What are common types of fungal skin infections. How can you identify symptoms of ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch. What preventive measures can protect against fungal infections at home and in public spaces.

Understanding Fungal Skin Infections: An Overview

Fungal skin infections are prevalent conditions that, while typically not serious, can cause significant discomfort and annoyance. These infections occur when fungi overgrow on the skin, leading to various symptoms such as itching, redness, and irritation. Despite their commonality, many people remain unaware of the different types of fungal infections and how to prevent them effectively.

Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, making certain areas of the body particularly susceptible to infection. Common sites include feet, groin, and skin folds. While generally confined to the skin’s surface in healthy individuals, these infections can spread easily through direct contact or shared items.

Key Characteristics of Fungal Skin Infections

• Typically non-serious but can be persistent
• Cause itching, redness, and discomfort
• Easily transmissible through contact
• Thrive in warm, humid conditions
• Usually treatable with topical medications

Ringworm: More Than Just a Circular Rash

Contrary to its name, ringworm isn’t caused by worms at all. This fungal infection, known medically as tinea corporis, presents as a circular, raised, red, and itchy rash on the skin or scalp. The name “ringworm” comes from the ring-like appearance of the rash, which can be misleading to those unfamiliar with the condition.

How does ringworm spread? This infection is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. Additionally, it can spread indirectly by touching contaminated items such as towels, clothing, or surfaces. People who frequently come into contact with animals, especially cats, are at higher risk of contracting ringworm.

Identifying Ringworm Symptoms

• Circular, red patches with raised edges
• Itching and burning sensation
• Scaly or cracked skin in the affected area
• Hair loss if the infection occurs on the scalp

Can ringworm be prevented? While completely avoiding exposure to the fungus may be challenging, several preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection:

1. Maintain good personal hygiene, including regular bathing and thorough drying
2. Avoid sharing personal items like towels, combs, or clothing
3. Wear protective footwear in public showers and locker rooms
4. Keep skin clean and dry, especially in areas prone to sweating
5. Regularly wash and disinfect pet bedding and grooming tools

Athlete’s Foot: Not Just for Athletes

Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that primarily affects the feet. Despite its name, you don’t have to be an athlete to contract this condition. The fungus responsible for athlete’s foot thrives in warm, moist environments, making feet particularly vulnerable, especially when confined in shoes for extended periods.

This infection typically develops between the toes but can spread to other parts of the foot. The symptoms often include itching, burning sensations, and skin that appears cracked, peeling, or scaly. In severe cases, blisters may form.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Athlete’s Foot

• Walking barefoot in public areas like locker rooms or swimming pools
• Wearing tight, poorly ventilated shoes
• Having sweaty feet
• Sharing towels, shoes, or socks with an infected person
• Having a weakened immune system

How can you prevent athlete’s foot? Implementing the following strategies can significantly reduce your risk:

1. Wear shower shoes or sandals in public wet areas
2. Keep feet clean and dry, especially between toes
3. Change socks regularly, especially if feet tend to sweat
4. Alternate between different pairs of shoes to allow them to dry completely
5. Use antifungal powder in shoes and on feet

Jock Itch: Beyond the Locker Room

Jock itch, or tinea cruris, is a fungal infection that affects the groin area. Despite its colloquial name suggesting it only affects athletes or men, this condition can occur in anyone, regardless of gender or athletic involvement. The infection thrives in warm, moist areas, making the groin particularly susceptible.

Characterized by a raised, red, itchy rash often with a distinct border, jock itch can cause significant discomfort. The rash typically affects the inner thighs, buttocks, and genitals but may spread to nearby areas.

