how many men the illness affects each year (though it’s thought to be a rare condition).

Various Candida species, most notably C. albicans, live in the gastrointestinal tract and other warm areas of the body without causing illness (they only cause issues when they’re present in large numbers). (4)

In fact, about 20 percent of women have Candida living in their vagina and don’t experience any yeast infection symptoms. (1)

Candida is commonly found on the penis, with studies suggesting that 16 to 26 percent of men carry the yeast. About 37 percent of men with Candida experience no symptoms, while 27 percent of them develop balanitis, according to a study. (6)

Causes and Risk Factors of Candidal Balanitis or Penile Yeast Infection

Unlike with vaginal yeast infections, penile yeast infections are usually sexually acquired — when a man has sex with someone who has a yeast infection.

But candidal balanitis isn’t considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD) because men can get the infection without having sex.

There are several risk factors that increase a man’s risk of getting a penile yeast infection, including:

• Antibiotics, which kill the “good” bacteria that keep Candida’s numbers in check
• Immune-suppressing illnesses, particularly HIV
• Diabetes mellitus (aka diabetes)
• Corticosteroids

Additionally, Candida yeast colonization and infection are more common among men with uncircumcised penises than men with circumcised penises (the warm, moist environment underneath the foreskin promotes yeast growth). (6)

One study found that candidal balanitis was strongly associated with being over 40 years of age and also having diabetes mellitus. And men older than 60 years were more likely to have Candida colonization. (7)

Hygiene may also play a role in candidal balanitis development.

Washing with perfumed shower gels and soaps can irritate the skin, potentially helping Candida multiply. (8)

Symptoms of Male Yeast Infections (Candidal Balanitis)

Common symptoms of candidal balanitis include:

• Burning and itching around the head of the penis, which worsens after having sex
• Redness and swelling
• Small, rash-like bumps called papules, which may have pus
• Pain during urination or sex

If you have candidal balanoposthitis, you may also have:

• A thick, lumpy discharge under the foreskin
• An unpleasant odor of the foreskin
• Difficulty pulling back your foreskin

Men with diabetes may experience more severe symptoms, including fluid buildup and ulceration of the penis, as well as fissuring of the foreskin.

Complications with balanitis are rare, but may include an inability to retract the foreskin, cellulitis (inflammation of connective tissue beneath the skin), and a narrowing of the urethra that makes urination difficult. (6,9)

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Best Treatments for Vaginal Yeast Infections

Medication for Treating Yeast Infections

Standard medicines for yeast infections are all part of the class of antifungal drugs called azoles. They include:

• miconazole (Monistat)
• clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin)
• tioconazole (Vagistat)
• butoconazole (Gynazole)
• terconazole (Terazol)

Prescribed medication may also come with additional prescription drugs to help treat your symptoms, such as steroids to relieve inflammation of the opening of the vagina.

Treatments last one, three, or seven days, all of which are equally effective. Unless you have an allergic reaction to the medication, side effects are generally mild.

You should not use tampons while using suppositories and creams. You should also avoid condoms and diaphragms because the yeast infection medicines contain oil, which can degrade the contraceptives. (3,4)

Having sex while being treated for a yeast infection is not generally recommended because it may worsen symptoms (by further irritating your vagina) and cause micro-tears in your skin that increase your risk of catching a sexually transmitted disease. (5)

Fluconazole (Diflucan) is a prescription pill for yeast infections. Most women only require a single dose of the medication to clear their yeast infection, but fluconazole is not recommended for pregnant women due to a potential risk of harming the developing baby.

Fluconazole may cause mild and infrequent side effects, such as headache, rash, and upset stomach. More rarely, severe side effects may develop, such as flu-like symptoms, swelling, and seizures. (2)

What Causes Recurring Yeast Infections?

About 5 to 8 percent of women experience four or more yeast infections in a single year, a condition known as recurrent or chronic yeast infections. (12)

It’s not clear why some women get chronic or recurring yeast infections, but there are several risk factors that can predispose you to it, such as pregnancy, birth control pills, estrogen therapy, regular antibiotic use, diabetes, and conditions that affect your immune system, particularly HIV.

Treatments used for normal yeast infections are effective if your recurring yeast infections are caused by C. albicans.

