Other diseases transmitted through sex (STI)

Molluscum contagiosum

This is a viral infection which causes small, see through, tiny blisters, which usually have a dimple in the middle. The incubation period is between 2-8 weeks. They often appear in clusters. The fluid inside the papules is highly infectious.

Although it can be transmitted through sexual contact, as with crabs, it can also be passed on through sharing of towels or clothes with someone who has the virus. It is therefore not strictly an STI.

The infection usually clears up within 6-18 months, but you can have them treated with liquid nitrogen if you cannot wait this long. There is a risk of scarring however.

Pubic Lice (Crabs)

These are parasites that are passed on through any type of skin to skin contact including sexual contact. They can also be passed on through sharing of bed linen, towels, and so forth.

They usually like to attach to pubic hair but can be found anywhere where there is hair. Once they attach they burrow into the skin and feed on blood. The predominant symptom is itching in the affected area, which usually starts about a week after the contact.

Treatment is with a special shampoo and it’s important to wash all clothes bed linen etc., at high temperature.

Scabies

Scabies is caused by a parasite, and again although it can be transmitted through sexual contact, it can also be transmitted through normal skin to skin contact. So therefore it is not strictly a STI. They are very easy to pick up from an infected person and the main symptom is intense, all over itching, which typically starts 2- 6 weeks post contact.

After contact the female will burrow into the skin, usually between the webs of fingers, on the genitals, or wrists.

Very soon after you will develop an intensely itchy rash with inflamed spots, this is caused by an allergic reaction to the eggs. Itching is generally worse after a hot.

If you think you have caught scabies it is best to get treated immediately and wash all clothes and linen at very high temperature.

It is important to treat close contacts as well as it spreads easily in households.