Factors Contributing to Jock Itch

• Excessive sweating
• Wearing tight or wet clothing for extended periods
• Being overweight or obese
• Having a weakened immune system
• Friction from tight clothing or skin-on-skin contact

Is jock itch preventable? While it’s not always possible to avoid exposure to the fungus that causes jock itch, several preventive measures can reduce your risk:

1. Keep the groin area clean and dry
2. Wear loose-fitting, breathable underwear
3. Change out of damp clothes, including swimwear, promptly
4. Use antifungal powders or sprays in vulnerable areas
5. Avoid sharing personal items like towels or underwear

Nail Fungus: More Than Just a Cosmetic Concern

Nail fungus, medically termed onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects both fingernails and toenails. This infection occurs when fungi invade one or more nails, leading to discoloration, thickening, and often brittleness of the affected nails. While it may start as a cosmetic issue, untreated nail fungus can lead to more serious complications, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems or circulation problems.

Identifying nail fungus early is crucial for effective treatment. The infection typically begins as a small spot of discoloration on the nail and can gradually spread, affecting the entire nail and potentially other nails as well.

Recognizing Signs of Nail Fungus

• Thickened nails
• Discoloration (often yellow, brown, or white)
• Brittle or crumbly nail texture
• Distorted nail shape
• Foul odor emanating from the nail

How can nail fungus be prevented? While complete prevention may not always be possible, several strategies can significantly reduce the risk of developing nail fungus:

1. Keep nails short, clean, and dry
2. Wear breathable footwear and moisture-wicking socks
3. Use antifungal sprays or powders in shoes
4. Avoid walking barefoot in public areas like pools or locker rooms
5. Don’t share nail clippers or other nail care tools
6. Choose nail salons that properly sterilize their tools

Gym Hygiene: Protecting Yourself in Shared Spaces

Gyms and fitness centers, while beneficial for health, can also be breeding grounds for various fungal infections. The combination of shared equipment, humid environments, and close contact with others creates an ideal setting for fungi to thrive and spread. However, with proper hygiene practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting a fungal infection while maintaining your fitness routine.

Understanding the potential risks and implementing preventive measures is key to enjoying a safe and healthy gym experience. From proper attire to post-workout habits, every aspect of your gym routine plays a role in fungal infection prevention.

Essential Gym Hygiene Practices

• Wear appropriate footwear in locker rooms and showers
• Use a clean towel to create a barrier between you and shared equipment
• Wipe down equipment before and after use
• Avoid sitting on benches with bare skin
• Change out of sweaty clothes immediately after working out
• Wash gym clothes and towels after each use

Why is post-workout hygiene crucial? Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, making sweaty gym clothes an ideal breeding ground. By changing into clean, dry clothes promptly after exercising, you reduce the risk of fungal overgrowth on your skin.

Home Prevention Strategies: Creating a Fungus-Free Environment

While public spaces like gyms pose a risk for fungal infections, your home can also harbor conditions favorable to fungal growth. Implementing effective prevention strategies in your daily routine and home environment can significantly reduce the risk of developing fungal infections.

Creating a fungus-free environment at home involves a combination of personal hygiene practices, proper clothing choices, and maintaining clean, dry living spaces. By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can minimize the risk of fungal overgrowth and protect yourself and your family from common fungal infections.

Key Home Prevention Tactics

• Keep skin clean and thoroughly dry, especially in skin folds and between toes
• Change underwear and socks daily, or more frequently if they become damp
• Allow shoes to air out between uses and wash them regularly
• Use antifungal powders or sprays in shoes and on feet
• Avoid walking barefoot, especially in damp areas of the home like bathrooms
• Regularly clean and disinfect bathroom surfaces, especially shower areas

How does proper ventilation help prevent fungal growth? Good air circulation reduces humidity levels in your home, creating an environment less conducive to fungal growth. Consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas and ensure adequate ventilation in bathrooms and closets.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Fungal Infections

While many fungal skin infections can be effectively treated with over-the-counter medications, certain situations warrant professional medical attention. Recognizing when to consult a healthcare provider is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring appropriate treatment.

It’s important to note that some skin conditions may resemble fungal infections but require different treatments. A healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most effective course of action.

