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Treatments for Yeast Infections in Men

Mention a yeast infection in a roomful of women, and most of them will start to squirm. However, men are susceptible to yeast infections. As with women, these infections can cause a great deal of discomfort until they are successfully treated.

  1. Genital Yeast Infections

    • Contrary to popular opinion, men can get genital yeast infections just as women do. Men with a weakened immune system, such as from other diseases, are more likely to develop a genital yeast infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, it normally presents itself as a red, itchy rash on or around the penis. Men can use a topical antifungal medication marketed for vaginal yeast infections to treat a genital yeast infection.

    Oral Yeast Infections

    • An oral yeast infection, also called oropharyngeal candidiasis or thrush, is a yeast infection of the mouth or throat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), yeast infections of the throat are uncommon. Although thrush is most common in infants, adults who have recently used antibiotics or those with compromised immune systems (such as the elderly) can also develop this kind of infection. Treatment is normally with antifungal lozenges or mouthwashes.

    Skin Yeast Infections

    • According to the National Institutes of Health, young adult men and male teenagers are particularly prone to a type of yeast infection on the skin called tinea versicolor. The yeast that causes this infection occurs normally on everyone's skin. When the yeast colonizes and overproduces, it can create pinkish patches or, on people with dark or tanned skin, white patches and spots. It can be treated with antifungal creams or ointments. Another popular treatment is using a dandruff shampoo as a lotion on the affected areas for one to two weeks, leaving it on for ten minutes and then rinsing it off.

    Systemic Yeast Infections

    • A systemic yeast infection is one that has infected the entire body, including the blood. According to the CDC, this type of infection is rare in healthy persons. Men who have recently had surgery or have another disease that compromises their immune systems (such as diabetes or HIV) are more likely to develop a systemic yeast infection. Systemic yeast infections can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other types of illness, such as the flu. These include fever, chills and aching joints. A blood test can confirm if a person has a systemic yeast infection. Treatment can be through antifungal pills or as a fluid administered via IV (intravenously).

    Warning

    • Most types of yeast infections are not contagious, but rather involves an overproduction of the yeast which occurs naturally on and in the body. However, a man with a genital yeast infection can infect a woman with whom he has had unprotected sex. Until both partners have been successfully treated for the yeast infection, it is possible for them to pass the infection back and forth.

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