Chlamydia
What is Chlamydia?
How do you get it?
What are the symptoms?
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Symptoms can show up between 7 - 21 days after exposure. Many people have no symptoms. For men, symptoms include: watery, white pus from the penis; burning or pain during urination; and, anal discomfort.
Can it be treated?
Partners should also be treated at the same time.
If left untreated?
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Gonorrhea
What is Gonorrhea?
How do you get it?
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You can get gonorrhea through anal, oral and/or vaginal sex.
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It can also be passed from an infected mother to her newborn.
What are the symptoms?
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Symptoms usually begin between 2 - 7 days after exposure.
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The symptoms may be mild or absent, especially in women.
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For men, symptoms include: thick, whitish discharge (pus) from the
penis; burning or pain during urination or bowel movement; and anal
discomfort, itching or discharge.
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Symptoms for women include: abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge,
or itching; burning or pain during urination or bowel movement; more
pain than usual during periods; cramps and pain in lower abdomen; and
anal discomfort, itching or discharge.
Can it be treated?
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Antibiotics can be prescribed by a physician.
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Partners should be treated at the same time.
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A person can be re-infected after treatment.
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Hepatitis
What is Hepatitis?
How do you get it?
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Hepatitis A can be passed through fecal-oral (food-borne) transmission,
and through rimming (oral sex performed on an anus) and anal fingering.
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Hepatitis B can be passed through anal, oral and/or vaginal sex, and
can be passed from an infected mother to her newborn. It can also be
passed through sharing needles for injecting drugs, body piercing, tattooing,
and sharing personal items such as razors, tooth brushes, nail clippers,
and pierced earrings.
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Hepatitis C is spread the same way as type B, but is most commonly
spread through sharing needles for injecting drug use.
What are the symptoms?
Hepatitis A symptoms can occur within 15 - 50 days after exposure. They
include:
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fever and flu-like symptoms
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loss of appetite
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abdominal discomfort
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yellow eyes and skin
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dark urine or light-colored stool
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nausea or vomiting
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fatigue.
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Hepatitis B symptoms can occur within 45 - 180 days after
exposure. They include the same symptoms as type A plus
pain in the muscles and joints.
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80% of people infected with hepatitis C show no symptoms,
but they are the same as type A.
Can it be treated?
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If exposed to hepatitis A, an immune globulin injection may be given
within 14 days of exposure, however, there is no effective treatment
to shorten the course of an acute infection.
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For hepatitis B, an immune globulin injection can be given within
7 days of an exposure or 14 days after sexual contact.
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There are vaccines available for both hepatitis A and B.
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There is no vaccine available for type C, however a physician can
prescribe medications to treat the infection.
Dangers of hepatitis
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Hepatitis A causes no long-term liver damage, and usually does not
result in death. There is no chronic carrier state. Having had the disease
produces lifelong immunity against re-infection.
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Hepatitis B can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer
and death. It can be passed from an infected mother to her newborn,
and the infected baby may become a carrier. Carriers are also able to
infect others. Less than 1% of people die during the acute phase of
the infection.
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Hepatitis C carries the same risks as type B.
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Herpes
What is Herpes?
How do you get it?
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You can get herpes through anal, oral and/or vaginal sex.
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Herpes can also be passed through contact with an infected person's
lesions, and from an infected mother to her newborn.
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Transmission is also possible in the absence of blisters.
What are the symptoms?
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Symptoms usually occur between 2 - 30 days after exposure.
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Symptoms are small, painful blisters on the sex organs, mouth or
anus.
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The blisters progress to sores that crust over and heal within 1
to 2 weeks.
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Blisters may be hidden in the vagina.
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The first outbreak is usually the most severe. Subsequent episodes
are much milder.
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There may be itching or burning on the skin where blisters are about
to appear.
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The initial infection is often accompanied by fever, headache and
swollen lymph nodes.
Can it be treated?
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While there is no cure available, recurrent herpes outbreaks can
be prevented by taking an antiviral medication every day.
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Treatment of recurrent episodes generally does not shorten the length
of illness, and is not usually recommended.
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While blisters go away, the infection remains in your body and persists
for life.
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Comfort measures are available for recurrent episodes.
If left untreated?
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HIV
What is HIV?
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How do you get it?
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HIV can live in semen, blood, vaginal fluid and breast milk.
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You can get HIV through anal, oral and/or vaginal sex, or by sharing
needles for injecting drugs.
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It can also be passed from an infected mother to her newborn.
What are the symptoms?
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Early symptoms (weeks to months after exposure) include flu-like
illness and swollen lymph nodes.
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Later symptoms (years after exposure) include persistent fevers, night
sweats, prolonged diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, purple bumps on
skin or inside mouth or nose, chronic fatigue, swollen lymph nodes,
and recurrent respiratory infections. Note: these symptoms are not
specific to HIV and have many other causes.
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Most persons with HIV have no symptoms at all for years.
Can it be treated?
If left untreated?
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There is currently no cure for HIV, and it can be spread to other
sex partners.
