Sex diseaseNot only are the symptoms of STDs unpleasant, if left untreated, the diseases can also have serious health consequences. We explain which 5 venereal diseases are visible on the skin and how you can recognize them.
Itching, an altered discharge, pain when urinating – these are not the only symptoms that can indicate an STD. Skin changes can also be signs.
Anyone who notices skin changes in the intimate area, especially in connection with other complaints, should have the cause clarified by a doctor.
STDs should always be treated, otherwise they can lead to serious health problems such as infertility.
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According to experts, the awareness of STDs has decreased within the last few years. This is a dangerous development, because these can lead in the worst case to serious complaints to infertility. Among other things, sexually transmitted diseases are manifested by changes in the skin such as rash, itching, or skin lesions that do not heal. We explain which 5 venereal diseases you can recognize from the skin.
5 venereal diseases that are visible on the skin
Gonorrhea (gonorrhea)
Gonorrhea, colloquially known as gonorrhea, is a reportable, sexually transmitted disease. Since the pathogens (gonococci) are very sensitive, the venereal disease cannot be transmitted via toilet and co. Characteristic of gonorrhea is a course with few symptoms. However, both women and men often experience a burning sensation when urinating and itching. In women, a whitish discharge may also be present. If the disease progresses and the pathogens enter the bloodstream, it can also manifest itself through skin rashes and other symptoms such as fever. Gonorrhea should always be treated quickly, as it can lead to infertility.
Syphilis
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by bacteria. A typical symptom of the disease is the non-itching skin rash, which usually appears on the abdomen, chest or back – these are small light to dark red spots or nodules. In women, the nodules usually develop on the labia, the vaginal vestibule or the clitoris. If syphilis is not treated with antibiotics at this stage, in the worst case it can even spread to the organs and attack the nervous system.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is with about 300.000 new infections per year, chlamydia is the most widespread sexually transmitted disease in Germany. The condition is caused by bacteria and manifests as itching, inflammation of the mucous membrane, and pain during urination, which can also occur along with lower abdominal pain. Chlamydia infection should be treated with antibiotics, as it too can cause infertility or ectopic pregnancies. Dangerous is the infection, because it can also pass without symptoms and remains undetected for so long.
Genital warts
Genital warts are caused by human papilloma viruses (HPV), which are also responsible for causing cervical cancer. These are pin-sized papules in the genital or anal area that, when they appear externally, can usually be treated by the sufferer themselves. There are special solutions and creams for this. Genital warts are usually harmless, but they can cause itchy inflammation in the anal area.
Genital herpes
Most people know herpes as blisters around the mouth. However, the herpes simplex viruses can also cause itchy, burning blisters in the intimate area. These occur in clusters and can tear, ooze, and then form a crust. The disease is considered very painful. Can also be accompanied by pain during urination in women.
Venereal diseases: Not only visible on the skin in the intimate area
According to Dr. med. Alice Martin, physician and co-founder of the online dermatology practice dermanostic, STDs are not only manifested by symptoms on the genital organs.