But some infections are caused by other Candida species, such as C. glabrata, which may require treatment with a nystatin vaginal cream or tablet, a vaginal gel containing the antifungals amphotericin B and flucytosine, or another treatment.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

1. Aguin TJ, Sobel JD. Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Pregnancy. Current Infectious Disease Reports. April 28, 2015.
2. Patient Education: Vaginal Yeast Infection (Beyond the Basics). UpToDate. August 2022.
3. Yeast Infection (Vaginal). Mayo Clinic. March 17, 2021.
4. Vaginal Yeast Infection. MedlinePlus. July 13, 2021.
5. Can You Have Sex With a Yeast Infection? Self. February 12, 2022.
6. Vaginal Yeast Infections — Women’s Health Guide. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. June 3, 2015.
7. Ramsay S, Astill N, Shankland G, et al. Practical Management of Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Trends in Urology Gynaecology & Sexual Health. November–December 2009.
8. Pappas PG, Kauffman CA, Andes DR, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Candidiasis: 2016 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clinical Infectious Diseases. February 15, 2016.
9. Iavazzo C, Gkegkes ID, Zarkada IM, et al. Boric Acid for Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: the Clinical Evidence. Journal of Women’s Health. August 2011.
10. Xie H, Feng D, Wei D, et al. Probiotics for Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Non-Pregnant Women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. November 23, 2017.
11. Watson CJ, Grando D, Fairley CK, et al. The Effects of Oral Garlic on Vaginal Candida Colony Counts: A Randomised Placebo Controlled Double-Blind Trial. BJOG. March 2014.
12. Rosa MI, Silva BR, Pires PS, et al. Weekly Fluconazole Therapy for Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.  European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. April 2013.

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Where can I buy?

Encyclopedia

Fungus

Skin and/or mucous membrane lesions caused by yeast fungi are called yeast infections.

The author of the article

Moshkova Elena Mikhailovna

Dermatovenereologist, head of the CDO for the provision of paid services, St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution of Health “City Dermatovenerologic Dispensary”, St. Petersburg.

What yeast-like fungi cause disease in humans

Human skin normally inhabits both bacteria and fungal microorganisms. In small quantities, they are part of the normal microflora of the skin. Yeasts and yeast-like fungi can also live on the skin without causing any skin disease. However, if adverse factors occur (decreased immunity, impaired microflora), fungi begin to actively multiply, their number increases and leads to the development of the disease.

How is skin fungus treated? Watch in a two-minute video with Doctor of Medicine, Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences Olga Borisovna Tamrazova

Fungi of the genus Malassezia

Yeast-like fungi of the genus Malassezia – the cause of skin dermatosis: seborrheic dermatitis and versicolor (pityriasis) versicolor 90 026 . Approximately 20% of people experience occasional cases of seborrheic dermatitis. And 10% of the population suffers from versicolor (pityriasis) versicolor ³ .

Fungi of the genus Candida

Yeast fungi of the genus Candida – causative agents of candidiasis of the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs. Fungi of the genus Candida are conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, for the existence of which the presence of oxygen in the environment is an optional condition. This explains the possibility of candidiasis of internal organs.

Up to 30-50% of the population carry Candida on their skin. This type of fungus can colonize the mucous membrane of the mouth, intestines, and the genitourinary system.

How fungi of the genus Candida affect human health

Cause itching and dry skin

Provoke the appearance of a white coating on the tongue and bad breath

Contribute to the occurrence of vaginal candidiasis

Affect the feet

900 02 Of the 150 existing species of Candida, 20 species are the causative agents of candidiasis . Most often, Candida albicans, C.tropicalis, C.parapsilosis, C.glabrata ¹ are found in patients.

Skin may show C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. guillermondii, C. kefyr ¹ . However, skin candidiasis usually develops due to the presence of Candida albicans , other types of Candida cause skin lesions much less ¹ .

The cause of candidiasis of the genitourinary system in almost 90% of people is C. albicans, in 10% – C. krusei, C. glabrata and others ¹ .

Sites of localization of yeast infections. Symptoms

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis most often occurs on the face and scalp. But the process can be widespread and localized in other seborrheic areas of the body (skin of the back, chest). Rashes are represented by pink spots with peeling on the surface. Sometimes the inflammation is so severe that itching and excessive moisture of the skin (weeping) appear. Often the only manifestation of seborrheic dermatitis is dandruff.

Pityriasis versicolor (pityriasis)

With versicolor versicolor, there is no skin inflammation, so patients are only concerned about the aesthetic component of dermatosis. Spots up to 1 cm usually appear on parts of the body with excessive sweating. The color of the rashes can vary from beige to pink, over time the spots merge into large foci.

