Patient's question:
I have been experiencing persistent and unbearable itching in my external genital area for the past few weeks. I haven't paid much attention to it until yesterday when I took a closer look and noticed some small bumps, which made me very upset. What should I do? What kind of medication would be best? What precautions should I take on a daily basis?Doctor's answer:
First, don't panic. Illnesses will always get better. Please first speculate if you have had any recent unprotected sexual activity (what we call "unprotected" is not wearing a condom). If you have, it's likely you may have contracted a sexually transmitted infection, such as herpes (which has a rapid onset, causes intense itching, pain, and sores). If not, it's probably a general bacterial infection. I suggest you go to a regular hospital for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Remember: if you contract a sexually transmitted infection, it's crucial to seek timely treatment—the earlier, the better. Early treatment can still be easily cured, and once cured, it's less likely to recur. Otherwise, it's the opposite.