Symptoms of male candidiasis include redness or swelling in the genital region, whitish plaques on the head of the penis, pain or a burning sensation when urinating, for example, which may arise due to infection with the fungus. Candida albicanswhich results in inflammation of the glans penis.
Despite being more common in the genital region, candidiasis can also appear in the mouth, intestine or skin, especially in fold areas, such as the groin, neck and navel regions. Generally, candidiasis in men manifests itself when the immune system is weakened, as happens during periods of great stress or when there is an illness, such as diabetes or HIV infection, for example.
It is important to consult a urologist or general practitioner whenever symptoms of male candidiasis appear so that the most appropriate treatment can be diagnosed and initiated. See more about candidiasis in men.
Symptoms of male candidiasis
The main symptoms of male candidiasis are:
- Itching in the head of the penis or foreskin;
- Red spots on the penis;
- Redness or swelling in the genital region;
- Pain or burning when urinating;
- Pain or discomfort during intimate contact;
- Whitish plaques on the head of the penis;
- Bad smell;
- Difficulty pulling the foreskin of the penis back;
- Dryness of the skin.
It is important to consult a urologist whenever symptoms of candidiasis appear, so that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that may have similar symptoms, such as genital herpes, gonorrhea or chlamydia, for example, can be diagnosed and ruled out, and thus begin treatment further. adequate. Check out the main symptoms of STIs in men.
Don’t ignore your symptoms!
To find out your risk of having candidiasis, select the symptoms presented in the following test:
The symptom test is only a guidance tool and does not serve as a diagnosis or replace a consultation with a urologist.
What to do in case of suspicion
When there is a suspicion of having candidiasis, it is very important to consult a urologist to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment with an antifungal ointment and/or associated oral medications.
However, to alleviate symptoms at home, while waiting for your appointment, you should keep your intimate area very clean and dry, as well as avoid wearing synthetic or very tight clothing, in order to allow your skin to breathe.
In cases where candidiasis is very frequent or persistent, and in the absence of other factors such as anxiety, stress or colds, it is recommended that the man undergo a blood test to assess the possibility of having a disease that is damaging the immune system, such as diabetes or even an HIV infection.
How to treat candidiasis in men
Treatment for candidiasis in men can be done at home by taking antifungal medications, such as Fluconazole, and/or using an antifungal ointment, such as Nystatin, for approximately 7 to 10 days. See a more complete list of ointments used to treat candidiasis.
Furthermore, during treatment it is also important to avoid consuming sweet, sugary foods or sources of carbohydrates, as they favor the development of the fungus. Candida. Check out this and other tips to complete candidiasis treatment naturally.
Bibliography
- R, AN.; RAFIQ, N. B. IN: STATPEARLS (INTERNET). TREASURE ISLAND (FL): STATPEARLS PUBLISHING. Candidiasis. 2022. Available at: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560624/>. Accessed on October 31, 2022
- BORELLI, S.; LAUTENSCHLAGER, S. Differential diagnosis and management of balanitis. Dermatologist. 66.1; 6-11, 2015
- WRAY, A. A.; VELASQUEZ, J.; KHETARPAL, S. IN: STATPEARLS (INTERNET). TREASURE ISLAND (FL): STATPEARLS PUBLISHING. Balanitis. 2022. Available at: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537143/>. Accessed on October 31, 2022
- JANIER, M.; et al. Balanitis. Ann Dermatol Venereol. 143. 11; 770-772, 2016
