People find it uncomfortable to discuss their genital skin problems. Genital lesions might develop from various causes and creates a myriad of symptoms. These lesions can be itchy, tender, painful, and produce discharge. Sores and bumps on the genitals can sometimes occur for no reason and go away on their own. It is wise to consult certified dermatologists in case you have genital lesions in Fort Worth. The experts take a patient’s approach to diagnose, care, and treat your lesions. Let us get to learn more about some of the symptoms of STI.
Causes
- Genital herpes
It is a viral STI that causes the development of blisters on the genitals. When you have an outbreak of genital herpes, they will develop many blister-like lesions around the rectum and genitals. The blisters burst and cause painful genital sores. The sores take a week or two to disappear. Many people with genital herpes have mild symptoms, so many people do not realize they have it and makes it easier for transmission. Genital herpes has no cure, but the number of outbreaks happens to reduce over time. Also, you can reduce episodes using medication.
- Genital warts
It’s not a must you have sex to get an STD, but skin-to-skin contact is enough to spread HPV, a virus that causes genital warts. Some types causing warts are harmless and others can lead to anal or cervical cancer. Vaccines might protect the most dangerous kinds of warts. Signs include flesh or pink-colored warts that are flat, raised, or shaped like a cauliflower.
- Syphilis
Many people do not realize the symptoms of syphilis. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness, paralysis, and death. However, it can be cured with antibiotics. Signs and symptoms are round, firm, painless sores on the anus or genitals. The disease is transmitted by coming into contact with the sore. Later, there can be a rash on the palms, soles, or other body parts and fever, fatigue, swollen glands, or hair loss. In the late stages, symptoms come from damaged organs like the brain, heart, eyes, nerves, and liver.
Diagnosis
The doctor will order a physical examination to know the cause of the genital sore. The doctor performs a pelvic exam and asks about your medical history. They can also order blood tests or cultures of the sores. A culture involves taking a sample from the affected part and testing it for bacteria. After the doctor gets the cause of the genital lesions, he will give you medication to relieve the sores.
Self-care measures
A doctor should examine any genital sores or bumps to identify the cause and prevent dangerous medical complications. It’s significant to know if the reason is an STI to avoid spreading it to sexual partners.
While waiting for your appointment with a doctor, a sitz bath can relieve any discomfort and pain. You can make a homemade sitz bath by filling a bathtub with warm water that exceeds your hips when you sit, then add baking soda or mild saline solution to the water.
Many STIs can be managed or cured with proper treatment. You can lower the risk of genital lesions by practicing safe sex and ensuring you get tested regularly for STIs. Some genital lesions have no cure, but Northstar Dermatology provides medications that minimize outbreaks and advises you on safe sex practices to avoid transmission of STD.