Signs You Should See a Doctor

• Persistent symptoms despite over-the-counter treatment
• Spread of infection to large areas of the body
• Development of severe pain, swelling, or redness
• Presence of fever or other systemic symptoms
• Recurrent infections
• Weakened immune system or underlying health conditions

What treatment options might a doctor recommend? Depending on the type and severity of the infection, a healthcare provider may prescribe:

1. Stronger topical antifungal medications
2. Oral antifungal drugs for more severe or persistent infections
3. Combination therapies for complex cases
4. Additional tests to rule out other conditions or identify underlying factors

By staying vigilant about fungal skin infections and taking proactive steps to prevent them, you can maintain healthy skin and overall well-being. Remember, while these infections are rarely serious in healthy individuals, prompt attention and proper care are key to quick resolution and prevention of recurrence.

Pictures of Fungal Skin Infections

Medically Reviewed by Debra Jaliman, MD on August 20, 2022

Fungal skin infections can be itchy and annoying, but they’re rarely serious. Common infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm are caused by fungus and are easy to get and to pass around. In healthy people, they usually don’t spread beyond the skin’s surface, so they’re easy to treat. If you spend a lot of time at the gym, take steps to protect yourself against fungal infections.

Ringworm isn’t caused by worms. This raised, red, circular, itchy fungal infection can occur on the body or scalp. You’re at greater risk if you come in contact with a pet or person with ringworm or with contaminated items. Prevent it by keeping your body clean and dry. It’s easily spread, so don’t share towels, combs, or other personal items.

Itchy, burning, cracked, and peeling feet? Athlete’s foot is a form of ringworm that usually develops between the toes. It can spread via wet locker room floors and contaminated towels and shoes. Prevent it by wearing shower shoes at the gym, washing your feet daily, drying them well, and wearing clean socks.

A raised, itchy, red rash around your groin means you probably have jock itch, which can affect men and women. It’s another type of ringworm, and it can be caused by sweating and the humid environment often created by athletic gear. You can prevent it by keeping your groin clean and dry, changing into dry, clean clothes and underwear every day, and avoiding tight clothing.

Brittle, discolored, thick nails may mean you have nail fungus. It can affect fingernails or toenails. Prevent nail fungus by keeping hands and feet clean and dry, wearing dry socks and changing them often, wearing shoes in a public shower, pool, or locker room, and not scratching infected skin, such as athlete’s foot. Wear wide-toed shoes (so toes aren’t crammed together), and don’t share nail clippers.

Change out of your gym clothes right after a workout. Sweaty gear provides a perfect home for fungi and other germs to thrive and grow. Wash exercise clothes after each use. Wear clean clothes before each workout.

To prevent fungal infections from taking a foothold at home, your best defense is to keep skin clean and dry. Change underwear and socks daily. Let your sneakers air out and wash them regularly. Take your shoes off at home to expose your feet to the air.

To fight fungal infections at the gym, wear shower shoes in the locker room and avoid sitting on wet benches. Don’t share workout mats or towels. Wash your hands before and after a workout, and don’t forget to wipe down gym equipment before and after using it.

Despite your best efforts at prevention, you think you have a fungal infection. Now what? First, talk to your doctor. Other skin problems can look a lot like fungal infections, but require different treatment. For mild infections, topical medication may be all you need. Stubborn infections could require oral prescription drugs.

Fungal skin and nail infections may look bad, but they rarely lead to more than itching and irritation. Still, if you’re worried about your jock itch, athlete’s foot, or any rash, talk to your health care provider.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1)   Comstock
2)   Copyright © 2011 Dr. H.C. Robinson / Photo Researchers, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
3)   Copyright © 2011 SPL / Photo Researchers, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
4)   Copyright © 2011 Dr. Harout Tanielian / Photo Researchers, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
5)   Copyright © 2011 Dr. P. Marazzi / Photo Researchers, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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7)   Helena Wahlman / Maskot
8)   Sanna Lindberg / PhotoAlto Agency RF Collections
9)   ALLESALLTAG BILDAGENT
10)   Terje Rakke / The Image Bank

SOURCES:

American Academy of Family Physicians: “Tinea Infections: Athlete’s Foot, Jock Itch and Ringworm,” “Fungal Infections of Fingernails and Toenails.”

