Sexually Transmitted Skin Diseases
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Some of the most common skin issues are sexually transmitted, including herpes, which is estimated to affect 67% of the world’s population. Some of these skin diseases are transmitted by physical, although not necessarily sexual, contact.
Sexually Transmitted Skin Disease FAQs
Common sexually transmitted skin diseases include:
Fever blisters (cold sores) associated with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) commonly appear on the edge of the lip. This virus, herpes labialis, exists in a dormant state in the spinal cord nerve cells, and after certain environmental triggers like a sunburn or a cold, the virus is induced to travel along a peripheral nerve to the same skin site over and over again. The eruption is self-limited to about seven to 10 days, making treatment unnecessary unless the eruptions become too frequent.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection presents mostly as painful blisters in the genitalia, which may also recur over time, mostly during periods of stress. Successful treatment can be accomplished with antiviral oral medications.
Genital warts (aka condyloma) caused by human papillomavirus virus (HPV) infection are diseases of the genitalia that are viral in origin. It is estimated that by age 50, at least 80% of women will have acquired a genital HPV infection.
What causes these skin diseases?
It is not necessary to have sexual intercourse to get a sexually transmitted skin disease; skin-to-skin contact with an infected area can transmit the disease.
It is not necessary to have sexual intercourse to get a sexually transmitted skin disease; skin-to-skin contact with an infected area can transmit the disease.
Treatments for Sexually Transmitted Skin Diseases
The pain associated with cold sores and HSV-1 can be alleviated with an anesthetic gel or antiviral oral medication to speed healing or prevent recurrence.
Successful treatment of HSV-2 can be accomplished with antiviral oral medications.
Genital warts are successfully treated with a combination of physical destruction modality (cryotherapy, electrodesiccation) accompanied by chemical treatment (imiquimod cream).
