Granuloma inguinale is a rare sexually transmitted bacterial disease that causes red lesions on the genitals, anus, and groin folds. If left untreated, it can cause permanent scarring and tissue damage. Antibiotics are used to treat the condition, which can take up to five weeks.
Granuloma inguinale is a sexually transmitted bacterial disease that affects the skin in the groin. Granuloma inguinale typically causes red lesions to appear on the genitals, anus, and inguinal folds, where the legs attach to the trunk. If left untreated, this bacterium-related skin condition can permanently scar the genitals and even destroy genital tissue. Antibiotics can be used to treat granuloma inguinale, although the course of treatment can be long.
Calymmatobacterium granulomatis is the bacterium responsible for the sexually transmitted disease granuloma inguinale. It is considered a fairly rare STD and is generally confined to subtropical and tropical regions, although the disease has been found in regions as diverse as Guyana, southeastern India, and the southeastern United States. It is spread through direct sexual contact with an unprotected partner, usually vaginal or anal sex. Transmission of granuloma inguinale through oral sex is possible, but rare.
Symptoms of granuloma inguinale can appear one week to four months after contact with an infected partner and can include small, red, raised lesions on the genitals, anus, and groin folds. These lesions often have an ulcerative appearance, especially when they first appear. As the disease progresses, the skin sags and the bumps become more pronounced and inflamed. These nodules usually don’t hurt, but they can rupture easily and often eventually become open lesions. These lesions typically grow larger over time as the disease spreads.
Without treatment, this disease eventually begins to destroy tissue in the genital, anal, and groin areas. The skin in the area may lose its color. Scars can cause permanent swelling of the groin area. Granuloma inguinalis can spread from the groin area to other parts of the body, causing further tissue damage if left untreated.
Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat this bacterial condition. They are usually taken for at least three weeks, but sometimes up to five weeks. Patients typically begin to see improvement within the first week. Most patients need to be retested at the end of the treatment cycle. This condition may recur, even after drug administration, and all symptoms appear to have resolved.
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