Do sexually transmitted infections cause genital aphthosis?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I looked over the image (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). It may be genital aphthosis. The most common cause of ulcerations is sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, you do not need to be concerned because the STI panel tests were negative. Genital aphthosis is characterized by shallow ulcerations or sores that form on the genital areas in both men and women but is more common in men due to a variety of factors, including autoimmune conditions in which antibodies are formed against your own cells, which are frequently accompanied by other inflammatory conditions affecting joints, recurrent ulcerations in the mouth, and eye inflammation.

Risk factors include reduced immunity, acid reflux disease, vitamin deficiency, and inflammatory bowel disease. Genital aphthosis can be intermittent, recurring every few months, and usually requires treatment because it is self-limiting. However, Hydrocortisone 1 % cream may be applied in a very thin layer with a very small amount of the cream at night for a maximum of two weeks for faster healing. In addition, Lignocaine gel may be applied twice daily to the affected area only if the pain is present. Wash the affected area with lukewarm salt water once daily. Take capsule with vitamin B complex, zinc, and vitamin C once daily after food at night for one month. Unfortunately, no blood tests exist to provide a specific diagnosis.

However, I would recommend a biopsy of the affected lesion and in-person consultation with a doctor to rule out other possible conditions. Aside from that, a regular complete blood count may be performed to check for an increase in inflammatory mediators such as ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.