Could This Be An STD?
Sexually transmitted diseases, STDs, are diseases that are passed from one person to another during sexual activity. It is important to recognize and treat STDs as soon as possible as they can be painful, serious, and have long term side effects. Many people are fearful of contracting a STD. STDs can present themselves on the skin in many different forms. How can you tell if you have one?
The most common STD that presents with skin symptoms is known as Condyloma Acuminata, more commonly known as genital warts. Genital warts are caused by certain strains of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Genital warts appear as small, bumpy growths on the genitals and/or anus that typically appear three to six months after infection. A biopsy may be performed by your doctor for a definitive diagnosis. There is no cure for genital warts, and most warts do not go away without treatment. Genital warts can be treated with topical creams or can be frozen with liquid nitrogen. It is important to see your doctor to determine which treatment is best for you. There are also HPV vaccines available through your doctor that can prevent contracting certain strains of the HPV virus that cause genital warts and cervical cancer.
Another common viral STD is Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV2), more commonly known as genital herpes. The Center of Disease Control, CDC, estimates that 16%, about one out of six, of people between the ages of 14 and 49 years have genital herpes. Genital herpes appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth that can break and leave painful sores that may take two to four weeks to heal. These blisters typically appear within 2 to 30 days after infection with the virus. This is not to be mistaken with HSV1, more commonly known as cold sores, that is not an STD. Your doctor can take a swab for culture, biopsy, or do blood work for a definitive diagnosis. There is no cure for genital herpes, however, there are topical creams and oral medications that can be prescribed for treatment depending on your doctors recommendations.
Syphilis is a less common STD that can present with skin lesions. Syphilis has three stages of symptoms that depends on how long the infection has been present without treatment.
Primary syphilis, the first stage, includes a sore to the genitals that is usually firm, round and painless. These sores can last three to six weeks and heal regardless of whether or not a person is treated.
Secondary syphilis, the second stage, includes a skin rash and/or sores in the mouth, vagina or anus. Some people can also develop fever, swollen lymph nodes, a sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue. These symptoms will also resolve with or without treatment.
Latent syphilis, the third stage, starts when the primary and secondary symptoms have resolved. A person can live with no symptoms for years and then develop difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, and dementia. During the latent stage damage can occur to the internal organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. This damage can result in death.
Syphilis can be diagnosed by a blood test and can be treated and cured with a course of antibiotics. It is very important to catch and treat Syphilis early.
Unfortunately STDs are not uncommon. Genital warts, genital herpes, and syphilis are not the only STDs that can have skin symptoms associated with them. It is important to use protection each and every time with sexual intercourse. It is also very important to be routinely tested for
STDs if you are sexually active. If you notice any new skin lesions or rashes, follow up with your doctor as soon as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.
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- Lynn Baker, PA-C
If you enjoyed this article, see our recent one on The Most Common Skin Allergy; ACD.
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