Genital Skin Conditions
What are Genital Skin Conditions
Behcet's Disease or Syndrome
A syndrome is a group of symptoms, which is a term doctors use rather than disease when the cause linking the different features is not known. The cause of Behcet's syndrome is unknown, but it causes the skin to become inflamed, and this can happen in many different parts of the body, especially the genital area. Behcet's syndrome is an autoimmune condition in which the body's own system attacks the body's tissues, causing ulcers in the mouth and genital area. It can also cause red eyes, painful skin lesions, and joint pains. It can not be passed on to other people. Behcet's syndrome occurs in men and women of all age groups, although usually develops in the 20's and 30's. It is a long term problem which sometimes becomes less active in later life.
Lichen Sclerosus & Lichen Planus
Lichen sclerosus is similar to lichen planus, which are both sometimes associated with autoimmune disease, and thyroid disorder.
Lichen sclerosus can affect all areas of the body, especially the genital area in women where thickening of the skin of the vulva can occur, and may also cause thickening of the foreskin in men. Itching is common in both conditions, and sexual intercourse can be painful.
Lichen Planus is an uncommon skin condition, it is thought to be due to an abnormal immune reaction. This can be provoked by a viral infection or in some instances by a drug. Lichen Planus can affect any area of the body and in 85% of cases it clears from the skin surface within 18 months, although it may persist longer, especially in areas affecting the mouth or genitals.
Psoriasis & Genital Eczema
These are skin conditions involving the genital area, which can both cause the genital area to be itchy.
Psoriasis causes red raised plaques, and it is a common long term condition that affects people of all ages, estimated to be 2% of the population. The most common ages that this condition first appears are those in their late teens, and then the late 50's. It affects men and women equally, although in children, girls are more commonly affected than boys. Psoriasis tends to run in families, and it can also be influenced by many environmental factors. It is not contagious and is not due to an allergy.
Genital Eczema, (Eczema dermatitis) primarily involves an inflammatory process, which may be due to a complex interaction of either genetic or environmental factors. Eczema can affect all age groups, and is not contagious. Eczema can affect many different areas of the body including the genital area, in particular the vulval area, where it appears as scaly and moist erythema. Erythema is the initial reaction in the skin when there is an increased blood supply to the affected part of the skin, followed by redness, blisters, sometimes rupture or weeping. This could happen as a reaction to a chemical, for example, washing powder, watch strap, bacteria, and some ingested foods or drugs.
Scabies & Pubic Lice
Scabies and pubic lice are skin infestations with mites and lice, which can cause intense itching in the genital area. Pubic lice are tiny parasitic insects that live in coarse body hair, such as pubic hair. They are yellow-grey and about 2mm long. They have a crab-like appearance, so they are often known as 'crabs'. It can take several weeks after coming into contact with pubic lice before the signs and symptoms of pubic lice appear. Nits are the eggs which appear as brownish dots fixed to the hair. Pubic lice are easily passed from one person to another through close body contact or sexual contact. Both men and women can get pubic lice, and pass them on. Pubic lice are different to head lice.
Scabies is caused by a mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) which burrows under the skin, but the rash and itch are much more widespread than the location of the mites. The mite burrows into the skin, especially around the hands, feet, and male genitalia. The itching is due to an allergic reaction to the tiny mites, and is associated with a rash of red, raised spots. The itch is worse at night, and may often affect more than one family member. Unless you develop symptoms you may not know whether you or your partner has scabies and it can take up to six weeks after coming into contact with scabies before signs and symptoms may appear.
Diagnosis
Behcet's Disease or Syndrome
The main symptoms of Behcet's syndrome are ulcers either in the vagina or on the vulva in women, and may also occur around the anus and in the groin. In men and boys ulcers can affect the scrotum or the penis, they can also experience pain and swelling of the testicles. A number of different skin problems may occur on the body, for example, redness, inflammation, lumps under or in the skin. People with Behcet's syndrome tend to have skin which easily becomes inflamed or ulcerated or appears to be infected. Symptoms can also occur in the mouth, eyes, and joints. A large number of people with this condition (about 98%) suffer recurrent mouth ulcers. Problems associated with Behcet's may also effect the nervous system, causing headaches and occasionally other symptoms like double vision, difficulty hearing, giddiness, loss of balance, and some suffer depression or other psychological difficulties. Behcet's syndrome may also cause bowel
problems such as bloating, or inflamed bowels, which may lead to diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Blood vessels, particularly small blood vessels, can become inflamed.
I May Have a Genital Skin Condition
If you have any concerns relating to this condition, or any conditions described on this website, please contact the Sunshine Clinic by telephone to arrange an appointment with Dr Sood, on 0845 505 0552