Yeast Infection Treatments For Men
Many people probably think that yeast infections are a female problem only, but nothing could be further from the truth! Unfortunately, men can have yeast infections too. Fortunately, there are many effective yeast infection treatments for men available. Since a male yeast infection is less obvious than a female yeast infection, it tends to be at a different state of growth by the time it's detected and treatment begins. Because of this and the different anatomy of the penis and surrounding area, the best treatment approach for men is a little different from that for a vaginal yeast infection.
Routine Care
The first principle of a yeast infection treatment for men in to pay attention to routine care and hygiene. While you are attempting to recover from a male yeast infection, make sure that you clean the penis thoroughly and dry it completely after bathing. Moist skin is a paradise for yeasts, so the first step to controlling the infection is to keep the affected area dry. A light sprinkling of body powder may help to do the trick. It helps to avoid any activities that cause sweating or crotch chafing, such as cycling or wearing tight clothing.
Over The Counter Drugs
Although labelled "for vaginal use," creams and gels used to treat yeast infections in women can also be used as part of a yeast infection treatment for men. These products are generally marketed toward women because vaginal yeast infections are much more common than penile yeast infections, but they are safe and effective for men to use. Most feminine yeast infection treatments, such as Monistat or Gyne-Lotrimin, are antifuntal agents, but take note that Vagisil is not; it is simply used to relieve irritation and itching while other agents are attacking the infection. These creams are most effective in men when they are applied topically twice a day for at least five days.
Prescription Drugs
Your doctor may prescribe a broad-spectrum antifungal agent such as Diflucan (fluconazole) or Nizoral (ketoconazole) to be taken internally, if the infection is severe enough. These treatments are very powerful and not without side effects, so they are not generally given for less serious cases. Both drugs are intense agents that attack many different fungal strains, which can cause imbalances in your digestive system, and allergies to them are fairly common.
Natural Home Remedies
There are countless natural home remedies for yeast infections that work just as well in men as they do in women. A few basic principles apply. First of all, you should load up with immune system-boosting agents, such as cranberry juice, which contains a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals and promotes general health and well-being. Another natural immune booster is garlic, which is rich in anticeptic compounds. You should also decrease your consumption of foods that increased yeast in the body, such as sugars and refined carbohydrates. Make sure to avoid yeasted and fermented products until you have recovered, so you can be sure that your system can keep the yeasts in check before you reintroduce them. These include bread, beer and vinegar.
What About Yeast Infection Treatments for Men You Can Use At Home?
There are also many external and topical remedies you can try at home that are good treatments for yeast infections in men.
- One treatment that many recommend is to apply natural yogurt to the affected area. Leave it in place for a few minutes before washing it away. The pH of yogurt creates an inhospitable environment for the offending yeasts, while introducing the yogurt-creating bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus, a competing microorganism that is friendly to the human body. Make sure to use yogurt that doesn't have any sugar added!
- Garlic juice or oil can also be applied to the affected area; in either case the garlic should be diluted to avoid irritating the skin or covered in gauze or cheese cloth. Make sure not to apply raw garlic directly to the skin.
- Some people suggest the use of powerful essential oil treatments such as tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic. Any essential oil should be highly diluted before using; an easy way to do this is to disperse a drop or two into some simple unscented body lotion.
