Which STIs cause dry skin?

Dry skin is a common issue affecting many people and can have various causes. One possible but often overlooked cause is sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Genital herpes (HSV) often leads to dry, flaky skin during healing, while secondary-stage syphilis causes a rash that may appear dry on the palms and soles. Genital warts (HPV) can become dry due to irritation or treatment. In AIDS, immune problems and therapies frequently cause dry, scaly skin.

This article provides comprehensive information about which sexually transmitted diseases can cause dry skin, how to recognize these symptoms, available treatment options, and how to prevent skin problems caused by STIs. This way, you can better inform yourself and take the necessary steps for your health. If you are concerned about your symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.

Table of Contents

• What is a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

• Which STI causes dry skin?

• Connection between STIs and dry skin

• Can STIs cause long-term skin problems?

• How to distinguish dry skin caused by an STI from other causes?

• Diagnostic procedures for dry skin caused by STIs

• Treatment options and skincare recommendations for STIs

• Prevention of STIs and skin problems

• Summary

What is a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

A sexually transmitted infection, or STI, is an infection transmitted from person to person through sexual contact. This can occur through vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi and can lead to different symptoms depending on the type of infection and the part of the body affected. Many people associate STIs primarily with symptoms in the genital area, but sexually transmitted infections can affect many parts of the body, including the skin. Well-known STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, and syphilis (WHO, 2024).

Which STI causes dry skin?

Dry skin is a symptom that can occur with various sexually transmitted infections. While dry skin can be a sign of an STI, it does not necessarily indicate one. Consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. The following STIs are known to commonly cause dry skin:

Herpes (Herpes simplex virus, HSV)
A herpes infection can be caused by two different virus types, HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is more commonly responsible for oral herpes (but can also cause genital herpes), while HSV-2 primarily causes genital herpes. Herpes is often recognizable by recurring blisters, typically appearing around the infected area and becoming dry, painful, or itchy. After the blisters heal, the skin may become dry and flaky, and sores may appear around the infected site (WHO, 2024).

Syphilis
In syphilis, a secondary-stage skin rash may develop that sometimes causes skin changes, particularly on the palms and soles. This rash usually does not itch and may sometimes spread over the entire body (NHS, 2022).

Genital warts (Human papillomavirus, HPV)
90% of certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), types 6 and 11, cause genital warts. Genital warts (affecting the genitals and rectum) are small, hard bumps with a rough surface. They rarely cause dry skin directly, but affected skin areas may itch, burn, feel uncomfortable, or hurt near the warts. Irritation or treatment, such as with wart treatments, can cause the affected areas to become dry and flaky (Cleveland Clinic, 2024; Ratchanon S., n.d.).

HIV/AIDS
HIV infection is associated with a number of common dermatological conditions. In AIDS, the skin can become dry and scaly due to HIV-related immune deficiency. Other skin problems may be caused by inflammation that occurs when the immune system recovers during antiretroviral therapy or by the medications themselves (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d., Lee, D. et al., 2007).

Rashes and lesions may also occur with:

• Scabies, pubic lice

• Hepatitis A, B, and C

• Molluscum contagiosum

• Human herpesviruses (HHV)

• Chlamydia trachomatis including lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)

• Neisseria gonorrhoeae

• Mycoplasma genitalium

Source: Australian STI Management and Guidelines, n.d. 

Connection between STIs and dry skin

Sexually transmitted infections can affect the skin and, in some cases, lead to dry skin for several reasons:

• Rashes, blisters, and inflammatory responses: Herpes and syphilis cause skin lesions that, after healing, leave dry, sensitive skin due to a disturbed skin barrier.

• Immune system changes: HIV affects the immune system and causes hormonal changes that may lead to skin alterations.

• Medications for treating STIs: Medications such as antibiotics or antivirals used to treat STIs may cause skin changes as side effects, particularly with long-term use.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2024, Ratchanon S., n.d., NHS, 2022

Can STIs cause long-term skin problems?

Yes, sexually transmitted diseases can cause long-term skin issues. For example, herpes can lead to recurring blisters that may leave sores or scars and permanently alter the skin barrier (Albrecht, M., 2024).

How to distinguish dry skin caused by an STI from other causes?

Skin changes caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) are often accompanied by additional symptoms such as blistering or itching in the genital area. These symptoms are usually localized and specific to the site of infection. In contrast, dry skin caused by other factors like climate or dermatological conditions tends to be more generalized, affecting larger areas of skin (not just the genitals), and is not associated with typical STI-related symptoms. To determine the exact cause of your skin issues and begin proper treatment, a medical examination is essential.

Are you unsure whether your dry skin is caused by an STI, or would you like general information about your health?

Dry skin caused by an STI may be accompanied by other symptoms such as a rash or itching. To detect possible STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea—often asymptomatic—it's important to get tested regularly. The Homed-IQ home test for chlamydia and gonorrhea can be performed easily at home using a swab or urine sample and offers a quick way to check your sexual health. Additionally, the complete STI test provides comprehensive screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, HIV, and syphilis to detect potential infections. Women should also consider an HPV test, which screens for high-risk HPV types that can cause cervical cancer. This test is particularly important since HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection and certain types can lead to serious health problems.

Diagnostic procedures for dry skin caused by STIs

To determine whether a skin change is caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), specific diagnostic procedures are necessary. These include:

• Medical history: The doctor asks about symptoms, sexual activities, and past STIs.

• Physical examination: Skin symptoms like rash or blisters are examined.

• Laboratory tests:

  • Swabs: From the skin, mucous membranes, or genital area to detect infections.

  • Blood tests: To detect STIs like HIV or syphilis.

  • Urine tests: For diagnosing chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Source: Mayo Clinic, 2023

Treatment options and skincare recommendations for STIs

Treatment of dry skin caused by an STI depends on the underlying infection. In addition to medical treatment, skincare measures can help relieve symptoms and restore skin health.

Treatment of the underlying STI

Treatment of the underlying STI involves the use of antibiotics (e.g., for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea) or antiviral medications (e.g., for genital herpes, HIV), depending on the specific pathogen. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment are essential (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

Skincare recommendations to relieve dry skin

Skincare recommendations to relieve dry skin include the use of:

• Lukewarm showers instead of hot water

• Short showers

• Avoiding irritating, perfumed soaps with a pH level outside 3.8–4.4

• Regular moisturizing with skin-friendly, fragrance-free creams containing soothing ingredients like aloe vera, ceramides, or urea

• Adequate fluid intake

• Cooling the skin in case of itching

• Wearing breathable and skin-friendly clothing

Source: Mayo Clinic, 2023

Prevention of STIs and skin problems

Preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and skin issues includes several important measures that promote both protection against infections and skin health. This includes the consistent use of condoms, which significantly reduces the risk of STI transmission. Regular STI testing is also important, especially when having multiple sexual partners, to detect and treat infections early. Reducing the number of sexual partners can also lower infection risk. It's also important to communicate openly with partners about STI status and ensure both partners are infection-free. Caution is advised when sharing items like sex toys or underwear, as this can increase the risk of transmitting infections such as scabies or fungal infections (CDC, 2024).

Summary

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection transmitted through sexual contact, caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, and syphilis, all of which can cause symptoms like dry skin. This dryness can occur after herpes blisters heal or as a result of the rash in syphilis. Diagnostic procedures are necessary to determine the cause, followed by targeted treatment. Preventive measures such as using condoms and regular STI testing are important to avoid infections. Home tests like the STI tests from Homed-IQ offer an easy, anonymous, and quick way to check your sexual health.