Genital Dermatoses

This is why patients should always present to a GP, or to another qualified medical professional (for example, a medically-trained sexual health specialist) in order to confirm a diagnosis and get appropriate medical treatment.

Genital dermatoses may be divided into the following categories:

• Non-sexually transmitted inflammatory
• Non-sexually transmitted infectious
• Sexually transmitted infectious
• Malignant
• Neurological or pain syndrome related

It is important to note that some cases of genital dermatoses might be relatively asymptomatic, meaning they don’t show many worrying symptoms until the condition has progressed, or at all. This is why it is essential that patients undergo routine examinations of the genital area as part of their overall health treatment – usually this is performed through the GP.

In patients who are sexually active, it is essential to have regular tests conducted either by the GP, or by a sexual health clinic (most of which are free and very discreet) to ensure that they are being regularly screened, even if they are already using protection such as latex condoms.

Some common symptoms of genital dermatoses can include one or more of the following symptoms:

• Pruritus (itching);
• Pain or soreness in the genital region or the surrounding area;
• Difficulty urinating, or pain or burning during urination;
• Lesions, spots or lumps;
• Sores, blisters or ulcers;
• Discolouration of the skin, especially if it has recently appeared;
• Dry, crusty or flaky skin;
• Discharge that is abnormal either in amount, colour, odour or texture;
• Pain during sexual intercourse.

Some genital dermatoses may be as a result of autoimmune conditions or inflammation issues that may or may not affect the skin on other parts of the body – for example, psoriasis, lichen planus and folliculitis are caused by the immune system functioning abnormally. Malignant conditions are usually caused by the abnormal growth of a specific type of cell, which causes cancerous growths to occur.

Some types of genital dermatoses could be the result of a fungal skin infection, like thrush or jock itch; or due to a parasite living on the skin, such as scabies or pubic lice.

To reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, it is not recommended to have sexual contact with others if you are experiencing symptoms of genital dermatoses, and to undergo routine sexual health testing at regular intervals even if you are symptom-free (asymptomatic.)

It is especially important to undergo more frequent testing for sexually transmitted infections if you are sexually active with more than one partner, and you may need to return for testing more than once, depending on the period a condition could remain dormant or if tests might be inconclusive – the person performing your tests will advise you as to when, and how frequently.

If you are prescribed treatment for a sexually transmitted infection, it is important that you follow all instructions you are given, and complete any course of treatment in accordance with the doctor before resuming sexual activity.