Genital sores - female Health Article

Definition

Sores or lesions on the female genitalia or in the vagina may have a number of possible causes.

Alternative Names

Sores on the female genitals

Considerations

Sores or lesions on the female genitalia are often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

STIs that cause visible and fairly classic-appearing lesions include:

• Chancroid
• Genital herpes
• Granuloma inguinale
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Syphilis
• Venereal warts

Genital sores may be painful, itchy, produce a discharge, or cause no symptoms at all.

Precancerous changes of the vulva (vulvar dysplasia) may appear as white, red, or brown patches on the vulva, and may cause itching. The vulva can also develop skin cancers such as melanoma and basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.

Nonsexually transmitted diseases may also produce lesions on the genitalia. In young girls (before puberty), nonspecific vulvovaginitis, atopic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis are common causes of genital lesions. Less common causes include lichen planus, lichen sclerosis, seborrheic dermatitis, and vitiligo. Benign cysts or abscesses of the Bartholin's or Skene's glands can cause pain or swelling in areas of the vulva.

Rarely, a medical illness, such as Crohn's disease, can cause genital lesions.

Because genital lesions or sores often adversely affect a person's self-image, many individuals do not seek proper medical care. All genital sores should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Itching, painful urination, or painful sexual intercourse often accompany genital lesions.

Common Causes

• Benign cysts
• Cancer
• Chancroid
• Genital herpes
• Genital warts
• Gonorrhea
• Granuloma inguinale
• HPV
• Injury
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Syphilis
• Vaginal yeast infection (Candida)
• Vulvar dysplasia

Home Care

Avoid self-treatment before seeing a doctor. It can mask the symptoms and make diagnosis of the cause of the sore more difficult.

A sitz bath may be recommended to relieve itching and crusting. Moist lesions can be dried by using a heat lamp.

If the sores are caused by a sexually transmitted infection, the sexual partner should be notified and treated, and all sexual activity should be discontinued until the lesions are no longer infectious.