Candidiasis of the skin and oral mucosa

Candidiasis of the skin often occurs in the interdigital, axillary, inguinal folds, on the skin under the mammary glands, the fold of the abdomen.

Large fold candidiasis

Large fold candidiasis Doctors also call Candida intertrigo ² . At the bottom of the fold, small bubbles appear, which open up, exposing bright pink with a bluish tinge of skin erosion. Over time, defects in the upper layer of the skin increase in size, merge and can completely spread to the entire surface of a large fold. The erosive surface is wet with a lacquer sheen. A whitish coating may be present. On the periphery of candidal foci, screenings can be found – islands of skin with small vesicles, pustules or small erosions.

Candidiasis of the interdigital folds of the hands often occurs in housewives, catering workers. The predisposing factor is constant contact with water. Often only one interdigital fold on the “working” hand is affected. There is redness, itching, there may be cracks.

Smooth skin candidiasis

Smooth skin candidiasis is more often a complication of an underlying dermatological disease, such as atopic dermatitis or due to the spread of a fungal infection from the skin of large folds.

Candidiasis of the nail folds and nails

Redness, swelling, pain appear at the site of the fungus penetration into the skin of the periungual fold. When pressing on the periungual roller, there are no purulent compartments, in contrast to inflammation of a bacterial nature. And brownish transverse grooves appear on the nail plate, the nail thickens, loses its luster.

Urogenital candidiasis

This disease does not apply to infections that are sexually transmitted ² .

In men, candidal balanitis, balanoposthitis and urethritis are more common.

Men report the following symptoms: ³

• Redness, whitish coating, swelling, itching, burning in the area of ​​the glans penis
• Painful urination and intercourse

See how thrush is treated in a short video by Professor, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Evgenia Valerievna Shikh

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (thrush) occurs in women – Candida fungi damage the mucous membrane of the external genitalia and vagina.

More than 70% of women have had an episode of urogenital candidiasis at least once in their lives. And 15% of them had repeated episodes of this disease ³ .

Women note: ³

• White curdled discharge from the genital tract
• Itching, burning
• Painful urination and intercourse

Predisposing factors for yeast infections

Predisposing factors for yeast infections: ³

• Long-term antibiotic therapy
• Taking anticancer drugs (cytostatics)
• Uncompensated diabetes mellitus
• Immunodeficiency
• Hormonal disorders

Predisposing factors for skin candidiasis include: prolonged contact with water, skin abrasions, excess weight. For the development of oral candidiasis – traumatization of the mucous membrane, for example, when wearing dentures, braces.

Diagnosis of yeast infections

Diagnosis of skin candidiasis is based on the clinical picture of the disease. The doctor may additionally prescribe a skin scraping test for the presence of Candida fungi.

In the diagnosis of urogenital candidiasis, microscopic and cultural methods with the determination of the type of fungus of the genus Candida and its sensitivity to antifungal drugs are of great importance ³ . And with the help of special test systems, you can detect DNA fragments of the causative agent of urogenital candidiasis.

Diagnosis of diseases caused by fungi of the genus Malassezia is based on examination of skin manifestations, dermatoscopy, examination of skin scrapings for fungi, determination of the Besnier phenomenon (peeling of the rash when scraped with a fingernail or spatula) and Balzer’s test (5% alcohol solution of iodine is applied to the affected area with Entrapment of healthy skin.Increased staining of the rash compared to areas of healthy skin indicates the presence of fungi of the genus Malassezia).

Treatment of yeast infections

Treatment of skin candidiasis consists of:

1) Use of topical antifungals in the form of cream/ointment, solution, spray

3) Elimination or correction of provoking factors

Treatment of urogenital candidiasis consists of:0003

2) Prescription of anti-allergic drugs

3) Vitamin therapy

(Immunomodulatory drugs are recommended in some cases)

, creams, ointments) and for oral administration (tablets, capsules). Most often, it is possible to solve the problem with external antifungal agents. However, with widespread rashes, severe persistent course, drugs are prescribed for oral administration

The use of antiseptic or antibacterial drugs when connecting a bacterial infection to the weeping areas of the skin

of the use of combined drugs containing anti -inflammatory hormone, antibiotic and antifungal components, if skin soreness occurs

for candidiasis of the skin, seborrheic dermatitis, multi -colored) external antifungal medicines: sertaconazole, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine. For example, appointment Zalain ^® cream 2% (sertaconazole) promotes recovery better than other drugs (versus clotrimazole) ⁵ .

