What Type of STIs Cause Itching All Over?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 million curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day. Over 30 different bacteria, viruses, and parasites are known to be transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some STIs can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Eight pathogens are linked to the greatest incidence of STIs. Of these, four are currently curable: syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. The other four are viral infections: hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV).^[1]

There are highly effective ways to prevent acquiring STIs, such as practicing safe sex and regular screenings. For bacterial infections, there are complete cures, and for viral infections, there are effective methods to control the illnesses. Identifying your symptoms as suspicious and seeking early medical care is crucial. Itching all over your body, or generalized body itching, is an important feature of many skin diseases. It follows the stimulation of fine free nerve endings lying close to the dermo-epidermal junction. Areas with a high density of such endings, or “itch spots,” are especially sensitive to itch-provoking stimuli. Itch has two components: a quick localized pricking sensation followed by a slow burning diffuse itching .

In itchy skin diseases, pruritogenic chemicals such as histamine and proteolytic enzymes are liberated close to the dermo-epidermal junction. The detailed pharmacology of individual diseases is still poorly understood, but prostaglandins potentiate chemically induced itching in inflammatory skin disease. Fortunately, STIs rarely cause generalized body itching. Instead, they cause itching in and around the private areas that are exposed to direct contact during any form of sex. Thus, the localized itching will be limited to the groin area, anus, and mouth. It is important to seek medical advice if the itching is persistent.^[2]

1. Chlamydia

Cause

Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the most commonly reported bacterial infection in the US and the most common STI globally. This bacterium also causes an ocular infection called trachoma, which is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide.

Symptoms

Women: The cervix is the most commonly infected site, which can manifest as cervicitis, urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, perihepatitis, or proctitis. Chlamydial infections in women, especially if untreated, increase the risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy, leading to high medical costs. Symptoms in women include vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, painful urination, bleeding after intercourse or intermenstrual bleeding, nausea, vomiting, and fever with chills.

Men: In men, infection can lead to urethritis, epididymitis, prostatitis, proctitis, or reactive arthritis. Symptoms include pain during urination, urethral discharge, unilateral testicular pain, and fever. Both men and women infected with C. trachomatis may also experience conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, and lymphogranuloma venereum, characterized by enlarged lymph nodes or severe proctocolitis.

Diagnosis

The gold standard for diagnosing urogenital chlamydia infections is nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT). This test is run on vaginal swabs for women or first-catch urine for men. Other methods include culture, rapid testing, serology, antigen detection, and genetic probes. Testing for HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis may also be considered.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to prevent complications, reduce transmission risk, and resolve symptoms. Antibiotics will be prescribed. Partner identification and testing, counselling on high-risk behaviours, and avoiding sexual activities for one week after starting therapy are advised. Verification of cure should occur three weeks after treatment, and retesting should be performed three months later.^[3]

Read more:

• Can Chlamydia Be Transmitted Orally?

2. Gonorrhea

Cause

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is a purulent infection of mucous membrane surfaces, spread by sexual contact or transmission during childbirth . This can affect genitals , rectum and throat. The risk of transmission of N gonorrhoeae from an infected individual to their partner’s urethra is approximately 20% per episode of vaginal intercourse, and it rises to 60-80% after 4 or more exposures. In contrast, the risk of transmission from male-to-female or female-to-male partners approximates 50-70% per contact, with little evidence of increased risk with more sexual exposures.

Symptoms

Women: Major symptoms include mildly odorous vaginal discharge, pain during urination, intermenstrual bleeding, painful intercourse, and mild lower abdominal pain.

Men:Symptoms include a burning sensation upon urination, watery discharge that later becomes profuse and purulent, swollen, red, warm, and painful testicles, and pain and discharge in rectal infections.

Diagnosis

Culture is the most common diagnostic test for gonorrhea, followed by DNA probe, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, and ligand chain reaction (LCR). The DNA probe detects gonorrhea DNA in specimens.

Treatment

A combination of antibiotics is given. With adequate early therapy, complete cure and return to normal function are typical.^[4] 

Read more:

• How Long Does Gonorrhea Take to Show in Males?

3. Trichomoniasis

Cause

Trichomoniasis is caused by the protozoa Trichomonas vaginalis. It is a common cause of symptomatic vaginal infection in women and is acquired through direct sexual contact . It is a motile organism that lives in the lower genitourinary tract of females and the prostate and urethra of men. Trichomoniasis is an infection that is sexually transmitted and is acquired by direct sexual contact. It can live for a few hours in moist environments, but virtually all cases are due to the venereal transmission of the organism.

Symptoms

Women: Symptoms include vaginal discharge, painful intercourse, urinary tract infection symptoms, vaginal itching, and pelvic pain.

Men: The disease may be asymptomatic or present with symptoms such as penile discharge, testicular pain, dysuria, urinary frequency, or cloudy urine.

Diagnosis

 The most common diagnostic testing is wet prep microscopy, which visualizes the moving organism on the slide. However, this method is only 40% to 60% sensitive. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are gaining favour due to their high sensitivity and specificity.

Treatment

A seven-day course of oral medications will be given. Treatment of the sexual partner is also important. Patients should avoid alcohol during treatment. Topical medications have high failure rates and should not be used.^[5]

Read more:

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) vs Trichomoniasis: Which Is It?

