Is Blue Waffle Disease Is Real?
by Usha P. BloggerAnother STD that could lead to death spreading like wildfire; and the world has divided itself in two again- is it real or a ruse?
This disease came to attention after grim pictures of infected vaginas sprung up; while some believed it to be a new disease, others consider the photo to be manipulated and/or due to already known and recognized STDs like herpes.recognized STDs like herpes.
While the internet continues its hearty debate, it is time for someone to step forward and state what’s what for once.
Let’s understand what we can of the myth first, and then we can convince you of it being a hoax.
THE MYTH
What is it supposed to be?
Blue waffle is a sexually transmitted disease that is supposedly spreading across the globe rapidly. It is considered dangerous because it doesn't go away without treatment. It is more common in women the than in men.
Apparent Causes
The belief is that the disease was born of several bacteria, spread to a couple and then dynamically reached the rest. The reasons why it has suddenly popped up in the population now are still being mulled over and no conclusion has yet been reached.
These bacteria, like most others, are at their peak in moist and warm conditions- like those of a vagina- and they infect when a woman ignores her hygiene, especially after intercourse.
Symptoms
The notorious symptoms of blue waffle disease are-
• intense burning
• severe itching
• vaginal swelling
and the two most dreaded symptoms are-
• vaginal discharge turns into a shade of purple blue, giving the complete external genitalia a blue hue
• vagina releases a strong pungent odour
Cure
There is no known cure for the disease. However, the symptoms can be treated and gradually, the disease also vanquishes.
Some websites claim increasing the degree of hygiene of genitals, to prevent as well as cure the disease (thinking of how I mentioned there is no cure? Yes, the internet keeps contradicting itself over this issue- interesting how real it seems, doesn't it?). The page continues to claim that if the disease is already acquired, one should use a “mild, non-aggressive” solution and try not to irritate the skin further.
THE TRUTH
According to a medical professional (Dr. Amy Whitaker, an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics/Gynecology at the University of Chicago Hospital) who was answering the plight of an inquisitive acquaintance (a women’s health advocate), there is no such disease in the medical world.
Even when Dr. Whitaker consulted other professionals, they concluded that this was merely a ruse, probably to attract traffic to their website.
Another source (Dr. Elizabeth Boskey) proclaimed that the fictitious disease may have sprouted around March 2010 following the circulation of an image of a gentian violet stained vaginal yeast infection. She attested the circulation of this image to a shock website Documenting Reality.
The photos of the ‘disease’
There is definitely immense speculation about the story behind these photos. Two of the most logical theories are-
• Dr Whitaker alleged some pictures of the ‘disease’ to be photoshopped. She also argued that bluish appearance on external genitalia could arise from bruising resulting from force, suggesting a sexual assault. Quoting her, “no STDs can cause external bruising”. She also identified some lesions, which could be due to STDs which have been known for decades now- like herpes. However, a proper medical diagnosis was obviously not possible considering those were just pictures.
• The photo could also be of a woman’s vulva when she used gentian violet to get rid on a vaginal yeast infection. Gentian violet is an antiseptic dye. It works effectively against infections on skin, though it is known to turn the skin purple. Though this method of cure isn't the most recommended, some prefer it because they find it more natural.
Indications of real STDs you need to act upon
Instead of stressing over a hoax, here is what you should be on the lookout for- real and recognised STDs.
While different STDs have distinct symptoms, these symptoms occur for most-
• painful intercourse
• painful urination
• open bumps or sores near genitals or mouth
• swelling of genitals
• itching in genitals with unusual discharge
• for women- significant changes in menstrual cycle accompanied with fatigue, high fever and nausea
So don't fall prey to random internet phenomena, like New Jersey councilwoman Kathy McBride (2013 City Council meeting). Now that you’ve examined the facts and witnessed the professional opinion, let this hoax be overpowered by logic and science.
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Created on Aug 31st 2017 08:45. Viewed 461 times.