Sertaconazole-based cream (Zalain®) for yeast infections

Sertaconazole-based products (Zalain ^® ) are available in the form of suppositories and cream.

When Zalain ^® cream is applied topically for two weeks, the components of the drug are not detected in the blood and urine, which indicates a high drug safety profile ⁷ .

Sertaconazole has a triple action: it prevents the growth and reproduction of fungi, promotes their death, and also prevents the transition of fungi from a passive form to a pathogenic one (only for fungi of the genus Candida) ¹⁵ .

Instruction

Zalain ^® Yeast Infection Cream

How to use Zalain Cream ^®

For skin candidiasis, seborrheic dermatitis, pityriasis versicolor Zalain ^® cream is applied 2 times a day in a thin layer covering healthy skin for 2-4 weeks ⁶ .

Topical and systemic antifungal therapy may be indicated for the treatment of urogenital candidiasis.

Urogenital candidiasis in men can be treated externally:

• Zalain ^® cream is applied 2 times a day in a thin layer for 14 days ⁶ .

Has a triple effect: antifungal, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory

Used 1-2 times a day

Where to buy Zalain ^® Cream for the treatment of yeast infections

or

Find the nearest pharmacy

Zalain ^® Suppositories

Sertaconazole cream (Zalain ^® ) for the treatment of fungal infections

Vaginal candidiasis (thrush) in women is treated by insertion of vaginas al tablets or suppositories (suppositories).

Doctors also recommend vaginal suppositories based on sertaconazole (Zalain ^® ). One suppository is inserted into the vagina 1 time. The use of 1 vaginal suppository is explained by the fact that sertaconazole has a high lipophilicity – it dissolves well in lipid (fat) cell structures. Due to this, the drug remains in the vaginal mucosa for a long time (7 days) at a therapeutic concentration, having a triple mechanism of action on Candida fungi. For women, this prescription of the drug is very convenient.

Unlike other drugs for the treatment of urogenital candidiasis, the effect of Zalain ^® suppositories is observed with a single application of ⁷ . If necessary (maintenance of clinical symptoms), treatment can be repeated after 1 week ⁷ . The doctor may recommend Zalain ^® suppositories to pregnant women if necessary.

The use of specially adapted intimate hygiene gels helps maintain a healthy microflora of the vulva and resist infections.

Only 1 suppository per course

Local effect of the drug

Absorption of sertaconazole into the bloodstream does not occur ¹³

Can be used during pregnancy and lactation*

Where to buy Zalain ^® Candles

Instruction

Why is 1 candle valid for 7 days?

Zalagel ^® Intim

Antiseptic properties of components Zalagel ^® Intim

Zalagel ^® Intim gel-soap, gently cleanses the skin of the intimate area, has a calming effect ohm and helps to reduce the feeling of discomfort.

U Zalagel ^® Intim Slightly alkaline pH (8-9), creating a destructive environment for fungi of the genus Candida (causative agents of thrush). The betaine component, which is part of the gel, prevents dryness of the intimate area, maintains the physiological balance of the skin and mucous membranes.

Gently cleanses the intimate area

Creates a destructive environment for fungi of the Candida genus

Protects the female genital organs from infections

Tea tree oil in the composition of the product has an antibacterial and antiviral effect

Reduces itching and irritation 9000 3

Where to buy Zalagel ^® Intimacy

or

Find the nearest pharmacy

Instruction

Answers to questions

How to understand that thrush has become chronic?

Answer: Four or more episodes of thrush per year are in favor of chronic recurrent urogenital candidiasis.

How long does the treatment for versicolor take?

Answer: Treatment of multicolored lichen, as a rule, consists in prescribing external antifungal therapy. The duration of treatment is selected individually and usually lasts at least 2 weeks.

Is it possible to wet the skin with candidiasis of the folds?

Answer: In the acute period of the disease until the stabilization of the skin process, it is necessary to limit contact with water.

