Candidiasis Symptoms in Men

• The fungus Candida albicans is naturally found in the body. Although it is usually harmless, a shift in the body's natural balance can lead to Candida overgrowth, causing an itchy, scaly rash called candidiasis. Vaginal yeast infections are the most well-known type of candidiasis, but candidiasis can also occur in the mouth, where it is called thrush, or in men, where it may be called "men's thrush." It commonly occurs in any warm, moist area of the body.
  
  Candidiasis symptoms in men include soreness and redness in the groin area, inflammation on the head of the penis, irritation, itching, small white spots on the penis or scrotum and scaly rash that may produce a thick white discharge. Sometimes there are no symptoms.
  
  Anything that can change the natural bacterial balance in the body can lead to Candida overgrowth and candidiasis. For example, antibiotic use eliminates "good" bacteria along with harmful bacteria, and an immune system weakened by disease or stress allows Candida overgrowth. Candidiasis is not strictly a sexually transmitted disease, but it can be passed between partners if one is infected.
  
  

Diabetes May Cause Candidiasis

• Diabetes is a risk factor for candidiasis; candidiasis does not cause diabetes. Candidiasis occurs more frequently in people with poorly controlled diabetes. Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to produce or use insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Excess blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, promotes Candida growth in two ways: Candida feeds on excess blood sugar, and other bodily systems, such as the immune system, cannot function properly in hyperglycemic conditions.
  
  

Candidiasis Treatment

• Candidiasis infection is diagnosed by a distinct rash. Treatment consists of an antifungal cream, for example ketoconazole, clotrimazole or miconazole. The cream must be applied for 7 to 10 days. A corticosteroid cream may also be prescribed to ease the pain and itch. Sexual partners should also be treated, even if they are not showing signs of infection. A low-fat, low-sugar diet may help prevent recurrences.
  
  Chronic recurrent candidiasis may be a sign of diabetes, but a person with diabetes may not necessarily be plagued with candidiasis. Properly controlled diabetes will help keep Candida in balance.