Men suffer from thrush much less than women. This is explained by the fact that the fungus is washed out of the urethra by urine. Physiologically, candidiasis rarely affects the genitals of men. The manifestation of thrush in the stronger sex is an alarming symptom, which indicates a decrease in immunity or the presence of other genital infections. Therefore, if a male thrush is concerned, it is important not to get carried away with self-medication, but to immediately go through an examination with a specialized doctor.
In rare cases, candidiasis occurs due to the introduction of infection with bedding, clothes, dirty hands. At present, balanoposthitis and candida balanitis are classified as sexually transmitted diseases. Often a predisposing factor contributing to the development of these diseases is diabetes. Male thrush is practically not found in people with circumcised foreskin.
The clinical picture of the disease has many options. In a mild degree, the disease appears on the glans penis soon after sexual intercourse in the form of moderate hyperemia, irritation or burning of the skin. These symptoms quickly go away.
In some cases, small papules form on the skin of the penis, which are transformed into superficial vesicles or pustules, which develop upon opening in erosion with a whitish, curd-like coating of thrush. Often these manifestations quickly pass, but with complications they turn into persistent erosion, spreading to the scrotum and inguinal folds.
In patients with diabetes with impaired immune status, male thrush can be very difficult. Persistent swelling of the skin forms, ulcers appear. The foreskin undergoes infiltration, painful cracks occur, and exposure of the glans penis is difficult.
Active candidal infection in men is characterized by manifestations such as burning and itching, redness in the genital area, pain during sexual intercourse, swelling of the head and foreskin, the formation of a whitish coating, an unpleasant strong sour smell.
How to treat male thrush
Usually, at the initial stage of candidiasis in men, topical treatment is used. On the head of the penis apply drugs in the form of a cream. The procedure is performed twice a day, the course is a week. In any case, only the doctor can prescribe the duration of treatment and the type of drug. Self-medication can cause big problems.
In chronic forms of the disease, antifungal drugs are taken orally . Depending on the stage, drugs are prescribed that restore the microflora of the body, and antibacterial therapy is performed.
Treatment of male thrush must necessarily include the toilet of the head and preputial bag to remove pus, smegma, raids. To perform the procedure, baths are prescribed, consisting of disinfectant and anti-inflammatory solutions (solutions of potassium permanganate, soda, boric acid). A good effect is achieved when using specific anti-candidiasis creams with clotrimazole, lamisil, ginopevaril, which cover the foreskin twice a day with a thin layer, and then the glans penis, the duration of treatment is 5-7 days. A popular and effective drug is, for example, Candinorm cream.
During therapy, a certain diet should be followed, which excludes the intake of spicy, sweet, spicy and pickled dishes. The use of alcohol-containing drinks is unacceptable. To achieve a greater effect, it is necessary to refrain from sexual intercourse throughout the course of treatment. To activate and support the immune system, it is recommended to take vitamin complexes, immunostimulating drugs, since with a weakened immune system, male thrush can return.