Will The Guy With The Yeast Infection Please Stand Up – Or Is He Feeling A Bit Poorly?

There seems to be a lot written about Yeast Infections for the women out there, but isn’t it time the guys got a look in? Their symptoms are just as painful and, if we’re talking about the groin or genital area, just as embarrassing as the ladies. Let’s face it, we’re not talking ‘man flu’ here, this is a real problem.

It might be all well and good telling your best bosom buddy that you’ve got ‘jock itch’ and that John-Thomas is sore with a red, itchy rash, but when it comes to telling the girlfriend you could find yourself a bit tongue-tied. The thing here though is, it is very possible that you got your yeast infection from her anyway.

So What Is A Yeast Infection?

What is commonly referred to as ‘jock itch’ may or may not be a yeast infection. There are a few conditions it could be, some of which present similar symptoms. These possible mimics include atopic dermatitis, irritant or contact dermatitis, dry skin (xerosis), eczema, erythrasma, impetigo, intertrigo, inverse psoriasis. heat rash, and ringworm (also called tinea cruris),
These can be caused by tight clothing generating friction to the skin; sweating, leaving the skin warm and moist for prolonged periods; or contact with bacteria or fungus. Other risk factors include diabetes, obesity, exercise, weakened immune system, and athlete’s foot infection or other "ringworm" on the body.

Yeast is a fungus, and the fungus most commonly responsible for a yeast infection is Candida Albicans. Yeast is, more often than not, present on normal human skin. Jock itch is most common in adult and middle aged men, but anyone can get it. It is thought to affect most people at some time in their lives

Well What Are The Symptoms?

As a rule, starting with a mild, intermittent itching in the groin area and skin folds, this infection increases in intensity until, in some cases, it becomes unbearable. The rash can spread to the inner thighs and onto the genitals, including penis, scrotum and anus. Visually the rash may become dry and rough, developing pus bumps or becoming oozy. It is possible that the infection may spread to the head of the penis, especially if the man is not circumcised. In severe cases, breaks in the skin can occur, possibly leading to ulceration, abscesses or even cellulitis.

And The Diagnosis And Treatment Is What?

Diagnosis is typically based on the skin appearance and symptoms. In some cases a skin biopsy (using local anaesthetic) is taken for histopathological analysis, or maybe a skin swab will be taken to detect any infectious cause. Scans and x-rays are of no use in the diagnosis of a skin infection.

If the jock itch is caused by heat and/or moisture, it is important to keep the area clean and dry, wear cotton or silk underwear, avoid harsh laundry products and fabric softeners. If, on the other hand, you are suffering from a fungal yeast infection, you need to abide by the aforementioned and also apply an anti-fungal cream (Clotrimazole) continuously for two to four weeks until the symptoms are gone.

How Did I Get It And Can I Pass It On?

A fungal, or yeast, infection can be transmitted through close skin or sexual contact. Some people are simply more prone to jock itch because of their overall health condition, activity, anatomy or the presence of other skin conditions such as eczema.

If you find your girlfriend also has a problem, you should both be treated at the same time. And, sad to say, you should lay off making whoopee until you are both symptom free.
How Do I Prevent It?

It is unfortunate that this information comes at the end, had you read it first you might not be suffering now. The following steps will minimize your risk of recurrence of jock itch.

• Wash the groin and buttocks with soap and water after exercise and sweating.
• Wash exercise clothes, swimwear, and underwear after each use.
• Minimize groin moisture by using loose fitting cotton or silk underwear.
• Change underwear often and especially after sweating.
• Wash clothes and underwear in hot soapy water.
• Avoid underwear with synthetic fibres.
• Use an antifungal powder to keep the groin dry.
• Avoid fragranced or irritating creams or lotions on the groin.
• Avoid going barefoot, especially in public places
• Treat athlete's foot if you have it.
• Put your socks on before you put on your underwear.

Summarise It Then

• Jock itch is a very common, itchy groin rash.
• About half the cases are caused by a fungus. The rest by moisture, irritation, and bacteria.
• Jock itch looks like pink to red rash skin groin folds in the groin.
• Jock itch primarily affects males, although may also be seen in females.
• Jock itch is most common in older adults and athletes.
• Jock itch is often seen in otherwise healthy people.
• Jock itch is easily curable in most cases and frequently resolves on its own without treatment.
• Jock itch is often treated with antifungal washes for the groin.
• Resistant jock itch may require antifungal or antibiotic pills to clear.
• Jock itch is prevented by good skin hygiene.