Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsGonorrhea RashOther SymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Gonorrhea Rash
Other Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gonorrhea is the second most common STI in the United States. In 2018 there were 1.6 million infections, with half of the infections in people ages 15 to 24.
When gonorrhea is left untreated it can develop into a body-wide infection called disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). One of the symptoms of DGI is a rash. This article will cover how gonorrhea can spread throughout the body causing a rash and other symptoms. It will also discuss diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Westend61 / Getty Images
When a gonorrhea infection spreads to the bloodstream, it goes throughout the body, causing DGI. DGI can cause several serious illnesses, including:
Thankfully, DGI is rare. It only occurs in 0.4% to 3% of people infected with gonorrhea.However, a rash happens in 75% of people with DGI bacteremia.The rash can have the following types of lesions or spots:
Contact a healthcare provider if a gonorrhea infection is suspected. Prompt treatment can avoid developing DGI and the rash that can come with it.
Other Symptoms of Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea can be asymptomatic, meaning that there are no symptoms or signs of the infection.
People with penises who have gonorrheasymptomsfrom an infection in their urethra can have painful urination, discharge from their urethra,epididymitis, and testicular pain.
People with uteruses with gonorrhea symptoms often mistake the signs for a vaginal orbladder infection. The symptoms can include painful urination,vaginal discharge, and bleeding.
Symptoms of rectal gonorrhea infection include:
Gonorrhea isdiagnosedwith a urine specimen, swabbing of the area that is thought to be infected, or abacterial culture.
Skin cultures from a gonorrhea rash are usually negative.A healthcare provider can determine which test is best as each has its benefits and limits.
Acondomcan reduce the risk of STI transmission when used correctly.
The only way to completelypreventgonorrhea and other STI infections is to avoid all forms of sex or to be in a monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested for STIs and is known to not be infected.
Ask your healthcare provider orgynecologistabout regular STI screenings. Gonorrhea is much easier to treat in it’s early stages.
Summary
A gonorrhea rash is a rare but serious symptom of disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). DGI is when a gonorrhea infection gets into the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body.
The rash can appear as small red spots or develop into larger fluid-filled blisters. Antibiotic treatment from a healthcare provider is the only way to treat gonorrhea.
A Word From Verywell
Gonorrhea is a very common STI that can be easily treated if caught early on. When gonorrhea is left untreated it can develop into a much more serious infection that can cause infertility and eventually DGI.
A gonorrhea rash is a sign of a serious infection. Don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider about STI testing to get a prompt diagnosis and treatment.
A gonorrhea rash appears when someone has a gonorrhea infection that has spread through their bloodstream. This is called a disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). A rash is a symptom of DGI.
A gonorrhea rash appears when the infection has spread through the bloodstream. The rash can be seen on the trunk, arms, legs, hands and feet.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gonorrhea.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Health alert template for disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI).Mayor MT, Roett MA, Uduhiri KA.Diagnosis and management of gonococcal infections.Am Fam Physician.2012;86(10):931-938.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Septicemia.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gonococcal infections among adolescents and adults.DermNet.Gonorrhoea.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gonorrhea.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Health alert template for disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI).Mayor MT, Roett MA, Uduhiri KA.Diagnosis and management of gonococcal infections.Am Fam Physician.2012;86(10):931-938.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Septicemia.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gonococcal infections among adolescents and adults.DermNet.Gonorrhoea.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gonorrhea.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Health alert template for disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI).Mayor MT, Roett MA, Uduhiri KA.Diagnosis and management of gonococcal infections.Am Fam Physician.2012;86(10):931-938.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Septicemia.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gonococcal infections among adolescents and adults.DermNet.Gonorrhoea.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gonorrhea.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Health alert template for disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI).
Mayor MT, Roett MA, Uduhiri KA.Diagnosis and management of gonococcal infections.Am Fam Physician.2012;86(10):931-938.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Septicemia.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gonococcal infections among adolescents and adults.
DermNet.Gonorrhoea.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
