Why my penile yeast infection persist despite Clotrimazole?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am suffering from penile yeast infection since a week (candidal balanitis). Due to lockdown I could not see a doctor and researched online and used Clotrimazole cream IP but no betterment. Since yesterday, itching and pain has increased.

Can you please help me out with this?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Candida infection presents as a whitish membrane over the penile head with reddish mucous. It is very itchy. I hope it is diagnosed by a dermatologist only. Clotrimazole is effective most of the time. Candida is a normal commensal in our body but in some, it causes symptoms and balanitis. Aggravating factors are diabetes, moisture, and some are allergic to it. So the first thing is to wash with mild soap and dry always after intercourses. If you can keep your penile foreskin retracted, that will keep it dry. But if not possible, as it is painful if you are not used to it make sure it is dry. Take a capsule of Fluconazole 150 mg once daily for seven days. One single dose for your sexual partner, tell her to keep dry, especially during menses. Miconazole gel twice daily for seven days, tablet Fexofenadine 180 mg once daily for itching. Keep dry. It will cure it. Follow up after seven days.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Make it a total of 10 days if the symptoms persist. Take plenty of fluid or juice. No particular diet is required. Weakness may not be due to drugs. Fexofenadine does cause drowsiness but you do not worry. You can stop it if the itching is under control but continue Fluconazole for a total of 10 days and cream for a few more days till any symptoms are there. Keep the area dry and retract your foreskin, keep it as such, it helps dry. It may be uncomfortable initially but then you get used to it.

Thank you.