Candida albicans is the most common fungal species that affects human health, especially those who have weakened immunity, poor hygiene, imbalanced biochemistry, and/or disrupted flora and fauna, as noted in "Fungal Infection - Diagnosis and Management." Over 150 species of Candida yeast have been identified as of 2010, although fewer than 10 cause symptoms in humans. Candida overgrowth, or candidiasis, progresses in a predictable pattern in men.
Candidiasis of the Mouth
Candidiasis within the mouth, known also as moniliasis or oral thrush, is often the first area that Candida proliferates within children on high doses of antibiotics or in immune compromised adults. "Fungal Infection - Diagnosis and Management" cites that over 90 percent of men with progressive HIV infections develop oral thrush.
According to the website WD, the symptoms of oral thrush include raised, white, cheese-like plaques stuck to the mucosa of the inner cheeks, tongue, gums and back of the throat. These plaques can slough off the yeast, bleed and become inflamed. The corners of the mouth can become sore and crack. Oral thrush also produces a characteristic bad breath, often described as stale and musty. Teeth brushing, food chewing and swallowing all are uncomfortable with oral thrush.
Candidiasis of the Esophagus
Oral thrush can spread from the mouth to the throat and down the esophagus, which is the smooth muscle tube that carries food to the stomach. Candida esophagitis has the characteristic white, cheese-like plaques of oral thrush. Due to the constant abrasion of swallowing, these plaques are frequently inflamed, which not only creates a sore throat, but also a sensation of heartburn, as noted in "Fungal Infection - Diagnosis and Management." The yeast that sloughs off from the plaques continues through to the intestines, where it can form colonies and perforate the intestinal walls.
Candidiasis of the Penis
Candida species tend to proliferate in moist and protected areas of the body, such as the genitalia. Men with weakened immune systems, often from cancer, HIV infection or diabetes, can develop Candida overgrowth within and around the penis, especially if uncircumcised.
According to the British National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, the main symptom of a penile Candida infection is balanitis, or inflammation of the penis. Balanitis causes the penis to be itchy, sore and discolored. The urethra can be inflamed, making urination and ejaculation painful. Yeast, looking like cottage cheese, can collect under the foreskin and create a musty odor. The candidiasis can spread to the thighs, buttocks and scrotum.
In addition to weakened immunity, penile candidiasis can develop from unhygienic practices and from sexual contact. Although candidiasis is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, the yeast can be acquired from sexual intercourse and collect under the foreskin.
Candidiasis of the Skin
Candidiasis of the skin can also result from immunity issues or antibiotic use, but it occurs more frequently in diabetic men, especially those who are obese and unable to clean themselves thoroughly. Candida prefers warm, moist areas such as under the arms, under large folds of skin, in the cleft between the buttocks, between toes and underneath toenails and fingernails, notes the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. The symptoms of fungal skin infections include itchy red or gray skin lesions, dermatitis, inflammation, blistering, hair follicle infections and a musty smell.
References
- Doctorfungus: Candida Species
- "Fungal Infection: Diagnosis and Management"; M.D. Richardson and D.W. Warnock; 2003
- WD: Symptoms of Oral Thrush
- National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (United Kingdom): Balanitis and Candida
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Candidiasis - Fungal Skin Infections