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HIV leads to AIDS.
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Most people eventually die from the disease (most live about 10 years
after infection).
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Molluscum Contagiosum
What is molluscum contagiosum?
How do I get it?
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In adults, it is most often sexually transmitted.
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It is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact.
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In adults it is most often transmitted during sexual
contact with someone who has molluscum.
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Molluscum can also be transmitted by contaminated sports
equipment such as gym mats and contaminated bath towels,
if towels are shared without washing.
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Scratching or shaving over the affected area can also
spread molluscum.
What are the symptoms?
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Molluscum appears as bumps on the skin that can be flesh-colored,
clear, pink, or yellow. These bumps usually contain a cheese-like
material.
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The bumps are commonly found in the pelvic area, around
the vagina, on the penis, on the thighs, around the anus,
and on the buttocks.
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Usually there are 15-20 bumps but there may be 1-100,
or more.
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The bumps appear from one (1) week to six (6) months
after contact with an infected person.
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If bumps are noticed in the pubic area, on the penis,
near the vagina, on the thighs, or on the buttocks and they
are there for a few weeks, have them checked by a health
care provider.
Can it be treated?
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Molluscum is usually treated by applying Liquid Nitrogen
to the bumps.
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When liquid Nitrogen is used there may be mild discomfort
the first few days after treatment. Often, several treatments
are needed.
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Also, new lesions may not be visible at the time of treatment,
so a follow-up exam should be scheduled.
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Sexual partners of people with molluscum can be examined
for the presence of molluscum.
Will molluscum come back after treatment?
What happens if it is not treated?
How can a person keep from getting molluscum?
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Be aware of the possibility of getting molluscum.
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Do not have sex with anyone who has bumps or sores in
the pubic area, on the penis, near the vagina, on the thighs,
or on the buttocks.
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Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA)
What is MRSA?
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MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).
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Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as “staph,”
are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose
of healthy people.
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Some S. aureus are resistant to the class of antibiotics
that are frequently used to treat staph such as methicillin—and
thus are called methicillin-resistant S. aureus(MRSA).
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MRSA is not categorized as an STI, but has been associated
with gay men and could be contracted during close, intimate
contact.
Who gets MRSA?
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S. aureus (staph) including MRSA can be spread among
people having close contact with infected people.
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MRSA is almost always spread by direct physical contact
and not through the air.
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Spread may also occur through indirect contact by touching
objects (e.g., towels, sheets, wound dressings, clothes,
workout areas, or sports equipment) contaminated by the
infected skin of a person with staph bacteria or MRSA.
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Just as S. aureus can be carried on the skin or in the
nose without causing any disease, MRSA can be carried in
this way also. This is known as colonization.
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MRSA infections are usually mild, superficial infections
of the skin that can be treated successfully with proper
skin care and antibiotics.
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MRSA can be difficult to treat and can progress to life-threatening
blood or bone infections because there are fewer effective
antibiotics available for treatment.
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MRSA infections occur commonly among persons in hospitals
and healthcare facilities. MRSA can cause illness in persons
outside of hospitals and healthcare facilities as well.
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Cases of MRSA infection in the community have been associated
with recent antibiotic use, sharing contaminated items,
having recurrent skin diseases, and living in crowded settings.
Most of the transmission in these settings appeared to be
from people with active MRSA skin infections.
How is MRSA diagnosed?
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A sample of the infected wound (either a small biopsy
of skin or pus taken with a swab) must be obtained to grow
the bacteria in the microbiology laboratory.
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Once the staph is growing, the organism is tested to
determine which antibiotics will be effective for treating
the infection.
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A culture of skin lesions is especially useful in recurrent
or persistent cases of skin infection, in cases of antibiotic
failure, and in cases that present with advanced or aggressive
infections.
How can I prevent it?
Persons can prevent staph infections by practicing
good hygiene, by remembering to:
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Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap
and water.
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Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with a proper
dressing (e.g., bandage) until healed.
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Avoid contact with other people's wounds or material
contaminated from wounds.
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Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU)
What is NGU?
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Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), sometimes called non-specific
urethritis (NSU), is an infection in a man’s urethra
(in the penis).
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NGU may be caused by chlamydia, trichomonas, or other
bacteria (germs). Often it is caused by germs that cannot
be determined.
How do I get it?
What are the symptoms?
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Men may have itching, burning in the urethra, or a discharge
(drip) from the penis.
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THERE MAY BE NO SYMPTOMS.
How do are tests for NGU done?
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A small swab is used to get a sample from the opening
of the penis. The sample is looked at under a microscope
while you are still in the clinic.
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Testing for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia is usually
done as well.
Can NGU be treated?
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NGU is treated with an antibiotic. It is important that
any sex partner within the last two (2) months be tested
and treated for this as well.
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Even if your symptoms go away, it is important to complete
the treatment. Do not have sexual contact with anyone for
seven (7) days.
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Do not have sex with anyone who has not been treated.
If left untreated?
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Pubic Lice
What are pubic lice?
