Dermatovenerologist

It is safe to say that a dermatovenerologist is not the most popular medical specialty. People try to avoid this doctor's office. And there is a pretty good reason for this.

So, let's figure out what a dermatovenerologist is, what diseases he treats and who should make an appointment with him.

Who is a dermatovenerologist?

People also call a dermatovenerologist a "love" doctor. After all, one of the specializations of such a doctor is venereal diseases or sexually transmitted diseases. The second part of the name of this profession is responsible for this area of knowledge: venereologist.

This name comes from the name of the goddess of love Venus. That is, venereal diseases are transmitted during sex. The list of these diseases is quite large. This includes syphilis, gonorrhea, donovanosis and others. This list can be supplemented with diseases that are not transmitted exclusively sexually.

This list includes scabies, various hepatitis, chlamydia, viral and infectious diseases. All of them can be transmitted both sexually and in other ways.

In addition to venereal diseases, a dermatovenerologist treats skin diseases of bacterial or viral origin. That is, burns are not included in this list, but scabies, lichen, herpes, infectious dermatitis, and so on are included.

As a rule, venereal and skin diseases are related. Some venereal diseases have pronounced symptoms on human skin. They are treated by a dermatovenerologist.

When should you see a dermatovenerologist?

There are several cases when a timely visit to a dermatovenerologist will help to promptly diagnose and successfully treat rather unpleasant diseases.

The first case is a frequent change of sexual partners or the beginning of life with a new sexual partner. Of course, a person living with a permanent sexual partner cannot consider himself completely protected from contracting sexually transmitted diseases. After all, there is always a risk of betrayal.

But the risk of infection is much higher if there is promiscuous sexual intercourse or the sexual partner often changes. In this case, visits to a dermatovenerologist should be regular. You can also visit an anonymous office, but the main thing is to do this several times a year or when the slightest suspicion of the disease appears.

Of course, even in a situation where the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases is minimal, it is worth visiting a dermatovenerologist at least once a year for preventive purposes.

Skin rashes, especially on the genitals, are a reason to immediately contact a dermatovenerologist. The same can be said about abundant discharge from the genitals, about a change in their nature, or about a strong odor from the genitals or their discharge.

Various skin rashes, rotting or splitting nails, or hair loss in the pubic area are also reasons to contact this specialist.

Remember that a number of skin and venereal diseases can be transmitted through everyday life. That is, through personal hygiene items, household items, or through a medical examination by a gynecologist, dentist, etc. Therefore, a preventive visit to a dermatovenerologist will not be superfluous.

What tests should you take when visiting a dermatovenerologist?

Like any other doctor, a dermatovenerologist can order a general blood and urine test. In addition, he can order a PCR or a scraping of the mucous membrane of the genitals. This analysis can detect viruses, bacteria or fungi that cause diseases.

A dermatovenerologist can also issue a referral for taking a culture of the flora of the mucous membrane and secretions of the genitals. A smear is taken from the patient and bacteria or viruses found in the biological material are cultured in the laboratory.

If the patient has skin infections, the doctor may order various blood tests. These tests will help identify antibodies to certain pathogenic bacteria.

What diagnostic methods does a dermatovenerologist use?

The very first diagnostic method in the dermatovenerologist's arsenal is a direct examination of the patient. Of course, for the patient, such a procedure may not seem very pleasant. The dermatovenerologist must examine the patient's genital area for pathological changes or rashes on the genitals.

In addition, the doctor will definitely prescribe a number of tests and examinations. After all, in most cases, even the most experienced dermatovenerologist will not be able to make an accurate diagnosis "by eye".

Therefore, such examination methods as blood and urine tests, smears from the genitals, testing for antibodies and DNA of pathogens in human blood, and so on are used.

What does a dermatovenerologist do?

A dermatovenerologist has, so to speak, two areas of activity. These doctors treat skin diseases and sexually transmitted diseases. A dermatovenerologist has a kind of dual specialization.

Of course, going to see a dermatovenerologist is not a very pleasant experience. After all, people are often ashamed to advertise venereal diseases or even suspicions of such a diagnosis. Therefore, there are many anonymous dermatovenerologist offices.

People can come there and get tested anonymously, without providing any personal information about themselves. They can take tests and later, again anonymously, pick up their results.

This approach to medical practice helps to identify and prescribe effective treatment to patients in time. After all, in a regular dermatovenerologist's office, the patient is required to state his first name, last name, and place of work.

Few people would risk "exposing" themselves to such a doctor openly, because it could ruin their career or family. But thanks to an anonymous appointment, a person can overcome embarrassment and receive qualified medical care in such a sensitive area in a timely manner.

What diseases does a dermatovenerologist treat?

The very name of the profession "dermatovenerologist" gives a hint about the diseases that this doctor treats. The first part of the name "derma" means "skin". That is, a dermatovenerologist treats various skin diseases of an infectious nature.

That is, these are contagious skin diseases that can be easily transmitted from person to person through everyday or sexual contact. The second part of the name was taken from the name of the goddess Venus. She was the goddess of love. And the diseases that a dermatovenerologist treats are transmitted sexually.

Such a doctor treats sexually transmitted diseases such as genital herpes, syphilis, candidiasis, gonorrhea, human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and C, and so on.

In addition, a dermatovenerologist treats dermatitis of infectious origin, lichen, scabies and other contagious skin diseases.

Advice from a dermatovenerologist

Of course, following the advice of a dermatovenerologist is not always easy. But such advice will help you maintain your health and avoid serious problems and complications.

The first piece of advice is safe sex. Especially when it comes to a new partner. If you frequently change sexual partners or have a new partner, you should use a condom. Of course, it does not provide a complete guarantee of protection against sexually transmitted diseases, but it significantly reduces this risk.

Not only men, but also women should take care of personal protection and hygiene. In addition, it is important to know the main visual symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases and promptly avoid contact with possible carriers.

In addition, it is necessary to regularly visit a dermatovenerologist and take a series of tests for infections in order to diagnose the disease in time and treat it.

However, if an infection is detected, you cannot resort to folk remedies or treat yourself. This can be fraught with complications.

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