SYMPTOMS OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES IN BOTH MEN AND WOMEN: GENITAL SORES, RASHES, ABRASIONS, OR BUMPS
Donovanosis (granuloma inguinale). Even rarer in the United States than chancroid, donovanosis also causes genital ulcers, which can persist for a very long time if left untreated. Usually the lesions continue to enlarge over time and can form large, beefy-red heaped-up sores in the genital area. These lesions may be difficult to distinguish from those of skin cancer without a biopsy.
Epidermoid cysts. Epidermoid cysts are yellow bumps that can occur anywhere on the skin, but the genital area, particularly on the scrotum, is a common location. These cysts do not hurt or itch, but they can become larger and painful if infected with bacteria.
Herpes. The classic herpes lesions are painful blisters or ulcers in the genital area. However, there are many exceptions to this rule. The reactivation of the herpes virus may cause a recurrent red, itchy, or tingling area on the genital skin or buttocks; a small slit in the skin; or a typical blister or ulcer. There may be a discharge from the vagina and diffuse or localized itching or tingling in the genitals. There may be pain down the back of the legs or lymph node swelling in the groin. There are many variations from person to person, and sometimes from outbreak to outbreak in the same person. Herpes lesions will usually spontaneously resolve whether or not they are treated, but the infection is not gone and may recur with time.
Infected hair follicles (folliculitis). Hair follicles anywhere on the body can become infected with staphylococcus, a bacterium that is normally present on the skin. Folliculitis tends to occur most often where the skin is rubbed with clothing, such as the thighs, pubic area, belt line, and buttocks. It is not a sexually transmitted disease. The infection may involve one hair follicle or many, and it is revealed by the presence of tiny pimples on a small red area of skin, each with a hair follicle in the center. Sometimes the infection can spread and cause infection of the surrounding skin, called cellulitis. Although cleansing the area with a mild soap generally clears up the infection, sometimes topical or oral antibiotics are necessary as well.
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