Genital Skin Diseases in Males and Females
Skin problems can be unsightly and embarrassing, especially when they appear on a highly visible part of the face or body. However, some skin conditions aren’t immediately visible but create just as much distress. Genital diseases fall into this latter category.
Along with embarrassment, they can affect self-image, relationships, sexual function, and may carry stigma due to changes in private areas.
Importance of Early Diagnosis
Many genital dermatitis require dermatological or medical intervention. Early diagnosis is recommended for a fast and complete recovery.
Unfortunately, treatment is often delayed due to shyness, fear, misinformation, or denial. It’s important to know that genital skin diseases are more common than most people realize, and feeling anxious or embarrassed about them is normal.
Professional Treatment
On a positive note, most genital dermatitis are relatively harmless and can be treated effectively by professional dermatologists.
At Pymble Dermatology, expert care is provided in a dedicated clinical environment, overseen by compassionate staff familiar with all types of diseases.
Genital skin disease types
It’s natural to be concerned about your own health as the onset of genital disease is certainly a distressing situation. It’s equally important to have a genital disease diagnosed for the sake of your partner, as some genital diseases are highly contagious and extremely harmful if left untreated. Any skin problem should be investigated by a qualified dermatologist and genital disease is no exception. Genital diseases affect both men or women.
Disease types include:
- genital itch in males
- genital itch in females
- non-sexually transmitted infections
- sexually transmitted infections
- vaginal discharge
- genital pain
- skin lesions
The above categories can be sub-divided into many individual disease types, and although some diseases disappear of their own accord, most require medical attention to heal adequately.
Genital itch in males
Balanitis – inflammation of the glans penis (head of the penis)
Pruritus ani – itchiness in the anus area
Dermatitis (eczema) – localised itch; atopic dermatitis; seborrhoeic dermatitis; irritant contact dermatitis; allergic contact dermatitis; intertrigo (chafing)
Genital itch in females
Itchy Vulva – in adult women and pre-pubertal girls
Pruritus ani – itchiness in the anus area
Dermatitis (eczema) – all conditions as noted above for men
Psoriasis – scaly irritating patches
Lichen sclerosus – white thin ivory patients patches
Genital pain in males
Balanitis – including plasma cell balanitis
Behcet disease – blood vessel inflammation causing ulcers
Erosive lichen planus – (often also affecting the mouth)
Crohn’s disease – can cause ulcers, swelling and granulomas
Dysaesthesia – burning sensation often associated with redness
Genital pain in females
Dyspareunia – painful sex
Atrophic vulvovaginitis – thinning skin tissue often leading to infection
Behcet disease – blood vessel inflammation causing ulcers
Erosive lichen planus – skin rash related to the immune system
Plasma cell vulvitis – inflammatory disorder showing bright-red lesions
Fixed drug eruption
Crohn’s disease
Overview of Genital Problems
The above lists are just a partial summary of genital problems, with many more diseases affecting both men and women from all walks of life. For example, vaginal discharge can be a sign of sexually or non-sexually transmitted infections including vaginitis, with genital malodour or other symptoms often present.
Skin infections are also common in warm, humid environments typical of the genital area.
Common Infections and Lesions
Males and females can suffer from bacterial, fungal, or viral infections of the genital area, with symptoms including boils, sores, dryness, scaling, and itchiness.
Genital herpes is the most common viral infection, resulting in recurring blisters or sores. Parasitic infestations also thrive in the genital area, with lice and scabies among the most well-known. There are also a large number of non-infectious skin lesions that are prone to develop around the genital area.
Accurate Diagnosis is Critical
As there are so many prevalent genital skin diseases, an accurate diagnosis is extremely important. The onset of genital disease is a frightening experience that can only be countered by understanding the problem, with the help of a qualified medical practitioner.
Pymble Dermatology has caring professionals on hand to provide accurate diagnosis and treatment for every kind of skin problem. Visit today for a comprehensive consultation that will set your mind at ease.