CDC: “Lurking in the Locker Room. “

KidsHealth: “Fungal Infections,” “Jock Itch.”

National Institutes of Health: “Athlete’s Foot.”

PubMed Health: “Ringworm.”

Simmons College: “Gym Hygiene: How to Reduce the Risk of Infections in the Gym.”

University of California, Davis: “Nail Fungal Infections.”

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas: “Health Watch – Toxic Gym Clothes.”

© 2022 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. View privacy policy and trust info

Pictures of Skin Infections

Medically Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian, MD on February 22, 2023

Like an onion, your skin has layers. When it comes to infections, usually the deeper it is, the worse it can be. The first layer (epidermis) makes cells and gives you color. The second (dermis) makes oils to protect the skin and sweat to cool you. Its nerve endings help you feel heat, cold, and pain. The third layer (subcutaneous fat) attaches skin to muscles and bones, and helps control your temperature.

A cut in your skin — from an injury or surgery, for example — makes it easier for germs to get in, and that can lead to infection. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause them. Bacteria are living organisms that are all around you. Many are harmless or even good for you, but some can cause problems. Viruses are tiny particles that can only grow inside other living cells. Fungi are living organisms that feed off other living things.

Ones caused by bacteria usually can be cured with antibiotics, though some bacteria have become resistant to the drugs and are harder to kill. Medication or prescription creams can stop most fungal infections, and there are several ways to treat viruses. Your doctor may recommend antiviral medicines, or they might need to remove skin growths. In other cases, your symptoms may go away on their own.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterial infection that antibiotics don’t always stop. It can cause an abscess — pus in your tissue. If you have one, your doctor may drain it and not give you medicine. People who’ve been in a hospital or other facility, like a nursing home, are most likely to get MRSA. Those who often have skin-to-skin contact with others, like wrestlers or child care workers, can get it, too.

This is a serious bacterial skin infection that happens most often on your lower leg, but it can be anywhere on your skin. The area may get swollen, hot, and tender. It can be very serious if it’s in deeper tissue and gets in your bloodstream. If you have red streaks on your skin, fever, chills, and aches, see your doctor right away. In serious cases, you’ll need IV antibiotics — a needle in your hand or arm that puts medicine into a vein.

This is a bacterial infection that’s common in preschool and school-age children. It can cause blisters and sores on the face, neck, hands, or diaper area. It often happens after the skin has been irritated by another problem like a cut, scrape, or rash. It can be cleared up with antibiotics (in ointment, pill, or liquid form).

Also known as flesh-eating bacteria, this is a life-threatening infection that spreads quickly and kills your body’s soft tissue (muscle, fat, and other tissue that connects muscles to bones). If you’re healthy, have a strong immune system, and bathe or shower often, you’re not likely to get it. If you do have it, you’ll need antibiotics put directly into one of your veins, and a surgeon will remove the infected tissue. 

This happens when follicles — tiny pouches of skin that hold the roots of your hair — get inflamed and cause red, itchy, burning skin, tenderness, and pain. It’s usually brought on by bacteria, but fungi and viruses can cause it, too. Folliculitis often goes away on its own, but if it doesn’t, your doctor may give you an antibiotic or antifungal cream.

A boil is a sore that starts as a red, tender bump, gets more painful as it fills with pus, and finally bursts. It happens when bacteria infect one or more hair follicles, often getting in through a cut or insect bite. A carbuncle is a cluster of boils under your skin. A warm washcloth on the area is usually enough to ease pain and help boils drain, but if it’s large, your doctor may make a small cut to let the fluid out.

