Signs and Symptoms of Male Yeast Infections

Like women, men can get yeast infections both internally and externally. Some common yeast infections in men include jock itch, athlete's foot and ringworm. Candida albicans is a fungus that lives on the skin along with the body's natural bacteria. Sometimes, this candida can overproduce and cause yeast infections on a man's skin. The candida overgrowth can often be a result of systemic yeast, which is also a fungal infection.

Candidiasis

• Just like on the skin, candida albicans also lives naturally in the digestive tract and large intestines. Often, yeast infections, even those that occur on the skin, will originate in the large intestines. The candida can over-proliferate in the colon when a man uses too many antibiotics or corticosteroids. The candida overgrowth may also be caused by a poor diet, food allergies or even chlorinated water. As the yeast dies, it emits toxins. Parasites can also enter the body because of yeast. If a systemic yeast problem is left untreated, these foreign bodies can enter the blood and settle in one's cells and organs. This can cause numerous symptoms and yeast problems in other areas of the body.

Fatigue

• Men can also feel fatigued from yeast infections, especially if their problem is more systemic in nature. When the body's natural bacteria fight the yeast, it temporarily weakens the immune system. It can make a man more prone to parasite invasions, which can weaken immunity. Yeast and parasites rob the body of nutrition. Parasites thrive on yeast, and yeast feeds on gluten, sugar and other nutrients. This can cause one to feel lethargic and tired.

Jock Itch

• Jock itch can be caused by systemic yeast or from overexposure to wet or sweaty clothing. It usually appears in the groin area, upper thighs and buttocks. Signs of jock itch are scaly, red patches on the skin that can ooze or blister. These patches of skin are usually redder around the edges. Jock itch does not usually appear on the scrotum or penis, but it can be transferred to females during sexual intercourse.

Athlete's Foot

• Athlete's foot, or tenia pedis, is another type of yeast infection that affects men. It can be a symptom of candida overgrowth in the colon, or be caused by the prolonged use of sweaty or wet socks. Men who wear shoes all day, especially tight ones, do not get much air circulation on their feet. The warmth and moisture in this provides an ideal environment for athlete's foot. Anti-fungal creams are usually used to treat this condition. However, oral antibiotics may be required with more severe cases.

Mouth Thrush

• Mouth or oral thrush is another symptom of a yeast infection. It attacks the mucous membranes of the mouth. It can affect the tongue, inside the cheeks, the roof of the mouth and even the throat and esophagus. It usually appears as slightly-raised white, cream-colored or yellow spots. These spots do not usually hurt, but can bleed if one tries to scrape them.

Other Symptoms

• In addition to skin yeast infections, men can experience migraines, gastritis, thickened mucus in the nose and throat, asthma, allergies, joint and muscle pain, and even autoimmune diseases (e.g. fibromyalgia, Crohn's disease) because of systemic yeast infections. One or more of these symptoms can accompany any of the skin conditions. However, a man may not get a specific skin yeast condition, yet still have itching (e.g. scrotum from food allergies).