Genital sores - female
Key points
- Sores or lesions on the external female genitalia, or in the vagina, may have a number of possible causes.
- Sores or lesions on the female genitalia are often caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- It can mask the symptoms and make diagnosis of the cause of the sore more difficult.
- The physical examination will probably include a pelvic examination.
Alternative names
Sores on the female genitals
Definition
Sores or lesions on the external female genitalia, or in the vagina, may have a number of possible causes.
Considerations
Sores or lesions on the female genitalia are often caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Venereal warts, syphilis, genital herpes, chancroid, molluscum contagiosum, and granuloma inguinale are STDs that cause visible and fairly classic-appearing lesions.
Precancerous changes of the vulva (vulvar dysplasia) may appear as white, red, or brown patches on the vulva, and are often accompanied by itching. The vulva can also develop skin cancers such as melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Non-sexually 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. Other common disorders of the skin, such as lichen planus, seborrheic dermatitis, and vitiligo are less common causes. Rarely, a medical illness can cause genital lesions as one of its symptoms, as in Crohn's disease.
Because genital lesions or sores often adversely affect a person's self-image, many individuals do not seek proper medical care. These lesions may be caused by a malignancy or a sexually transmitted disease, and in every case should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Itching, painful urination, or painful sexual intercourse often accompany genital lesions.
Common Causes
- Benign cysts
- Genital warts
- Vaginal yeast infection (Candida)
- Genital herpes
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Injury
- Chancroid
- Granuloma inguinale
- Molluscum contagiosum
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 disease, the sexual partner should be notified and treated, and all sexual activity should be discontinued until the lesions are no longer infectious.
Call your health care provider if
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.