This is typically linked to sores in the genital area in both men and women, caused by a form of the herpes virus (type 2). Once you’re infected, the virus stays in your body, but it doesn’t always cause sores. Your doctor can give you medicine to control outbreaks. It’s contagious, so you shouldn’t have sex when you have an outbreak. If you do, tell your partner, and use a condom so you’re less likely to pass it on.

The type 1 herpes virus causes these on your lips or mouth, and they can be painful and embarrassing. Most people get the virus as children from contact with people who have it. The virus stays in your body, and sores may break out when you’re sick, anxious, or overtired. They usually go away on their own, but prescription drugs can help control outbreaks.

This virus affects your whole body and is mainly known for its itchy rash. Most of the time, it goes away within a week. It’s very contagious, so if you have it, stay home and rest until it’s gone. Once you’ve had chickenpox, you won’t get it again, but you may have an outbreak of shingles later in life — a painful, itchy rash. Vaccines can make you less likely to get chickenpox and shingles, or make you less sick if you do get one of them.

This virus causes smooth, firm, mounds of skin with a dimple in the center, and you get it from contact with people who have it or things they’ve touched. The itchy, painful sores can show up almost anywhere on your body — as small as a pinhead or as big as a pencil eraser. They usually disappear in 6 to 12 months, but your doctor may give you a cream or suggest office treatments that freeze or scrape the nodules away.

This fungal infection causes red, itchy, ring-shaped rashes on the top layer of your skin. It can show up anywhere on your body, and it’s very contagious. Many types of fungi can cause it, and they’re all around you. They can live on your skin as well as on floors, countertops, clothing, towels, and bedsheets. A number of antifungal creams, sprays, and pills can get rid of the infection, but it sometimes comes back in problem areas.

The same types of fungi that cause ringworm can cause this, too. It often shows up on the bottom of your feet and between your toes, where it’s dark and moist. It can make them itchy, dry, and cracked, and can sometimes cause bleeding. Many locker room floors are covered in it, so use rubber flip-flops at the gym — and clean them often. Keep your feet clean and dry to keep it from coming back.

Tiny creatures can burrow into your skin and feed or lay eggs, which can cause red, irritated, itchy skin. Lice are common parasites, especially in children. They affect the scalp and pass easily from person to person. Other skin parasites are mites (scabies) and hookworm, called “creeping eruption.” Special creams, lotions, or shampoos can get rid of them, and they don’t often cause long-term problems.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1) ttsz / Thinkstock

2) PobladuraFCG / Thinkstock

3) rank600 / Thinkstock

4) Eraxion / Thinkstock

5) SPL / Science Source

6) SCOTT CAMAZINE / Getty Images

7) Dr. Kenneth Greer / Thinkstock

8) Allan Harris / Medical Images

9) Watney Collection / Medical Images

10) Luis  M. de la Maza / Medical Images

11) dabjola / Thinkstock

12) abdone / Thinkstock

13) Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

14) alejandrophotography / Getty Images

15) Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

16) Eye of Science / Science Source

SOURCES:

American Academy of Dermatology: “The layers of your skin,” “Scabies.”

CDC: “Genital Herpes – CDC Fact Sheet,” “Necrotizing Fasciitis: A Rare Disease, Especially for the Healthy,” “Ringworm.”

John Hopkins Medicine: “Parasitic Infections of the Skin.”

Mayo Clinic: “Molluscum Contagiosum,” “Cellulitis,” “Folliculitis,” “Boils and carbuncles,” “Shingles. ”

Nemours Foundation: “Impetigo,” “Chickenpox,” “Ringworm.”

Stanford: “Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in the Inpatient Setting.”

© 2023 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. View privacy policy and trust info

Thrush in men: treatment of thrush in men, symptoms of candidiasis in men

Men, having discovered the pronounced symptoms of candidiasis, often ask themselves the question: “Do men have thrush?”. In fact, the fungi that cause thrush are present in the normal microflora of the colon and mouth. However, under a combination of adverse circumstances, these fungi begin to actively multiply, which, as a result, leads to the appearance of such an ailment as candidiasis in men.

