Sores or lesions on the female genitalia or in the vagina may occur for many reasons.
Sores on the female genitals
Genital sores may be painful or itchy, or may produce no symptoms. Other symptoms that may be present include pain when you urinate or painful sexual intercourse. Depending on the cause, a discharge from the vagina may be present.
Infections spread through sexual contact can cause these sores:
Less common infections such as chancroid, granuloma inguinale, molluscum contagiosum, and syphilis may also cause sores.
Changes that may lead to cancer of the vulva (vulvar dysplasia) may appear as white, red, or brown patches on the vulva. These areas may itch. Skin cancers such as melanoma and basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas may also be found, but are less common.
Other common causes of genital sores include:
See a health care provider before treating yourself. Self-treatment may make it harder for the provider to find the source of the problem.
A sitz bath may help relieve itching and crusting.
If the sores are caused by a sexually transmitted infection, your sexual partner may need to be tested and treated as well. Do not have any type of sexual activity until your provider says the sores can no longer be spread to others.
Contact your provider if you:
Your provider will perform a physical examination. This most often includes a pelvic examination. You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. Questions may include:
The following tests may be done:
Treatment may include medicines that you put on the skin or take by mouth. The type of medicine depends on the cause.
Willard Barnes is an Obstetrics and Gynecologist and a Gynecologic Oncologist in Washington, Washington, D.c.. Dr. Barnes has been practicing medicine for over 44 years and is rated as an Experienced doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Female Genital Sores. He is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumor, Ovarian Cancer, Testicular Yolk Sac Tumor, Virilizing Ovarian Tumor, and Oophorectomy. Dr. Barnes is currently accepting new patients.
Diane Snyder is an Obstetrics and Gynecologist in North Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Snyder has been practicing medicine for over 37 years and is rated as an Experienced doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Female Genital Sores. She is also highly rated in 1 other condition, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Lichen Sclerosus, Zoon Vulvitis, Vitiligo, and Female Genital Sores. Dr. Snyder is currently accepting new patients.
Hyunki Shin is an Obstetrics and Gynecologist in Annandale, Virginia. Dr. Shin has been practicing medicine for over 32 years and is rated as an Experienced doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Female Genital Sores. His top areas of expertise are Female Genital Sores, Vitiligo, Neonatal Ovarian Cyst, and Acute Cystitis. Dr. Shin is currently accepting new patients.
Summary: Genital erosive lichen planus (GELP) is a chronic inflammatory disease causing painful genital sores and scarring in women. Treatment options are limited and often unsatisfactory. This trial will study the effects of treatment with apremilast and quality of life and sexual function in women with GELP.
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Published Date: July 13, 2021
Published By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Augenbraun MH. Genital skin and mucous membrane lesions. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 106.
Frumovitz M. Neoplastic diseases of the vulva and vagina. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 30.
Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Genital tract infections: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, endometritis, and salpingitis. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23.
Link RE, Tang N. Cutaneous diseases of the external genitalia. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 59.