Genital sores - female

Definition

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

Alternative Names

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.

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. 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.

Causes

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

References

Frumovitz M, Bodurka DC. Neoplastic Diseases of the Vulva: Lichen Sclerosus, Intraepithelial Neoplasia, Paget's Disease, Carcinoma. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007: Chap. 30.

Eckert Lo, Lentz GM. Infections of the Lower Genital Tract: Vulva, Vagina, Cervix, Toxic Shock Syndrome, HIV Infections. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007: Chap. 22.