Genital sores - female
Sores on the female genitalsSores or lesions on the female genitalia or in the vagina may occur for many reasons.
Considerations
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.
Causes
Infections spread through sexual contact can cause these sores:
- Genital herpes -- small, painful blisters filled with clear or straw-colored fluid
- Genital warts -- flesh-colored spots that are raised or flat, and may look like the top of a cauliflower
- Chancroid -- a small bump in the genitals, which becomes an ulcer within a day of its appearance
- Syphilis -- small, painless open sore or ulcer (called a chancre) on the genitals
- Granuloma inguinale -- small, beefy-red bumps appear on the genitals or around the anus
- Lymphogranuloma venereum -- small painless sore on the genitals
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.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is also the rarest. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease. Other common types o...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleSquamous cell carcinomas
Squamous cell skin cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the United States. Other common types of skin cancer are:Basal cell cancerMelan...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleOther common causes of genital sores include:
- Long-term (chronic) skin disorder that involves red itchy rashes (atopic dermatitis)
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a long-term (chronic) skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. It is a type of eczema. Other forms of eczema include...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Skin that becomes red, sore, or inflamed after contact with perfumes, detergents, fabric softeners, feminine sprays, ointments, creams, douches (contact dermatitis)
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a condition in which the skin becomes red, sore, or inflamed after direct contact with a substance.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Cysts or abscesses of the Bartholin or other glands
Abscesses of the Bartholin
Bartholin abscess is the buildup of pus that forms a lump (swelling) in one of the Bartholin glands. These glands are found on each side of the vagi...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Trauma or scratches
- Flu-type viruses that can cause genital sores or ulcers in some cases
- Inflammation of the hair follicles (folliculitis)
- Molluscum contagiosum
Home Care
See a health care provider before treating yourself. Self-treatment may make it harder for your provider to find the source of the problem.
A sitz bath may help relieve itching and crusting.
Sitz bath
A sitz bath is a warm water bath used for healing or cleansing purposes. You sit in the bath. The water covers only your hips and buttocks. The wa...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleIf 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.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you:
- Find any unexplained genital sore
- Have a change in a genital sore
- Have genital itching that does not go away with home care
- Think you might have a sexually transmitted infection
- Have pelvic pain, fever, vaginal bleeding, or other new symptoms as well as genital sores
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
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:
- What does the sore look like? Where is it located?
- When did you first notice it?
- Do you have more than one sore?
- Does it hurt or itch? Has it grown bigger?
- Have you ever had one before?
- How often do you have sexual activity?
- Do you have painful urination or pain during sexual intercourse?
- Do you have abnormal vaginal drainage?
- Has a partner tested positive for an STD or noted similar sores?
- Have you shaved or waxed recently?
The following tests may be done:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
Complete blood count
A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Blood differential
Blood differential
The blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Skin or mucosal biopsy
Skin or mucosal biopsy
A skin or nail culture is a laboratory test to look for and identify germs that cause problems with the skin or nails. It is called a mucosal culture...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Vaginal or cervical culture
Cervical culture
Endocervical culture is a laboratory test that helps identify infection in the female genital tract.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Microscopic vaginal secretion exam (wet mount)
Treatment may include medicines that you put on the skin or take by mouth. The type of medicine depends on the cause.
References
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.
Female reproductive anatomy - illustration
Internal structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the uterus, ovaries, and cervix. External structures include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris.
Female reproductive anatomy
illustration
Genital sores (female) - illustration
Sores or lesions on the female genitalia may have many causes. Often, the lesions of most concern are those seen with sexually transmitted diseases.
Genital sores (female)
illustration
Bartholin cyst or abscess - illustration
Bartholin glands are found on each side of the vaginal opening. A Bartholin cyst is a buildup of fluid that occurs if the opening of the gland is blocked. A Bartholin abscess may occur if the cyst fluid becomes infected. The Bartholin cyst or abscess appears as a lump or swelling on the side of the vaginal opening.
Bartholin cyst or abscess
illustration
Female reproductive anatomy - illustration
Internal structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the uterus, ovaries, and cervix. External structures include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris.
Female reproductive anatomy
illustration
Genital sores (female) - illustration
Sores or lesions on the female genitalia may have many causes. Often, the lesions of most concern are those seen with sexually transmitted diseases.
Genital sores (female)
illustration
Bartholin cyst or abscess - illustration
Bartholin glands are found on each side of the vaginal opening. A Bartholin cyst is a buildup of fluid that occurs if the opening of the gland is blocked. A Bartholin abscess may occur if the cyst fluid becomes infected. The Bartholin cyst or abscess appears as a lump or swelling on the side of the vaginal opening.
Bartholin cyst or abscess
illustration
Review Date: 8/23/2023
Reviewed By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.