General information about thrush in men

In the presence of such a disease as thrush in men, the symptoms, treatment and prevention of this disease depend on how the disease progresses.

What is thrush?

Thrush is a type of yeast infection caused by Candida albicans that can develop in the mouth and throat, skin, and genitals. Fungal infections of the genital organs are more common in women, but also occur in men. Mushrooms produce various enzymes (lipotic, protelytic, saccharolytic) that irritate sensitive nerve endings located on the mucosa. The effect of these enzymes on the body and explains the clinical signs of thrush in men.

Causes of thrush in men

Signs of thrush in men are less common, due to the fact that the Candida fungus does not linger in the body, but is washed out during urination.

Causes of thrush in men are endogenous (internal) and exogenous (external) in nature.

Causes of thrush in men:

• weakened immune system;
• poor hygiene;
• sexually transmitted infection from a woman;
• prolonged or uncontrolled use of various antibiotics, drugs;
• frequent change of climatic zones;
• emotional upheavals: the presence of nervous breakdowns, stressful conditions;
• diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar contributes to the development of a yeast infection).

In addition, when candidiasis occurs in men, the cause of the disease can be “hidden” in the dysbacteriosis of the mucous membranes, various dysfunctions of the mucosal barrier that occur due to trauma, inflammation and maceration.

What do the symptoms of thrush look like in men?

Male thrush usually affects the glans penis, causing irritation, discharge and redness. The inside of the foreskin may swell. Candidiasis is more common in uncircumcised men. This is because the conditions under the foreskin are favorable for the development of the fungus. Also, when a disease such as thrush occurs in men, the symptoms have characteristic signs for all types of the disease – itching and a whitish coating on the mucous membrane. For self-visual diagnosis of candidiasis, it is enough to know what thrush looks like on shorts. It leaves characteristic traces – thick, white or slightly yellowish discharge.
Picture of thrush in men (initial stage)

Symptoms of thrush in men

The manifestation of thrush in men depends on what affects the disease. On the skin, candidiasis in men manifests itself in the form of redness and the appearance of vesicles on the skin, and on the mucous membranes – in the form of inflammation of the infectious nature of the oral cavity and urethra.

Symptoms of thrush in men:

• there is itching, burning on the foreskin, as well as on the glans penis;
• white discharge appears from the site of the lesion, resembling cottage cheese;
• the penis becomes swollen;
• discharge has a pungent odor;
• during urination there is a white discharge that looks like semen;
• the process of sexual intercourse, as well as urination, is accompanied by pain in the genital area.

When candidiasis occurs in men, the symptoms and treatment of this disease depend on how quickly the incubation period has passed. Basically, this period takes 14-21 days, during which the fungi actively multiply in the body, but do not yet give visible symptoms.

How to treat thrush in men

After the first symptoms of thrush appear (listed above), a urologist and a dermatovenereologist know how to treat this disease.

If candidiasis is caused by endocrine disorders, treatment is prescribed by an endocrinologist after consultation.

To establish the diagnosis, the patient will need to take a smear for bacterioscopic examination and bacteriological culture. Additionally, the following tests may be prescribed:

• for the presence of genital infections;
• blood sugar test;
• for the Wasserman reaction;
• general blood and urine analysis.

If the appearance of thrush has other causes (sugar, infection of the genital organs, etc.), then appropriate treatment is carried out by narrow specialists. If only one thrush is found, symptomatic treatment with local preparations for thrush is prescribed.

Thrush in men is 4 times less common than in women. Therefore, among the variety of medicinal preparations for women (creams, gels, ointments, suppositories for thrush, vaginal tablets), only ointments and antifungal tablets are used to treat men.

Among the ointments, the following medicines are distinguished.

• Pimafucin.
• Ointment Levomekol.
• Candide b.
• Nystatin.
• Cream Ecodax.
• Clotrimazole.
• Metronidazole.

