Rashes are a common presentation in general practice and community settings, but those associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be easily missed if not seen within a sexual health context.
Patients may be reluctant to disclose their sexual history within a primary care setting, so it is important for clinicians to be proactive with their questioning, and create an environment where patients feel safe and supported to discuss their sexual health.
Understanding the characteristics and systemic clues of STI-related rashes is crucial for early detection, patient safety, and public health. Late diagnosis of STIs can have long term consequences for a patient’s health, so maintaining an awareness of potential symptoms is vital.
This case-based module explores three varied case studies to highlight different presentations of STI-related rashes in real-world nursing practice.
Learning objectives
- Identify common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that may present with a rash.
- Distinguish between different types of STI-associated rashes.
- Understand the diagnostic and treatment pathways for STI-related dermatological presentations.
- Improve communication with patients around sensitive symptoms and partner notification.
All cases in this module are hypothetical and developed for educational purposes
Author: Jodie Crossman is Clinical Nurse Specialist in genitourinary medicine at Brighton Sexual Health and Contraception services and co-chair of the STI Foundation
Published: 22.08.2025
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