Candidiasis is a ubiquitous disease caused by fungi that belong to the genus Candida. It affects children and adults, regardless of gender. Mostly manifested on the skin and mucous membranes.
There are erased and distinct benign species: candidiasis of the oral cavity and pharynx, skin, genitals, rectal mucosa in the anus. Severe forms of the disease with an unfavorable prognosis are also found. These are systemic lesions of various organs and tissues: lungs, esophagus, stomach, intestines, kidneys, etc., leading to sepsis.
Clinical forms with superficial lesions in the genital area are most often observed. When it comes to candidiasis in men, they usually mean a disease of the urogenital tract, called thrush. When the first signs of the aforementioned ailment appear, you should immediately contact a urologist. Only the doctor will tell you how and how to treat candidiasis in men. Thrush is not at all as harmless as many people think: an untreated disease is dangerous because it can become chronic, and then recovery is not guaranteed.
Candidiasis in men. Symptoms
Thrush in men can manifest itself in several diseases: balanitis (balanoposthitis), urethritis, cystitis.
Balanitis is the most common form of urogenital candidiasis in men, which is characterized by inflammation of the glans penis. As a rule, it is combined with damage to the foreskin (balanoposthitis).
There are three clinical forms of this disease:
with the formation of ulcers, vesicles, red spots, films;
the appearance of rashes in the form of eczema and spotty-scaly foci of hyperemia;
damage to the inguinal and femoral-muscle folds, as well as the perianal region.
First of all, the process affects the head and foreskin, then the skin of the body of the penis, then the inguinal region, and lastly, the scrotum.
Mild swelling of the head and infiltration of the skin of the foreskin are observed. In the altered areas you can find a grayish-whitish coating, under which is an erosive red surface. On the head - small sores, on the foreskin - whitish plaque and cracks along the edge. Inflammation is accompanied by pain, burning, and itching. With the erased form, only hyperemia of the coronary sulcus and mass accumulation in the form of a white powder under the foreskin are observed. In addition, the appearance of papules and small erosions is possible.
Another sign of thrush in men is candidal urethritis, or inflammation of the urethra. It is characterized by pain during intercourse and urination, as well as white thick mucous discharge from the urethra.
Candidiasis in men can manifest as cystitis - inflammation of the bladder. At the same time, patients complain of frequent urination, pain and heaviness in this area. Urine is usually turbid, sometimes mixed with blood.
Candidiasis in men. What to treat?
There are many drugs for internal and local use. It can be tablets and capsules, as well as creams, ointments, chatters, solutions. According to what scheme and how to treat candidiasis in men, the doctor must determine. Therapy depends on the form of the disease. Self-medication is strongly discouraged.
How to treat candidiasis in men in acute form?
When balanoposthitis usually use local funds in the form of a cream with clotrimazole. Apply it with a thin layer on the head and foreskin for a week, twice a day. In some cases, appoint "Fluconazole" ("Flucostat") inside - 150 mg once.
To enhance the effect, general strengthening agents (vitamins) and immunomodulating drugs are prescribed, since candidiasis often occurs in immunodeficiency states and when the body's defenses are weakened.
How to treat candidiasis in men in chronic form?
As a rule, an acute disease can be treated very quickly, and the symptoms disappear after a few days. For this reason, many stop treatment ahead of time and thereby make a big mistake. The fact is that untreated candidiasis soon returns and gradually becomes chronic, which is difficult to get rid of. The reason may be insufficient dosage and duration of the course, individual insensitivity to antifungal drugs. Typically, chronic thrush is treated for several months, while prescribing drugs inside and local remedies. If candidiasis in a man worsens four times a year, the following regimen may be proposed: 100 mg of Fluconazole (Flucostat) orally once a week for several months. We repeat: self-medication is highly undesirable!
With thrush, it is important to follow a special diet. It is recommended to completely eliminate mold cheeses, yeast sweet pastries, bread. It is necessary to eat live yoghurts, hot peppers, grapefruits, garlic, lingonberries.