Genital lesions are sexually transmitted soft growths that appear on the genitals. It is usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Genital lesions can cause itching, pain and discomfort. For women, sometimes lesions can occur inside the vagina and can be hard to note. Genital lesions can also appear on the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. The presence of lesions around the anus, scrotum, penis, vulva, and perineal area can be signs of an infection and needs a doctor’s intervention. You will need to visit a specialist of genital lesions in Fort Worth for diagnosis and treatment.
What are the causes of genital lesions?
Several health problems can cause genital lesions, and any manifestations on the genitals or any part of the skin should be taken to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Human papillomavirus is the most common cause of genital lesions, and it occurs when you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex with an infected person. The absence of genital lesions does not necessarily mean that you do not have HPV. The infection has an incubation period and months can pass from when you are infected to the time you notice their presence.
How is the diagnosis of genital lesions made?
Before treatment, the doctor needs to determine the cause of the lesions. Determining the cause will help the doctor institute appropriate therapy and reduce possible infections to others. The process of diagnosis can involve:
i. Physical assessment
The doctor will conduct a physical examination of the skin’s affected areas by checking rashes, including any lesions or warts. During this process, you should notify the physician of any abnormal redness or discharge.
ii. Swab test
Swab testing is done by taking swabs of body fluids and taken to the lab for testing. A swab for the throat, genital, or anus is used to detect the presence of any sexually transmitted infection.
iii. Biopsy
Samples for a biopsy can be obtained by skin scraping, where a piece of the skin is removed for testing. The doctor removes a sample size large enough for laboratory testing to determine the cause of the lesions. The size can, however, be larger if the whole lesion is removed from the skin. The sample is then examined using a microscope for any presence of scabies, psoriasis, or fungal infection.
iv. Blood samples
Some causes of skin lesions that occur due to syphilis or herpes can be detected through blood samples. Blood tests analyze the presence of a herpes simplex virus antibody and determine its infection.
Though there are home tests you can carry out, they are not as reliable as the tests done by a doctor. If you carry out a home test and you suspect the presence of an infection, visit the doctor for more tests so that they can give you appropriate treatment. The treatment recommended depends on the cause of the lesion. Your doctor may recommend antibiotics and cream to ease symptoms such as itching while curing the main problem. You should also maintain a healthy lifestyle to boost your immune system and help fight any infections that cause lesions.
Leave a Reply