Thrush is a disease that requires timely treatment, because there is a risk of complications.

If the disease has developed as a result of infection from a sexual partner, then the treatment of thrush in men requires the use of drugs locally, and in some cases internally, by both partners.

If the disease has caused a number of complications, turned into a chronic form, complex treatment of thrush is required. So, in combination with local drugs, antifungal tablets are prescribed. This approach in therapy will allow you to get rid of the signs of candidiasis already for 2-3 days. Such tablets from thrush have proven themselves well:

• Pimafucin.
• Futsis.
• Diflucan.
• Nizoral.
• Medoflucon.
• Nistanin.

Before using any drug, be sure to consult your doctor!

Diet for thrush

If candidiasis occurs in men, treatment includes not only medication, but also diet.

How to treat thrush in men with diet?

What should be excluded from the diet?

• Sweet and starchy foods: sweets, chocolate, sweet fruits, dried fruit, jam, honey, ice cream and other “simple” carbohydrates.
• Starchy products such as sweet pastries, bread. Cut down on potatoes, corn, rice, and other similar foods.
• Marinades , canned foods, smoked products.
• Some fermented milk products – ryazhenka, milk, cottage cheese.
• Products of fermentation or which may cause fermentation and contain live yeast and live fungi. Among such products: grapes and other sweet fruits, blue cheeses, kvass, beer, wines, bread, and so on.
• Certain beverages such as caffeinated coffee and tea, sugary drinks and alcohol.
• Certain nuts including peanuts, pistachios and cashews.
• Tobacco.

What should be included in the diet?

• Non-starchy vegetables including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions and tomatoes.
• Low sugar fruits such as citrus fruits, olives and berries, but only in moderation.
• Lean proteins including chicken, eggs and fish.
• Healthy fats such as avocado, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil and linseed oil.
• Gluten-free grains such as quinoa, oat bran, buckwheat and rice.
• Nuts and seeds such as almonds, coconut, linseed and sunflower seeds.
• Certain dairy products such as butter and ghee, and products containing live active cultures such as kefir and yogurt (natural).
• Probiotics.

Sexual contact during thrush

Although it is possible for a man with candidiasis to have sex, most doctors do not recommend it until the infection has cleared. In addition, men may abstain from sexual activity during thrush to minimize pain and itching. Sex during this period is not only uncomfortable, but can cause candidiasis in men to last longer, cause symptoms to return if they have recently cleared up after treatment, and increase the partner’s risk of developing the disease.

For a more detailed answer to this question, see our article “Is it possible to have sex with thrush?”

Complications of male candidiasis and consequences

If left untreated, advanced thrush in men can turn into a chronic form, and periodic exacerbations will greatly impair the quality of life. With untimely treatment, the structure of the urethral mucosa may be disturbed, which makes it difficult to urinate, the inflammatory process can rise to the prostate gland and bladder. It also reduces the sensitivity of the nerve endings of the penis. With advanced candidiasis, there may be a complete lack of libido and a manifestation of sexual dysfunction. That is why it is necessary to diagnose and begin treatment of thrush in a timely manner, without waiting for complications.

Prevention of thrush

Prevention of thrush in men includes the following recommendations:

1. Strengthen your immunity and health, get enough sleep and try to avoid stress. In addition, it is better to stop drinking alcohol and smoking.
2. Maintain personal hygiene.
3. Avoid casual sex and unprotected sex.
4. Do regular self-examination of the genitals for various changes.
5. Do not use deodorants, talcum powder, perfumed soaps or shower gels on the genitals. They can cause irritation.
6. Wear loose cotton underwear to avoid creating a wet environment for Candida to grow.
7. Avoid tight underwear and pants/shorts.
8. Be sure to visit your urologist twice a year. Such visits help diagnose diseases at an early stage and start timely treatment.

