Especially among younger people, sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise. According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 50% of STD cases in a given year are caused by young people between 15 and 24 years old. Let us show you why sexual health matters, how to spot STDs and other signs early.
What’s an STD?
The Center of American Progress estimates that nearly 20 million STD cases are reported each year in the United States. STDs, which are sexually transmitted diseases, can be passed from one partner to the next. Sexually Transmitted diseases can be caused by a variety of microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Most people think of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) when it comes to STDs. This is one of the most common and deadly viruses that we have ever seen. HIV cases are not as common as the Chlamydia or Gonorrhea STDs. Infected people with Chlamydia or Gonorrhea are the most common STDs reported in the US.
Can STDs Cause Dry Skin
There are over 20 types of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Most STDs don’t show any symptoms and keep a low profile. Itchy and dry skin symptoms may occur, particularly in the genital area.
You may experience some skin reactions to an infected virus or bacteria from sexual contact. These reactions may occur:
- Dry skin
- Itching
- Rashes around the mouth and genitals
- Warts or sores (small, outgrown flesh at the surface of the skin).
These symptoms can be contagious and spread easily to others even if there is no sexual contact. Contact with someone’s skin, such as kissing or touching a person infected, can spread the disease to their partner. Dry skin symptoms should not be ignored. Leaving them untreated can lead to severe health problems.
What Types of STDs Cause Dry Skin?
There are many STDs. However, not all STDs can cause dry skin. Three specific STDs can cause dry skin and rashes in men and women. These are:
- Herpes (HSV).
- HIV
- Syphilis
HIV and Herpes, two of the STDs mentioned above, are caused by viruses Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Syphilis can be caused by Treponema Pallidum bacteria.
What Are Other Signs of STDs?
Other than the itchy skin and dry skin, STD-infected women may experience unusual vaginal discharge, pain during sexual interaction, heavy menstruation, and painful urination.
Men with STD symptoms include penile discharge, swollen testsicles, burning sensations, irritation, and painful stool movement.
Important to remember that most people infected by STDs don’t show symptoms at all during the initial phase. The symptoms may not manifest for up to seven to ninety days. This is a major reason for the spread of sexually transmitted diseases across the globe, especially among teens due to a lack of sex education.
Why Does Dry Skin Arise (Other than STDs?
Dry skin may also indicate other conditions. Dry skin can also be caused by conditions such as excessive washing, hypothyroidism, and exposure to harsh chemicals in soaps.
Dry skin and rashes can be a sign of an STD if you have been sexually active or had multiple sex partners. You should get tested for STDs to be certain.
How do I know which type of STD I have?
According to past cases and data, there are only three types of STDs which can cause dry skin symptoms. The symptoms of the three diseases – HIV, Syphilis and Herpes – vary.
HIV STD- Dry Skin and Other Symptoms
HIV progression occurs in three stages. The initial and second stages are marked by fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle/joint pains, night sweats, diarrhea, and sore throat. The first stage symptoms may not be present most of the times. HIV keeps manipulating for years, so the virus stays low. This can lead to an increase in symptoms during the final phase. White spots on the lips, genital and anal sores; persistent headaches; rapid weight loss; memory problems; and rapid weight gain are all symptoms of HIV.
Herpes STD- Dry Skin and Other Symptoms
Dry skin, fever, sores on the mouth, itching, and pain/itching are all symptoms of herpes.
Syphilis STD- Dry Skin and Other Symptoms
Syphilis symptoms can include joint pain, genital or oral sores (also called an oral chancre).
What happens if dry skin from STD is left untreated?
An STD left untreated can lead to serious health problems. It is not necessary to wait for the symptoms of STDs to disappear on their own. STDs can often be treated with medication. If treatment is initiated at an early stage, antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial STDs like Syphilis. STDs that are caused by viruses such as HIV or Herpes cannot be cured. However, you can manage symptoms with daily medication.
You must follow the prescribed period of antibiotics if you are given them to treat your condition. Even if you no longer have symptoms, it is important that you continue taking the medication. Avoid sexual activity, as well as tobacco and alcohol consumption, because they can fight the antibiotics. The treatment process is slower and less efficient.
Conclusion
Dry skin can indicate a Sexually Transmitted Disease if you are sexually active. This is often caused by infected partners. Don’t take dry skin or rashes on your skin or genitals as a sign of a sexually transmitted infection. Wait for them to disappear. With the help of antibiotics, the STD infection must be treated immediately. Untreated STDs can lead to other complications, such as infertility or Pelvic Inflammatory Disorder (PID).