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Sources

1. Russian clinical guidelines.
2. Textbook “Skin and venereal diseases” edited by O.L. Ivanov., 2010.
3. National Guide to Dermatovenereology edited by prof. Yu.S. Butova, acad. RAMS Yu. K. Skripkina, prof. O.L. Ivanov.
4. Clinical guidelines of the Russian Federation, Urogenital candidiasis 2019
5. Efficacy and safety study of Zalain® 2% cream in the treatment of skin mycoses. IG Sergeeva, Yu. M. Krinitsyna Novosibirsk State University.
6. Register of Medicines of Russia, official instructions for the active substance Sertaconazole.
7. Register of Medicines of Russia, official instructions for Zalain® 2% cream.
8. Register of Medicines of Russia, official instructions Zalain 300 mg, vaginal suppositories.
9. RMJ No. 9, 2015. “Vulvovaginal candidiasis. The use of Zalain in clinical practice. E. S. Vanke, N. S. Vanke.
10. Mondello F, De Bernardis F, Girolamo A, Cassone A, Salvatore G. In vivo activity of terpinen-4-ol, the main bioactive component of Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel (tea tree) oil against azole-susceptible and -resistant human pathogenic Candida sp. BMC Infect Dis. 2006;6:158.
11. Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV. In vitro susceptibilities of lactobacilli and organisms associated with bacterial vaginosis to Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1999;43:196.
12. Pena EF. Melaleuca alternifolia oil. Its use for trichomonal vaginitis and other vaginal infections. Obstet Gynecol 1962;19:793-5.
13. Astani A, Reichling J, Schnitzler P. Comparative study on the antiviral activity of selected monoterpenes derived from essential oils. Python Res 2009; 24(5):673-9.
14. Bassett, I. B., D. L. Pannowitz, and R. S. Barnetson. 1990. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Med. J. Aust. 153:455-458.
15. Carrillo-Muñoz AJ, Tur-Tur C, Giusiano G, Marcos-Arias C, Eraso E, Jauregizar N, Quindós G. Sertaconazole: an antifungal agent for the topical treatment of superficial candidiasis. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2013 Apr;11(4):347-58. doi: 10.1586/eri.13.17. PMID: 23566144.

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What is a yeast infection?

Most healthy women have yeast in their vagina. But sometimes the yeast grows too strong and leads to infection. Yeast infections can be very annoying and unpleasant.

What causes yeast infections?

A vaginal yeast infection, also sometimes called vulvovaginal candidiasis, occurs when the healthy yeast that normally lives in the vagina gets out of control. This often results in itching and other annoying symptoms. The medical name for a yeast infection is “ candidiasis ” because they are usually caused by a type of yeast called candida.

When the immune system is reduced, the normal yeast that lives in the vagina can grow too large and lead to infection. Reasons that may cause changes in your vaginal environment:

• normal changes in hormone levels (as during the menstrual cycle)
• antibiotics, cortisone and other drugs
• pregnancy
• diabetes mellitus
• weak immune system
• natural reaction to another person’s genital chemistry

Yeast infections can also occur on the penises and scrotum, but are not as common. They can cause redness and irritation on your penis or scrotum.

Yeast infections are not STDs (these are infections that are passed from one person to another during vaginal, anal and oral sex). They are not contagious and cannot be passed on to another person during sex. But sexual contact sometimes leads to yeast infections—your body chemistry can react to the other person’s natural genital yeast and the bacteria that causes the yeast to grow.

People can also get a yeast infection in their mouth, throat, or tongue—this is called thrush.

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

Yeast infections often cause a curdled, white, lumpy vaginal discharge that usually does not smell (or smells only slightly different than usual).

Most yeast infections result in itching, burning and/or redness in or around the vagina. Vaginal itching usually gets worse the longer you have the infection. Sex may be uncomfortable or painful. In extreme cases, you may get cracks or sores on your vagina or vulva. If you have severe irritation, you may experience pain when urinating.

How to treat yeast infections?

Yeast infections can usually be easily treated in a few days with an antifungal medication. You can purchase medicated creams or suppositories for yeast infections.

Be sure to follow instructions and take all medicines, even if your symptoms go away before you are done. You can also treat yeast infections with one tablet (diflucan or fluconazole). Need a prescription from a doctor to get a yeast infection pill.

Do not have vaginal or oral sex until you have completed treatment and the infection has gone. Friction from sex may cause more irritation or make treatment more difficult. Some medications you use inside your vagina contain oil, which can cause condoms to break.

Even though yeast infections can be very itchy, try not to scratch the itch. This can aggravate irritation or scratch the skin, through which germs can spread and lead to more infections. There are over-the-counter creams that can be used on the vulva to soothe irritation. Your doctor can also give you tips to relieve burning and itching.

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