4. Genital Warts (Condyloma)

Cause

Genital warts, or condyloma acuminata, are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), primarily strains 6 and 11, which are comparatively less severe forms. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, with 9 to 13 percent of the global population infected. The chance of acquiring the infection increases with an increased number of lifetime sexual partners, a history of chlamydia and gonorrhea infections, smoking, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Symptoms

Condyloma acuminata are usually asymptomatic but may occasionally cause bleeding, itching, and pain. Lesions appear as raised, skin-coloured, fleshy papules that range from one to five millimetres in diameter. They can be broad and flat, pedicles, or occasionally have a cauliflower-like appearance.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on sexual history and physical examination of the lesions. A colposcope can be used for improved visualization. Confirmatory testing and gene typing are possible via DNA detection assays such as PCR. Additionally, the acetic acid test can be used to evaluate the lesions further.

Treatment

Treatment options include topical therapies, cryotherapy, and surgical excision. There is no formal treatment algorithm; treatment depends on lesion location, morphology, and patient preference.^[6] 

Read more:

• My Partner Has Genital Warts. Could I Be at Risk?
• Genital Warts vs Genital Herpes: Spot the Differences
• Lump on Your Penis? 10 Common Causes Explained

5. Pubic Lice (Crabs)

Cause

Pubic lice infestations are caused by Pthirus pubis. They are usually transmitted during sexual contact and can be associated with other sexually transmitted diseases . Pubic lice are adapted to a sedentary life style on pubic hair, and sometimes on eyelashes and body hair, not often leaving the infested body.

Symptoms

The primary symptom is severe itching. Lice can be seen upon visual inspection.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is clinical, with visual and microscopic identification of the lice. Scrapings may be done to rule out fungal infections.

Treatment

Topical creams, shampoos, and lotions are available for treatment .

Read more:

• Is Pubic Lice A Virus Or Bacteria?
• What Causes Itchy Pubic Hair?

6. Syphilis

Cause

Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. It is primarily transmitted through vaginal, anogenital, and orogenital contact. The infection can rarely be acquired via nonsexual contacts, such as skin-to-skin or direct transfer (blood transfusion or needle sharing). Its prevalence is high in low-income and middle-income countries, and its incidence has increased in high-income countries in the last few decades among men who have sex with men. Syphilis is a major cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries.

Symptoms

Primary stage: Painless ulcer that resolves within 3 to 6 weeks without treatment.

Secondary stage: Maculopapular rash involving the palms and soles, appearing 2 to 8 weeks after the disappearance of the primary chancre. Symptoms include fevers, myalgia, headaches, anorexia, sore throat, weight loss, joint pain, and malaise.

Tertiary stage: Tertiary syphilis is a late symptomatic disease that can manifest months, years, or even decades after the initial infection as cardiovascular syphilis, neurosyphilis, or gummatous syphilis.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic strategies include dark-field microscopy and serological testing of serum, tissue, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Treatment

Treatment depends on the disease stage and includes antibiotic injections, typically from the penicillin group.^[8] 

Read more: Syphilis vs. Herpes: How to Tell the Difference

Understanding the Symptoms

STIs often manifest with symptoms such as vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding, lower pelvic pain, painful urination, and localized itching in women. In men, symptoms may include painful urination, testicular pain, painful defecation, and urethral discharge. Both men and women may experience systemic symptoms like fever, malaise, nausea, and vomiting. Localized itching is a common feature of many STIs, although generalized itching can occur in conditions like secondary syphilis.

When to Seek Medical Treatment

Sexually transmitted infections are common among sexually active individuals. Most STIs are curable or treatable. STIs impact sexual and reproductive health but has a huge stigma around it causing poor health seeking behaviour. infertility, cancer, pregnancy complications, and increased HIV risk. Symptoms like unusual vaginal or urethral discharge, itching, pain during urination, and fever warrant a visit to a healthcare professional. Prompt treatment of STIs is essential to prevent complications and further transmission. Individuals at higher risk, including those with multiple sexual partners, should consider regular STI screenings. Treating sexual partners is crucial in managing STIs effectively. Now healthcare sector is maintaining clinics and treatment facilities in a highly confidential manner to protect your privacy.

Conclusion

Sexually transmitted infections pose a significant global health challenge. Effective prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment require the combined efforts of individuals, communities, and healthcare providers. Recognizing symptoms such as localized itching and seeking prompt medical intervention can lead to better health outcomes. Public health initiatives and education can help reduce the spread of STIs and improve sexual health worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if I have a yeast infection or an STI?

Yeast infections typically cause a white, thick, curd-like discharge with itching, while STIs may produce differently characterized discharge along with other symptoms like pain or additional types of itching.

What does chlamydia look like?

Chlamydia symptoms in women include vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, painful urination, bleeding after intercourse, and possible fever. In men, symptoms include painful urination, urethral discharge, unilateral testicular pain, and fever.

What causes itching without discharge?

STIs like genital herpes can cause itching without any discharge. Herpes can present as painful blisters or sores in the genital area, which may itch before they appear.

How long does it take for an STI to show up?

The incubation period for STIs varies. Symptoms of infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea can appear a few days after exposure. Other infections, such as syphilis, may have recurring symptoms that show up over a longer period.