Topical Targeting Therapies for Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The past years have witnessed a persistent deterioration of sexual health, especially among young adults. The most concerning problems are sexually transmitted diseases and non-planned pregnancies that cost millions of dollars in healthcare. Sexually transmitted diseases are usually represented by cutaneous signs which may provide a portal of entry for the transmission of other infections, such as HIV. Skin is a widely used route of delivery of drugs locally, and also potentially promising pathway for systemic targeting. Skin contributes to the physical and chemical protection of the body, providing an important barrier against topical drug administration. However, it may be overcome by nanotechnology-based systems, especially in skin diseases, reducing the side effects. Different approaches have been focused on nanotechnology, not only in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, but also in diagnostics and prevention of these infections. The present paper highlights recent advances in the nanotechnology-based systems for the diagnostic, prevention and topical treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.