From the Guidelines
Penile fungal infections should be treated with topical antifungal agents to relieve symptoms, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1. The treatment of penile fungal infections, also known as male yeast infections or penile candidiasis, typically involves the use of antifungal medications.
- Over-the-counter antifungal creams like clotrimazole (Lotrimin) or miconazole (Monistat) can be applied to the affected area 2-3 times daily for 7-14 days, even if symptoms improve before treatment is complete.
- For more severe infections, prescription-strength antifungal medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan) may be prescribed as a single 150mg oral dose. During treatment, it is essential to keep the genital area clean and dry, wear loose cotton underwear, and avoid sexual activity until the infection clears. These infections occur when there's an overgrowth of Candida yeast, which naturally exists on the skin but can multiply excessively due to factors like antibiotic use, diabetes, compromised immune system, or poor hygiene. If symptoms persist after treatment, if you have recurrent infections, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and potentially stronger treatment options, as suggested by previous guidelines 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Penile Fungal Infections
- Local antifungal treatment is often effective for superficial infections of the penis, as stated in the study 2.
- Systemic treatment may be necessary for widespread dermatophytic infection, candidosis, or systemic mycosis, according to 2.
- The choice of treatment may depend on the specific type of fungal infection and the individual's overall health, as discussed in 3.
Antifungal Medications
- Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication that can be used to treat penile fungal infections, as mentioned in 2 and 4.
- Fluconazole is another antifungal medication that can be used to treat fungal infections, including those affecting the penis, as discussed in 5 and 4.
- Itraconazole is also an antifungal medication that can be used to treat fungal infections, as mentioned in 6.