How thrush is transmitted – Healthy family

Thrush is a disease caused by the fungus Candida. From this came the medical name of this disease – candidiasis, most common in women. A fungal infection affects the mucous membranes of the vagina and causes the growth of pathogenic microflora.

Causes of thrush:

• Taking antibiotics that destroy the normal microflora;
• climate change;
• Change of sexual partner;
• Wearing tight synthetic underwear;
• Use of poor quality tampons and pads;
• Pregnancy;
• Severe stress;
• Diabetes mellitus;
• Malnutrition, abuse of sweets;
• Use of hormonal contraceptives;
• Non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene.

Unfortunately, if a woman has thrush, she can infect her family members as well. When asked if thrush is transmitted to a child, the answer is unequivocal: it is transmitted. This happens frequently during childbirth. Older children, just like men, can become infected by household means: through a towel, bed linen, etc.

How is thrush transmitted from woman to man?

Is thrush transmitted orally? Definitely yes. Candidiasis in men most often occurs through oral sex. If a woman is sick, then the fungus settles on the mucous membrane of the man’s mouth, and later, through a kiss, through saliva, it can infect other people. At the same time, it is unambiguously difficult to answer the question of whether thrush is sexually transmitted. Men, as a rule, are not at risk of contracting candidiasis even after unprotected intercourse, since the stronger sex has better health and a stable hormonal background. However, in some cases, the disease can be transmitted. Therefore, it will not be superfluous at the time of illness to completely refrain from sexual intercourse or to protect yourself. A fungal infection will not penetrate through a condom.

What are the symptoms of thrush?

There are a lot of photos on the net where you can see how the fungus affects the mucous membrane of a woman’s intimate organs. With this disease, an increased amount of vaginal discharge appears, which is a white curdled mass, has an unpleasant smell of rotten fish and causes itching and burning in the vulva. The asymptomatic form of thrush is also rare, when a woman does not experience any discomfort, and candidiasis is detected after taking smears at a gynecologist’s appointment. What consequences in men and women can occur if you do not pay attention to the symptoms of the disease and leave it without treatment? The infection will multiply rapidly in the body and can cause other concomitant diseases, such as cystitis in women, urethritis and prostatitis in men, and in the most advanced cases, candidiasis can cause infertility. And although many treat thrush negligently and believe that if left untreated, no consequences can arise, this is an erroneous opinion.

Women often develop thrush during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations. While carrying a child, it is useless to fight it, but on the eve of childbirth, treatment for this disease is mandatory. After all, thrush during childbirth and its consequences for the child can be deplorable. During childbirth, a child will get sick with candidiasis, in which case a white coating appears on the mucous membrane in the baby’s mouth, which gives the newborn discomfort. He cannot breastfeed and cries all the time.
As for the symptoms of thrush in men, most often it is redness of the foreskin of the penis, dryness and peeling of the skin, itching.

How to treat thrush?

Candidiasis is treated in two stages: the first stage is to get rid of the fungal infection. The doctor usually prescribes vaginal suppositories or tablets to the woman, which bring relief after only a few applications. Pimafucin, livarol, polygynax – the pharmaceutical industry provides a wide range of drugs to get rid of this disease. The course of treatment for women is from three to seven days. At the second stage of treatment of thrush, an important role is played by the colonization of the mucosa with beneficial lactobacilli. For this, there are preparations in the form of suppositories. It is undesirable to have sex with thrush, because during this period it is easy to damage the vaginal mucosa, which is deprived of natural protection.

In men, treatment consists of an antifungal cream applied to the penis. Thrush in the mouth is treated with antifungal agents, vitamins, mouth rinses with disinfectant and alkaline solutions, resorption of lozenges with bactericidal properties, and the use of dental gels. If you answer the question of how to treat chronic thrush, then first of all it is important to observe the correct lifestyle and hygiene. You should wash yourself with water using special means for intimate hygiene, wear only cotton underwear, consume more fermented milk products, and limit sweets in the diet.