Common STDs That Cause Dry Skin in Some People

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that spreads through sexual contact or exposure to infected blood (this is the reason why sharing needles is one of the most common routes of transmission for HIV). [3] HIV can weaken the immune system over time if it isn’t treated. Ultimately, an untreated HIV infection can harm the immune system to such a degree that it leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome—or AIDS. [3] If AIDS develops, the immune system is unable to effectively ward off infections of any kind, making this a life-threatening condition in many cases.

If you have concerns about possible exposure or symptoms, you can explore online sexual health care options and, if appropriate, connect with a licensed provider for guidance.

HIV can contribute to a wide range of symptoms, including rashes and dry skin. [2,3]

Acute Retroviral Syndrome

Acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) describes the first stage of an HIV infection that occurs within the 2-4 weeks of exposure. [4] A skin rash is one of the potential symptoms of ARS. It usually affects the upper part of the body and can be accompanied by ulcers or canker sores in the mouth and around the genital area.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

One of the most common conditions associated with HIV, seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory disorder that affects the oilier parts of your body, particularly the scalp, face, and torso. [5] This can lead to scaly, flaky skin lesions that can be red or yellow. In more severe cases, it can lead to scaly pimples.

Herpes is a common sexually and orally transmitted infection caused by the viruses in the herpes simplex virus (HSV) group. According to estimates for the United States from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), close to half of the people who are aged 14-49 have the kind of herpes associated with oral herpes, and about 1 in 8 of the people in this group have the type of herpes that’s typically responsible genital herpes. [6]

If you’re experiencing symptoms like sores, irritation, or itching, you can explore online care options and, if appropriate, connect with a licensed provider to discuss treatment.

As alluded to above, a herpes infection can come from two different types of viruses, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both can affect the mouth and genital area, but HSV-1 more often contributes to oral herpes, while HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes. [7,8] The infection spreads through skin-to-skin contact, oral sex, or unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse. Herpes can present with no noticeable symptoms or mild symptoms that can be easy to ignore or mistake for a different condition. Blisters are the primary symptom of a herpes outbreak, typically appearing around the infected area. [9] These blisters can be uncomfortable, dry, and painful, and cause severe itching. When the blisters eventually break, they turn into sores. Herpes can be accompanied by other symptoms, including [9]:

• Burning when you urinate
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache)

Herpes is one sexually transmitted infection that is not curable, meaning that it stays in your body for life and symptoms may reoccur. However, medication can help prevent or minimize recurring outbreaks. [10] Explore herpes treatment options online

Syphilis is a common bacterial infection that spreads through sexual contact. [11] It can affect the genitals, anus, and sometimes the lips and mouth. In its early stages, syphilis may not cause any noticeable symptoms. During the primary stage of infection, firm, round sores typically develop in the affected area. These sores are highly contagious and can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact.

As syphilis progresses to the secondary stage, symptoms may include dry skin rashes that often appear on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. A syphilis rash may also occur alongside symptoms like a sore throat, fever, muscle aches, or fatigue. [11]

If you think you may have been exposed to syphilis or are experiencing symptoms, you can take an at-home syphilis test to help determine whether follow-up care may be needed.

Noticing changes in your skin or experiencing other symptoms can feel stressful—but getting clarity is often the first step toward peace of mind. Many sexually transmitted infections can be effectively managed, especially when identified early.

To check in on your sexual health from the comfort and privacy of home, consider at-home STD testing options. STD tests for men and women can help screen for several common infections.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns, you can also explore online sexual healthcare options through our preferred partner, and, if appropriate, connect with a licensed healthcare provider to discuss next steps and treatment.

When in doubt, reaching out to a healthcare professional can help you better understand what’s going on and how to move forward with confidence.