Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland What is a vaginal discharge? It is caused by vaginal secretions and its colour can be: transparent whitish yellowish greenish Is a vaginal discharge abnormal? No, physiologic vaginal discharge may occur. These are then due to secretions by cells located on the vaginal wall and the cervix. The…
What is hepatitis B? It is an infection where the liver is inflamed due to an infection with the hepatitis B virus. There are many other viruses which may cause hepatitis (hepatitis A, hepatitis C, EBV, CMV…). How is hepatitis B transmitted? Sexual intercourse with an infected individual Transfusion of contaminated blood Infected mothers can…
The infection is normally transmitted during sexual intercourse or when there is a close skin-to-skin contact. The adult mite which gives rise to pubic lice (phthirus pubis) (crabs) measures between 1 and 2 mm of diameter and appears on the skin of the pubis as grey of red-brown spots. As for the eggs, they are…
What is scabies? Scabies is an infestation by a mite called sarcoptes scabiei. Transmission can occur while in close personal contact. In sexually active adults, transmission occurs often (but not only) sexually. Affected individuals can display small red itchy growths. These lesions are located on the genitalia or at other sites like the interdigital web…
What is Molluscum Contagiosum? Contrary to children, molluscum contagiosum is often sexually transmitted. The lesions appear as smooth and shiny bumps with a central depression in their centre. Often the appearance alone is sufficient to diagnose this condition. The clinical diagnosis can be confirmed by microscopic examination of the material contained within the lesions. Treatment…
Genital Warts (condyloma acuminata) Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland What are genital warts? It is a sexually transmitted infection located in the genital/anal area. It is caused by an infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Warts located on the hands, feet and fingers are not sexually transmitted and are caused by other subtypes…
What is chancroid? It is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacteria called Haemophilus Ducreyi. The individual presents generally with painful ulcers, single or multiple overlying a “dirty” base. Some patients complain of painful swellings in the inguinal folds. The condition is diagnosed by demonstrating the organism through culture of the ulcer secretions. An…
What is genital herpes? It is a sexually transmitted infected caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are 2 types of HSV: type I and type II. How do I catch genital herpes? Sexual intercourse with an infected individual An infected partner may not have noticeable erosions. Transmission from the mother to the child…
Gonorrhoea Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland What is gonorrhoea? It is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria Gonorrhoeae. How is gonorrhoea transmitted? Sexual intercourse with an infected individual (vaginal, anal, oral). Mother to child transmission (when delivering through the birth canal. A casual social contact or “accidental contaminations” while sitting on the…
HIV infection (“HIV positive”) and AIDS Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland What is AIDS? AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is the final stage of the infection of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). How can I be infected with HIV? Non protected sexual intercourse with an infected individual Sharing of syringes and…
