Dry skin can be caused by a number of medical conditions, such as allergies, inflammation and infections. Unfortunately, dryness on one’s body could also indicate the presence of an STD.
Dry skin can be a sign of many conditions, but it may also indicate the presence of certain STDs such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and gonorrhea.
People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disease or psoriasis, are more prone to dry skin due to these issues affecting the body’s ability to retain water.
Testing for STDs is extremely important, as most are treatable and won’t cause serious health problems unless you take action to address them. Don’t put off getting checked just because something feels wrong – get tested today!
STDs That Can Cause Dry Skin
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1)
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) is a type of virus that can cause cold sores, fever blisters and genital herpes in both children and adults – including pregnant women.
Herpes can be spread through skin-to-skin contact, such as kissing, sharing drink containers or eating utensils. It may also spread through coughing, sneezing or touching the nose or mouth with someone who has an active herpes outbreak.
Once infected, herpes remains dormant in your nerve cells for life. While most people remain dormant, it has the potential to reactivate and cause symptoms known as outbreaks.
Recurrences can present themselves only once, such as with a cold sore, or they may come and go repeatedly. Recurrent outbreaks are known as recurrences.
Herpes simplex virus can have severe consequences, especially if it causes herpes encephalitis (brain inflammation) and goes undetected. Left untreated, this infection could prove fatal.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a sexually-transmitted virus that can cause warts and other skin growths, including genital warts. These bumps may be painful or itchy, and they vary in size and color.
Dry skin often develops acne, but they can also appear on moist areas such as hands or feet. They may be small and hard to spot, but you can tell if you have them by looking at the area of skin where they are growing.
Genital warts can be caused by certain types of HPV and may appear as red, yellow or white bumps on or around your vulva, vagina, cervix, penis and anus. Males are more prone to developing these warts than females.
In most cases, HPV infection resolves on its own. However, certain types of HPV may lead to cancer or other issues; and some infections can remain dormant for years without any noticeable symptoms.
Gonorrhea
Have you been experiencing unusual dry skin in certain parts of your body? An STD could be to blame. Some STDs cause dry skin rashes, while others lead to itchy rashes or eczema.
Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It’s caused by bacteria known as enterococci and can affect your genitals, throat and eyes.
Antibiotics are usually administered via injection or tablet and can usually help clear your infection within two weeks.
Even with treatment, gonorrhea can still spread to your sexual partner. Therefore, all sexual partners who have been intimate within the past 60 days should be tested.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can have long-term health complications for both women and men. It spreads during unprotected sexual activity and may even be passed onto babies during childbirth.
Testing for chlamydia is most often done via swab or urine sample. Your doctor will then analyze the sample.
Swabs can be taken from the vagina, penis or anus with ease; alternatively you may be asked to collect a urine sample yourself. Results for these tests typically appear within one week after collection.
Chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries that may result in infertility as well as increased risks for ectopic pregnancy.
What Type of STD Can Cause a Skin Rash?
While many people suffer from dry or itchy skin, allergies, or eczema, certain rashes may be related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
These conditions are sometimes mistaken for yeast infections or other medical issues; however, by knowing the appearance and location of an individual’s rash you can tell the difference between an STD and other medical issues.
Syphilis Rash
Syphilis can manifest in various places on the body, and one of the most common symptoms is a rash. This indicates that your infection has progressed into secondary stage and spread elsewhere on your body.
Syphilis symptoms depend on where it has spread and how far along the infection is. Initially, you may experience small, painful chancres which usually clear up within three-to-six weeks.
You may experience flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, sore throat and muscle aches during the first stage. In the second stage, you may develop a rash and more severe signs.
Gonorrhea Rash
Gonorrhea rash is the result of a bacterial infection in the genital tract that may appear as early as four days after you become infected, or up to 28 days after.
Trichomoniasis Rash
Trichomonasis rash is the result of an infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, a microscopic one-celled parasite. This recurrent infection usually begins in the vagina but may spread to other parts of the body.
How to Prevent Dry Skin Caused by STDs
To protect yourself from STDs, stay in long-term relationships where both partners are uninfected and avoid sexual intercourse with new partners until testing has taken place.
You may also use a condom and get vaccinated against STDs.
