Anal Yeast Infections - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction:

Yeast causes fungal infection in the body. A fungal infection of the skin is referred to as candidiasis. The infection causes excessive overgrowth of yeast. In the human body, the bacteria and yeast have a natural balance, and if the balance is disturbed, it will lead to the overgrowth of Candida causing yeast infection. Candida grows in warm and damp places. Also, the infection can spread to the intestines through the anus.

What Are Anal Yeast Infections?

Human bodies have a controlled number of yeast and bacteria on the body. If the yeast grows uncontrollably and enters the bloodstream, it is a yeast infection. Candida is a fungus causing an anus yeast infection.

What Is the Cause of Anal Yeast Infection?

Anal yeast infection is caused by a yeast called Candida. When a person's immunity is compromised, it can lead to yeast infection. Other causes are a humid environment, tight clothes, excessive sweating, and poor hygiene. Yeast infections are more common with conditions like obesity, pregnancy, diabetes, excessive use of antibiotics, certain medications, and immunocompromised people. Anal yeast infections are not STIs (sexually transmitted infections), but precaution must be maintained during sex as it is a contagious infection.

What Are the Signs And Symptoms of Anal Yeast Infection?

• Intense and persistent itching in the anal area is known as pruritus ani.

• Burning sensation.

• Skin feels irritated.

• Redness of the skin or area.

• Pain ranging mild to severe.

• Occasional discharge.

• Damage from scratching.

• Soreness in the anus.

Anal yeast infection can spread to the penis and vagina, and other symptoms can be noticed.

Is Anal Itching Always the Sign of Anal Yeast Infections?

Not necessarily, anal itching can be the result of many causes like atopic dermatitis (eczema), friction or rough cleaning of the anus after a bowel movement, psoriasis (skin infection), parasitic infection, bacterial infections, anal fissures, anal tumors (uncommon), improper cleaning of the anus, and increased use of perfumes, soaps or detergents used for clothes. Certain foods are also linked to itching in the anus - spicy food, chocolates, beverages with increased caffeine intake, tomatoes, and citrus fruits.

How to Diagnose Anal Yeast Infection?

• Physical Examination: The doctor will ask about the symptoms and examine the perianal area. The doctor will determine the cause, such as poor hygiene, hemorrhoids, or yeast infection.

• Sample Testing: The doctor will collect and send a sample for testing. The sample is collected by scraping the area with the tongue depressor. The pathologist will diagnose the type of fungus causing the infection.

What Is the Treatment For Anal Yeast Infection?

• Antifungal Medication: Examples of antifungal medication are Miconazole (Monistat), Clotrimazole (Lotrimin), Butoconazole, Terconazole (Terazol), Fluconazole (Diflucan), and Nystatin.

• Maintaining Hygiene: Keep the perianal area dry and follow hand hygiene, that is, hand washing before touching the personal area.

• Probiotics: Certain studies and research show the importance of probiotics.

• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is highly effective in reducing Candida.

• Tea Tree Oil: Helps in the treatment of fungal infections. Tea tree oil, in addition to Fluconazole, will reduce the excessive growth of Candida.

• Garlic And Thyme: Research shows that a cream with garlic and thyme has similar effects to Clotrimazole cream in treating yeast infections.

• Ozonated Olive Oil: Ozonated olive oil treats itchiness and works well on a burning sensation.

• Honey: Research shows that honey and Clotrimazole ointment effectively clear vaginitis.

• Dill: Research shows that dill, in addition to Clotrimazole, can be used to treat yeast infections, especially vaginal.

Home remedies, including probiotics, coconut oil, tea tree oil, honey, garlic and thyme, and ozonated olive oil, are not approved by FDA (food and drug administration) and have not been researched thoroughly like the antifungal medication. Also, it is important to complete the full course of antifungal drugs as guided by the doctor. Yeast infection will clear within a week. Other symptoms like itching and burning sensation will resolve in a day or two. Irritation of skin and redness of the skin will take time to solve, especially if a lot of scratching is done.

How Does a Person Get Infected with Anal Yeast?

Some Candida (yeast) is found normally in the intestines or other places like gastro intestinal dark. They generally prefer warm, dark, and moist environments. Once the immunity is compromised, Candida has excessive growth, leading to yeast infection. Anal yeast infections are not considered STIs, and infection can be transmitted through:

• Not using a condom and having unprotected sex with someone having the infection.

• Performing oral and anal sex acts in which a person stimulates the anus of another with the use of the mouth, including lips, tongue, or teeth, with the partner having a yeast infection.

• Using yeast-infected sex toys.

How To Prevent Anal Yeast Infection?

• Keep the perianal area clean.

• Wear loose cotton clothes, including underwear.

• Maintain good hygiene practices like hand washing.

• One should keep themself dry after swimming or bathing.

• Avoid unhygienic scented products near the anus, penis, vagina, or perianal area.

• Avoid using antibiotics frequently.

• Maintain a healthy weight; obesity can cause anal yeast infections.

• Avoid excessive sugar or starchy food.

• Include a probiotic in the diet.

• Have a proper sleep cycle to boost immunity.

• It is important to use condoms or dental dams while having anal sex.

Diseases like HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or another immunodeficiency disease will increase the risk of anal yeast infection.

When to See a Doctor?

• If the symptoms of anal yeast infections do not subside for several weeks, it is better to visit a doctor.

• If the treatment does not show noticeable improvements, contact a specialist.

• If the person suffers from unusual bleeding or increased pus discharge from the anus or perianal area, contact the doctor immediately.

• If the person suffers from persistent fever with chills even after medication, contact the doctor.

• A person's heart is faster than usual.

• If the person is facing breathing difficulties, that is, rapid or shallow breaths, visit a doctor.

Conclusion:

Yeast infections are not life-threatening, but they are not comfortable either. Symptoms may range from mild to severe depending upon the growth of candida. Anal yeast infections are not contagious but can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. People with compromised immunity have an increased risk of developing anal yeast infections. Visit the doctor for the diagnosis and treatment and strictly follow the doctor's advice.