The effects of Venereal Diseases of the Victorian Era.

The Great Pestilence:
Was the name given to the large increase in sexually transmitted diseases within the Victorian era. There were no modern medicines or cures for these diseases during this period. These sexually transmitted diseases would often be passed to the wives and children of the men that would pay for prostitutes causing mass infection across Victorian Britain. 


Syphilis - Although not a viral infection, the transient rash of secondary syphilis is followed by large boils and circular lesions appearing on the limbs and mucus membranes. The palms of the hands and soles of the feet may be effected. ( ABC of Dermatology, written by P K Buxton)

In the Victorian era, Syphilis was known to be an infectious disease that entered the body through a minute cut or small wound. The primary impact of the disease would be a lesion or a sore at the initial “site of inoculation.” Six to eight weeks later, a secondary eruption would flare up, generally first pink in color and eventually copper. In this second stage of syphilis, symptoms such as depression and chilling in the joints and limbs would often occur and within weeks or years disappear spontaneously. In its tertiary stage, syphilis affected the brain, liver, lungs, and muscle. This disease was most often spread through sexual contact but it also spread congenitally, where mothers would infect the infants in their womb. Most infected babies did not survive birth or infancy. (Walkowitz, 1980, p.50) 

 












Gonorrhoea in the 1900’s was misdiagnosed and not considered as serious as it really was. It was described as a purulent, or pus leaking inflammation of the mucous membrane, discharging from the urethra in men and the vagina in women. Victorian doctors however, were incorrect in their diagnosis of gonorrhoea as a mild and inconsequential disease in women. In the outer physical appearance, women with this disease seemed healthy, but the doctors were unaware of the affect it had on the uterus and fallopian tubes, often, if untreated, leading to sterility and severe pelvic inflammation. (Walkowitz, 1980, p.53)

After researching these gory sexually transmitted diseases I have gained lots of inspiration for my designs. Dorian Gray would have slept with many prostitutes during his immoral and corrupted life. These diseases were the most common and prominent during the era and so I think that these diseases have inspired me to possibly incorporate these gory ailments into my makeup designs.

References:

Books: 

Walkowitz, Judith R. City of Dreadful Delight: Narratives of Sexual Danger in Late- Victorian London. London: Virago Press, 1992.

P K Buxton. ABC of Dermatology. BMJ Publishing House,1999.