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Genital Herpes

Herpes simplex is one of the commonest infections of mankind throughout the world. There are two main types of herpes simplex virus (HSV); type 1, which is mainly associated with facial infections and type 2, which is mainly associated with genital infections, although there is considerable, overlap. These viruses cause lifelong infection with potential for reactivation or recurrence. Often people refer only to HSV-2 when discussing genital herpes but both types can cause infection in the genital area. Clinically, about 60-70% of primary genital infections are due to HSV-2 with the rest due to HSV-1.Both type 1 and type 2 herpes simplex viruses reside in a latent state in the nerves that supply sensation to the skin. With each episode of herpes simplex, the virus grows down the nerves and out into the skin or mucous membranes where it multiplies, causing the clinical lesion. After each episode it "dies back" up the nerve fiber and enters the resting state again.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are very common. They are caused by a virus, the human papillomavirus (HPV). Visible genital warts and sub clinical HPV infection nearly always arise from direct skin-to-skin contact. Transmission is common as genital warts often go unnoticed. Sub clinical infections can also be infectious. Often, warts will appear three to six months after infection but latency periods of many months or even years have been reported.

Genital warts may occur in the following sites:

Gianotti Crosti Syndrome

The Gianotti Crosti Syndrome is a characteristic response of the skin to viral infection in which there is a papular rash, which lasts for several weeks. Crosti Syndrome mainly affects children between the ages of 6 months and 12 years. A clustering of cases is often observed. A preceding upper respiratory infection is common. Over the course of 3 or 4 days a profuse eruption of dull red spots develops first on the thighs and buttocks, then on the outer aspects of the arms, and finally on the face. The rash is often asymmetrical. The individual spots are 5-10 mm in diameter and are a deep red color. Later they often look purple, especially on the legs, due to leakage of blood from the capillaries. Itch is uncommon, particularly if hepatitis B is the cause. The patient may feel quite well or have a mild temperature. Mildly enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits and groins may persist for months.

Gram Negative Folliculitis

Gram negative folliculitis is an acne-like disorder caused by a bacterial infection. Gram negative bacteria include Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marescens, Klebsiella and Proteus species. The term "Gram negative" refers to the staining pattern of the organisms in the laboratory. Certain bacteria do not take up a stain known as "Gram". Gram negative folliculitis differs from acne in the following ways: Most of the lesions are pustules with relatively few papules and comedones and it may result from long-term treatment with tetracycline antibiotics.

Granuloma Annulare

Granuloma annulare is a common condition of unknown cause, which affects the skin of teenagers or young adults. In granuloma annulare (GA), skin colored bumps occur in rings often over joints, particularly the knuckles. The center of each ring is often a little depressed. It usually affects both hands, and limbs, symmetrically. It can occur on other sites of the body such as the abdomen or neck, and is occasionally quite widespread. Many patients have a cold hand or foot tendency. A few patients with extensive Granuloma Annulare have diabetes mellitus. Granuloma Annulare may cause no symptoms, but it is usually tender when knocked. Often it will disappear after a few weeks or months without leaving a scar, but it may recur at the same site or somewhere else at a later date.

Gravitational Eczema

(see stasis dermatitis)