Genital sores - female

Definition

Sores or lesions on the external 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). Venereal warts, syphilis, genital herpes, chancroid, molluscum contagiosum, and granuloma inguinale are STIs 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.

Causes

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