It has been observed that people who have rashes around their genital organs have the potential of contracting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) during intimate affairs with HIV-infected partners. Dr. Wisdom Amegbletor, Medical Director in-charge of the New Crystal Clinic made the observation during an interview with HEALTH MATTERS last Friday. Genital rash, he explained, almost always resulted in discharges especially when constantly scratched by the sufferer. When this happens, fluids that spring from the affected parts are transmitted to the other partner during sexual intercourse despite the use of a condom. “I’ve had rather unfortunate cases in my Consulting Room where people who claimed to have used contraceptives during sexual contacts were diagnosed with HIV. Such people had expressed surprise at the turn of events but further checks on them revealed that they had had genital rashes during those moments of the sexual acts,” he pointed out. According to him, any fluid discharged from any part of the body of an HIV-infected person contains the virus, hence the need for people to be extra careful during contacts with any form of fluids. The Medical Director advised people who have rashes around their genital organs to seek immediate medical attention. When contacted, Mr. Abraham Nana Pampam, a Tema-based traditional healer, also held similar views, saying rashes around the genital area should be gotten rid of as soon as sufferers realise such occurrence. Common herbal medications and ointments, he indicated, could be used in the effective treatment of Genital Rash. Studies have shown that Genital Warts are caused by a virus called the Human Papilloma Virus. The warts can be removed but the sufferer would have the virus for the rest of his life; it is very common for the warts to reappear after they have been removed. The disease is spread by coming into contact with the warts, but often it cannot be seen. Genital warts can have varying appearances. Source: Daily Guide