Like vaginal yeast infections, penile yeast infections are easily treated with antifungal drugs called azoles. There are a number of over-the-counter and prescription-based topical medicines available, including: clotrimazole (Lotrimin) miconazole (Monistat)
Male yeast infections are mainly treated with antifungal drugs applied directly to the skin of the penis. Depending on the severity, an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antifungal cream, lotion, or ointment may be recommended. Some may also need to take an antifungal by mouth to fully kill the fungus.
Male yeast infections are not very common, but they do happen. A male yeast infection can cause redness, pain, swelling, itching, sores, and discharge from the tip of the penis. A male yeast infection will often clear up on its own. If not, it might require an OTC or prescription medication.
Any man can develop a yeast infection, but certain things increase the risk: Being uncircumcised: The warm and moist environment underneath the foreskin encourages yeast to grow. This is especially true if the foreskin isn't pulled back during bathing to clean the area underneath.
Thrush may disappear without treatment. However, if it does not go away, and if treatment does not remove the infection, it is important to see a doctor to rule out other possible problems, such as diabetes, which can make infection more likely. Screening for STIs may be appropriate.
Treating Penile Yeast Infections
Like vaginal yeast infections, penile yeast infections are easily treated with antifungal drugs called azoles. There are a number of over-the-counter and prescription-based topical medicines available, including: clotrimazole (Lotrimin) miconazole (Monistat)
Moist skin on the penis, possibly with areas of a thick, white substance collecting in skin folds. Areas of shiny, white skin on the penis. Redness, itching or a burning sensation on the penis.
About clotrimazole for thrush Brand name: Canesten
It's used to treat yeast infections, including thrush in men and women, although thrush is more common in women.
Clotrimazole 1% and miconazole 1% are the first-line treatments for yeast infections. Those who are allergic to these medications can use nystatin cream instead. A person can apply these OTC topical antifungals for 1–3 weeks .
You'll often need anti-fungal medicine to get rid of thrush. Your GP or pharmacist (see section below) can advise you about treating thrush. Thrush should clear up within a week with treatment. You don't need to treat partners, unless they have symptoms.
If you are using a vaginal medicine, don't have sex until you have finished your treatment. But if you do have sex, don't depend on a latex condom or diaphragm for birth control. The oil in some vaginal medicines weakens latex. Don't douche or use powders, sprays, or perfumes in your vagina or on your vulva.
Taking an antifungal medication for three to seven days will usually clear a yeast infection. Antifungal medications — which are available as creams, ointments, tablets and suppositories — include miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole.
In men, symptoms of thrush can include: redness at the site of infection, often at the head of the penis and the foreskin, although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin. itching and irritation at the site of the infection (often at the head of the penis) thick, lumpy discharge under the foreskin.
Because candida loves to grow in warm, moist conditions, thrush can develop if you do not dry your penis properly after showering. Candida also grows on skin which is already damaged, so avoid using perfumed soaps or shower gels, which could irritate your penis.
About 15% of men get an itchy rash on the penis if they have unprotected sex with a woman who has a yeast infection. If this happens to your partner, he should see a doctor. Men who haven't been circumcised and men with diabetes are at higher risk.
Most mild yeast infections usually go away on their own if proper hygiene is followed. Your doctor may prescribe antifungal creams or oral medications to help manage your symptoms better. However, untreated and serious infections of the penis can cause problems with the prostate.
Douching. Your vagina is self-cleaning. "When a woman douches, she is negatively altering the delicate balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina. This is a set-up for either the development of a yeast infection or worsening of an existing infection," says Millheiser.
Yogurt with live bacterial cultures. Fermented foods such as kimchi, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, and pickles. Supplements containing lactobacillus or acidophilus.
Balanitis. Around 10% of males will develop balanitis—irritation near the head of the penis, often caused by a yeast infection. 9 Candida can multiply in folds of the skin, where moisture can develop or where people may not wash effectively.
Having an immune system which isn't working properly - due to conditions such as AIDS or medicines such as steroids or chemotherapy. A tight foreskin. This can make it difficult to get the area under the foreskin clean and dry which makes a build-up of the thrush germ more likely.