PRNewswire - Wednesday October 18, 2000

Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's Derm Update 2000, dermatologist Libby Edwards, M.D., Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, discussed three common sexually transmitted diseases and their treatment.

Sexually transmitted diseases are infections that are spread by contact of genital skin (penis, scrotum, vagina and skin surrounding these areas) with the infected skin of another person.

"While sexual intercourse is the most common way of catching a sexually transmitted disease, oral sex and occasionally even contact with other infected skin, such as a finger, can sometimes spread infections as well," said Dr. Edwards. "Contrary to what people might think, penetration with sexual intercourse does not have to occur for an infection to spread. Using a condom can help decrease the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, but skin contact still occurs around the edges of the condom and can spread the disease."

Genital Herpes

While genital herpes is caused by one of two very closely related herpes simplex viruses, type II herpes more often occurs in the genital area. The virus infects the skin, generally causing small, painful blisters or open sores. It is estimated that between 20 percent and 25 percent of Americans are infected with the virus that causes genital herpes.

"The problem with herpes is that the virus stays in the body forever, hiding out in the nerve under the skin even after the blisters disappear," explained Dr. Edwards. "That's why herpes is such a significant threat to teenagers -- once you contract it, you literally carry it with you the rest of your life." Although people can pass this infection most easily when the open sores or blisters are present, the virus can be infectious even when the skin looks normal and people are taking medication to prevent outbreaks.

While there are no treatments that cure a herpes infection, there are several medications -- such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir -- that shorten outbreaks and, if taken daily, keep outbreaks from occurring and decrease the amount of virus on the skin.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are small, skin-colored bumps caused by a human papillomavirus (HPV). They can occur on the outside skin as well as inside the vagina and on the cervix of women, where they are unnoticeable and can pass on the infection.

"Warts generally do not appear until weeks or months after the infection begins, making it somewhat difficult to determine how the infection was initially passed on," cautioned Dr. Edwards. "More importantly, some wart viruses can cause cancer of the cervix -- making them a potentially serious health risk for some women."

Although they usually do not hurt or itch, genital warts can be unsightly and embarrassing. There are no treatments that cure a wart infection, but there are treatments that help the body get rid of the warts -- such as freezing, burning, or applying acids that actually destroy the wart itself. However, the virus that causes warts also lives in the skin so warts often recur. A newer treatment, called imiquimod, is a cream that prompts the body to fight off the virus.

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a life-threatening infection that is transmitted by sexual secretions and blood. The infection can make a person feel as though he or she has the flu, which seems to go away, but the infection remains and slowly damages and changes the immune system until the person cannot fight off other infections. A person can be infected with HIV for several years before developing the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

"The only way to avoid catching a sexually transmitted disease is to avoid sexual activity altogether," said Dr. Edwards. "Teenagers need to realize that they can't be cavalier when it comes to having sex. Even using a condom and limiting sexual activity to as few lifetime partners as possible is only partly protective."

The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 13,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care; and promoting a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org .

SOURCE: American Academy of Dermatology

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