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Pubic lice (sometimes called “crabs”) are
small, wingless crablike insects often the size and color
of small freckles.
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They live on human blood and cling to the hair of the
pubic or genital regions. Sometimes they are found under
arms, on eyelashes and moustaches.
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They can live ONLY on humans but can survive without
a host for one or two days.
How are pubic lice spread?
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They are spread mostly through close body contact with
an infected person, but sometimes can be spread through
the use of someone else’s clothing, towels, bedding,
and sometimes toilet seats.
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They do not live on pets.
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The lice have a short life span (30 days) but mate often
and lay eggs on the pubic hair.
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The eggs, or nits, are attached to hairs and hatch in
about seven (7) days.
How do you know if you have pubic lice?
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Some people have no symptoms, while others feel itching
in the pubic area. A crusty rash may develop.
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The lice and eggs can be seen.
What is the treatment for pubic lice?
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A special medicated shampoo kills lice and nits.
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FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY.
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Also, recently used clothing and linens must be washed
in hot water and dried in a hot dryer, or dry-cleaned.
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Pubic lice can be completely cured. However, they can
be contracted again.
What if pubic lice go untreated?
How can you keep from getting pubic lice?
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Scabies
What are Scabies?
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A very small mite, sometimes known as the “itch
mite” that burrows under the skin, causes scabies.
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Symptoms do not develop immediately. Rather, the body
slowly develops an “allergic” reaction to the
deposits of the female mite under the skin and symptoms
begin 3 to 4 weeks later.
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If a person has had scabies before, the symptoms will
begin sooner.
How are scabies diagnosed?
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Scabies are diagnosed by an itching rash, which does
not affect the face, palms, and soles in adults.
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The rash is associated with intense itching, especially
at night. Small patched, especially around the webs of the
fingers and wrists, offer the best chance of detection.
However, the elbows, knees, feet, ankles, penis and scrotum
and buttocks are also common sites.
How are scabies transmitted?
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Scabies are transmitted through close personal contact
of a prolonged nature such as sleeping in the same bed with
an infected person, or having sex with someone that has
scabies.
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Casual contact outside of families is not likely to transmit
scabies.
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Since scabies is considered a sexually transmitted disease,
testing for other more serious STI’s is recommended.
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Treatment for sex partners of the last month and close
household contacts is recommended.
How are scabies treated?
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Before bed, bathe or shower and dry thoroughly. Apply
Lindane (Kwell) lotion from the neck down, covering the
entire body surface. Bathe or shower the next morning. Do
not repeat treatment.
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Put on clean clothes, wash recently used clothes and
linen in hot water and detergent. Then dry in a very hot
dryer. For non-washable clothing, dry clean or seal in a
plastic bag for three (3) weeks to allow the mites to die.
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Symptoms may persist for about two weeks after the mite
has been killed.
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If a secondary infection, fever, or spreading rash develops,
call you clinic.
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The Lindane (Kwell) lotion may irritate the skin with
temporary worsening of the itching.
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Lindane (Kwell) lotion should not be used on children
under the age of twelve.
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Pregnant women should not use Lindane (Kwell) lotion.
If you are pregnant discuss this with your health care provider.
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Syphilis
What is Syphilis?
How do you get it?
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You can get syphilis through anal, oral and/or vaginal
sex.
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It can also be passed from an infected mother to her
newborn.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms occur in three stages:
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During the 1st stage (primary syphilis), symptoms can
appear within 1 to 12 weeks after exposure. They include
a painless, open sore on the mouth, sex organs, or anus.
These sores can be "hidden" in the rectum or vagina,
and last about 1 - 5 weeks. Sores go away, but syphilis
is still in the blood.
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During the 2nd stage (secondary syphilis) symptoms show
up 6 weeks to 6 months after the sores appear. These can
be manifested by flu-like symptoms and a rash anywhere on
the body.
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During the latent stage (tertiary syphilis) there are
no sores or rash, but syphilis is still in the blood and
can affect the heart, brain and other organs over time.
Can it be treated?
If left untreated?
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Genital Warts/HPV
What is Genital Warts/HPV?
How do you get it?
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You can get genital warts through anal, oral and/or vaginal sex.
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HPV can also be transmitted through contact with another person's
warts, and passed from an infected mother to her newborn.
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HPV can be spread in the absence of visible lesions on areas not protected
by a condom.
What are the symptoms?
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Symptoms can show up between 1 - 6 months after exposure.
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Symptoms include soft fleshy lumps on the sex organs or anus and itching
or burning around the sex organs.
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Warts may be hidden in the anus or vagina.
Can it be treated?
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Warts can be treated, but the virus cannot be cured.
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HPV requires medical treatment by a doctor.
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Drugstore treatment for other kinds of warts may be harmful if used
on genital warts.
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Warts do not go away without treatment, and though the warts go away
HPV infection persists.
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If the warts come back, you need to be treated again.
If left untreated?
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HPV can be passed to other sex partners, and can lead to anal, penile
and/or cervical cancer.
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There is no increased risk of cancer from strains that cause visible
genital warts.
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