Granuloma inguinale is a rare type of sexually transmitted disease that causes skin infection on the genitals causing lesions or ulcers on it. It is caused by bacteria and hence the only treatment available is antibiotics. But this type of skin infection of the genitals is extremely rare and few cases have been reported in some parts of India, Brazil, southern Africa and Australia.
Symptoms :
Granuloma inguinale affects the soft skin tissue of private parts in both men and women. In men it can cause reddened skin on the penis and scrotum area and in the women it may affect vagina and vulva region. For some people anus and buttocks region can also get inflamed causing pain during intercourse. Once entering the body, the bacterium will remain silent for about 1-2 weeks (incubation period) during which no symptoms are seen.
After some days it would cause lesions or nodules on the penis or vagina causing irritation and pain. It appears as slowly enlarging raised tissue growth and the infection can spread to other skin areas also. Even after healing, the lesions may cause scarring of skin. The lesions may look like chancroids in early stage but after 2 weeks the growth resembles lymphogranuloma venereum. The condition can also represent symptoms of syphilis or vulvar cancer in some women.
Causes :