Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus with over 150 strains, also called HPV “types.” More than 40 types of HPV are transmitted sexually, and can infect the genitals as well as the mouth and throat. HPV is currently the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and…
Tag: bumps
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)
What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)? Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also referred to as acne inversa, is a chronic skin condition that affects the sweat glands and typically features the formation of small, circular lumps around hair follicles under the skin.1 HS most commonly occurs in areas with many sweat glands, such the armpits, groin, and anal…
Fordyce Spots
Fordyce spots, or sebaceous granules, are a non-STI dermatological condition characterized by clusters of small (1 to 3 mm) elevated bumps or spots on various parts of the body. They can appear pale red, yellowish-white, or skin-colored and most commonly appear on the glans or shaft of the penis, the scrotum, the labia, or on the…
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) from the Poxviridae family, which causes pearl-like bumps on the skin. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected skin, indirect contact via objects or materials that carry the virus (e.g., towels, razors, toys, clothing, bedding, gym equipment), and…
An Overview of STIs
The Basics Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that can be spread through sexual contact such as intercourse, oral sex, kissing, or shared sex toys. Also referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), these conditions are more often asymptomatic than not, which means an infected individual does not show signs of infection. To contract an STI,…
Genital Folliculitis
Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become damaged, infected, and inflamed.1 Genital folliculitis, or vaginal folliculitis, is a form of folliculitis that occurs in the female genital area.2 Although the infection is not contagious, the close proximity of hair follicles in that region can allow for the infection to spread.2 This infection can cause the inflamed…
Genital Warts
Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI).1 They can be transmitted through sexual contact such as oral, penile/vaginal, and anal sex.1 However, transmission can also occur merely through skin to skin contact with someone who is already infected.1 Typically, genital warts appear on the skin in the genital or anal area.1 They are treatable…