Genital lesions

Lichen Sclerosis

The primary symptoms including thin, wrinkled skin that splits and fissures easily. If untreated it can lead to scarring and deformity, and painful sex. It’s associated with some autoimmune conditions, such as vitiligo and thyroid disease, as well as vulval skin cancer. Lichen sclerosis is managed through monitoring by a dermatologist or gynaecologist, and steroid creams may be used.

Genital Dermatitis

The primary symptoms include significant, persistent itching and possibly a rash. Caused by dry skin, perhaps from overuse of soap, sanitary pads/panty liner, reactions to latex or feminine hygiene products. Treatment includes ceasing to use the product causing the reaction, and steroid creams can be prescribed.

Vaginal Infections

Symptoms include itching, smell, discharge, spot bleeding, pain, stinging while urinating. Vaginal infections are caused when bacteria, fungi and other organisms overgrow, and are more likely in overweight individuals, Those who wear tight or synthetic garments, and those who over-wash the area. Treatment may involve a swab check to confirm diagnosis, or even a biopsy. Depending on what these tests find, treatments may involve oral or topical treatments.

Molluscum Contagiosum

Symptoms are small, pearl coloured bumps on the skin, resulting from the same virus family as chicken pox, and is spread through direct contact with an infected person. Bumps can also appear on the upper thigh and lower abdomen. In children in can appear on faces and necks. Various treatments including physical therapies and creams can be effective.

Pearly Penile Papules

Primary symptoms are small, skin coloured bumps on the end of the penis, often mistaken for symptoms of an STD. They are not serious and cannot be passed to partners, as they have not been contracted from anywhere. Treatment for PPPs is a routine laser treatment, using a topical numbing cream beforehand so treatment is usually painless.

Fordyce spots/sebaceous hyperplasia

Small flesh coloured bumps often on the shaft of the penis which are prominent oil glands associated with the hair follicle. These are normal spots which are not an STI and do not require treatment.

Balanitis & Balanoposthitis

The primary symptom is inflammation of the head or foreskin of the penis. This causes redness, swelling, discharge, pain/tenderness and inability to urinate. It can also result in impotence or difficulty retracting the foreskin. There is no definitive cause, though products used or poor hygiene may be involved. Other health conditions may also be related, such as diabetes, HPV, candida or STDs. Treatment begins with accurate diagnosis, and usually involves prescription creams, antibiotics and, on rare occasions, circumcision may be recommended.

Lichen sclerosis

Often presents in men as fragility of the foreskin which can tear and fissure. Tightening and difficulty in retraction of the foreskin can occur with progression of the condition. Treatment involves the use of steroid creams and circumscision may be required in advanced cases.

Scabies

Symptoms include a pimple-like outbreak, constant itch or rash. Scabies is actually an infestation of small bugs known as sarcoptes scabiei, which can exist for a month or more before becoming apparent, and can show up between fingers or toes, under arms and around the face and neck, as well as in the genital region. Treatments are very effective and quick, and include prescription creams and medication to reduce itching. Molluscum Contagiosum: Symptoms are small, pearl coloured bumps on the skin, resulting from the same virus family as chicken pox, and is spread through direct contact with an infected person. Bumps can also appear on the upper thigh and lower abdomen. In children in can appear on faces and necks. Various treatments including physical therapies and creams can be effective.

You're welcome to make an appointment to see our dermatologist directly, however if you have a referral from your GP you will receive a higher rebate back from medicare to assist with the cost of the appointment. Further, if your condition is not simply a skin condition, but something that requires other treatments, your GP can address that directly.

We highly recommend seeing either your GP or a dermatologist quickly, after the discovery of a genital lesion or skin condition, as early treatment may have an impact on treatment options and success.