Fungal?

I have been experiencing pain/burning for some time.Since an unprotected sexual encounter about 3 weeks ago.I have experienced pain in the genital area and around the mouth.I thought it was just a case of severe chapped lips but it won''t go away.The corners of my mouth feel to be cracked and leaking.I don't see any blisters or lesions anywhere.Have used several types of lip balm and nothing seems to help...actualy makes them burn more.Could this be a fungal or yeast infection.Could this be a fungas or yeast infection?I am male by the way.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

I cannopt confirm anything without examination,but it sounds like angular cheilitis.It is an inflammatory lesion at the labial commissure, or corner of the mouth.

Angular cheilitis can be caused by bacteria, but is more commonly a fungal infection. Therefore, it is not appropriate to treat it with vasoline or lip balm because it will increase the moisture level and possibly lead to spreading the infection. The treatment of choice is clioquinol cream or iodoquinol cream which are available over the counter.

If even after treatment there is no relief then pls consult a dermatologist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep us posted if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.

[jawa44]

Thanks...i will try the cream.But what about in the genital area.The burning sensation there?I have gone to the doctor and he took a swab and urine sample.I didn't mention the chapped lips at the time,wasn't so concerned about it at that time.Dumb question but is the cream okay to use around the genitals if this is also fungal?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Yes fungal infections causing angular cheilitis can cause inflammation and burning and itching at the genitalia also.But for that pls use some antifungal like nystatin, miconazole, tolnaftate, terbinafine,ketaconazole and clotrimazole.You can consult a pharmacist and get any cream or lotion containing these ingredients. Some of them are Lamisil, Monistat derm, Mycelex, and Nizoral.

If the symptoms persist then STD’s have to be ruled out.It can be done by swab cultures and urine culutures.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep us posted if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.

[jawa44]

So is it possible to develope/catch a fungal bacteria infection through sexual contact?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Yes fungal infections like candidiasis and bacterial infections like gonorrhea are spread through sexual relations with an infected partner.Regarding candida, it can be contracted through sexual intercourse with an infected partner ,yet it is not a sexually-transmitted infection. Women who have not had sexual intercourse may also get it as the fungus is present in our environment.

I sincerely hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.