The most common over-the-counter medications used to treat male yeast infections are the same products that are used to cure female yeast infections. That’s because the same yeast that causes vaginal yeast infections in women can cause infections in men.
Men can safely use over-the-counter antifungal treatments like Monistat, even those products that are labeled “for vaginal use.” Over-the-counter medications like Monistat are marketed for women because genital yeast infections are much more common in women than in men. Other commonly used over-the-counter medications are Lamisil, Micatin, and Lotrimin. Vagisil cream can be used to help relieve itching and burning until the yeast infection is cured.
To treat a male yeast infection, apply the over-the-counter medicine directly to the affected skin of the penis twice a day for a week. If the rash does not go away after a week or if it recurs frequently, a medical evaluation should be done. Persistent or recurrent yeast infections can be associated with other chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and HIV. If your yeast infection is caused by an underlying medical condition, the infection will not improve until the underlying medical condition is addressed.
When treating a male yeast infection, be sure to do the following:
Wash and dry the affected area with a clean towel.
Apply antifungal cream, powder, or spray as directed.
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Many holistic practitioners recommend that men trying to cure a yeast infection with over-the-counter products also have yogurt daily. Yogurt contains acidophilus that helps restore the natural PH balance in your body. Whey can also play a role in restoring pH balance.
Jock itch is more common in men than yeast infections. The medical term for jock itch is tinea cruis. Jock itch is a common skin infection caused by a type of fungus called ringworm. The fungus thrives in warm, moist areas of the body, so the infection often affects the genitals, inner thighs, and buttocks. Infections occur most often in the summer or in hot, humid climates. There are many over-the-counter products for jock itch and male yeast infection. You may also want to try a home remedy for treating yeast infection.
Jock itch appears as an itchy red rash that is often ring-shaped. Jock itch is only mildly contagious. In most cases, jock itch treatment involves keeping the affected area clean and dry and applying topical antifungal medications. Jock itch generally responds to over-the-counter antifungal creams and sprays. However, prescription itch creams may be needed at work if the infection does not respond to over-the-counter treatments.
It’s best to avoid sexual contact while treating your yeast infection with over-the-counter products. It is important to use OTC products for male yeast infection exactly as directed.
Glossary:
Over-the-Counter: Medications that can be obtained without a prescription
Diflucan – A powerful drug that often cures yeast infections in one treatment.