Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Anal yeast infections are more common in people with weakened immune systems. They may also happen when taking medications likesteroidsorantibioticsthat impair the immune response or disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast on the skin. Anal yeast infections are treated with topicalantifungals. Those who areimmunosuppressedmay require both topical and oral antifungal drugs.
Verywell / Laura Porter
What Causes Anal Yeast Infections?
However, when the immune system is weak or the natural biome is disrupted,C. albicanscan grow out of control and establish an infection. This is especially true in hot, moist climates where fungi likeC. albicansthrive.
Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of an anal yeast infection, including:
Candidais not contagious. It is a microorganism already found in the body; you can neither pass nor catch an anal yeast infection.
What an Anal Yeast Infection Looks Like
Symptoms of an anal yeast infection can vary in severity. It can range from a mild infection to one that causes severe discomfort and disability, particularly in those with acompromised immune system.
Common symptoms of perianal candidiasis include:
Perianal candidiasis can also cause a rash that you can feel with your hand and see with a hand mirror. As opposed to other types of rash, an anal yeast infection will have certain characteristic features, such as:
The testing would involve a swab or scraping of tissues from the anus to look for signs of fungal spores under the microscope. Before viewing, the sample would be exposed to a chemical calledpotassium hydroxide (KOH)that destroys all other cells but leaves fungi intact.
Differential Diagnosis
If in doubt as to the cause, a swab or scraping of tissue can be sent to the lab to becultured(grown). This can help determine ifCandidaor some other condition is involved.
Other possible causes include:
Most yeast infections in healthy people are mild and easy to treat—as long as they stick with the treatment until it is finished. Treatment in those with a compromised immune system can be more difficult.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
There are many effective antifungal ointments, creams, or suppositories that you can purchase over the counter for the treatment of mild anal yeast infections.
These include:
Can You Use Vaginal Yeast Infection Medications?OTC yeast infection products like Monistat (miconazole) are marketed for vaginal yeast infections, but you can use them for anal yeast infections as well.
Can You Use Vaginal Yeast Infection Medications?
OTC yeast infection products like Monistat (miconazole) are marketed for vaginal yeast infections, but you can use them for anal yeast infections as well.
Prescription Treatments
Your provider may start you with a topical OTC antifungal that you apply to the skin. If that doesn’t work, an oral antifungal may be the next step.
For severe or recurring infections, you may need to use more than one drug. This may include the combination of a topical antifungal with either a three-day course of Diflucan or a stronger oral antifungal like Brexafemme (ibrexafungerp). Common side effects of Brexafemme include headache, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, and vomiting.
Maintenance therapy involving the daily use of a low-dose oral antifungal may be recommended for people with recurrent yeast infections. This is especially true for immunocompromised people, such as those with advanced untreated HIV.
Alternative Treatments and Natural Remedies
Natural treatments for yeast infections are popular, although there is little clinical research to support their use. Some of these include:
Before starting any alternative treatments, speak with your healthcare provider. It remains unknown how effective these treatments are or if they cause any harm.
Can an Anal Yeast Infection Clear on Its Own?Some mild anal yeast infections may clear on their own, but there is no way to tell if yours will. Studies during pregnancy have shown the body’s immune response to yeast infections is typically not robust enough to clear the infection.Antifungals can clear the infection and avoid complications like the spread of infection from the anus to the groin and genitals.
Can an Anal Yeast Infection Clear on Its Own?
Some mild anal yeast infections may clear on their own, but there is no way to tell if yours will. Studies during pregnancy have shown the body’s immune response to yeast infections is typically not robust enough to clear the infection.Antifungals can clear the infection and avoid complications like the spread of infection from the anus to the groin and genitals.
Some mild anal yeast infections may clear on their own, but there is no way to tell if yours will. Studies during pregnancy have shown the body’s immune response to yeast infections is typically not robust enough to clear the infection.
Antifungals can clear the infection and avoid complications like the spread of infection from the anus to the groin and genitals.
You can’t always prevent a yeast infection, but there are six things you can do to reduce your risk:
Summary
People can get yeast infections anywhere, including the anus. When a lot ofCandidafungus grows between the buttocks, the overgrowth can trigger symptoms like intense itching, burning, and redness.
Several OTC and prescription treatments can clear up an anal yeast infection, as long as you finish the entire course of treatment. Most anal yeast infections aren’t a reason to worry if you’re generally healthy. However, if you’re getting them a lot, talk to your provider.
14 Sources
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