Genital Sores - Female
Alternate Names : Sores on the Female Genitals
Definition Any sore or lesion that appears on the external female genitalia or in the vagina.
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Overview & Considerations
Sores or lesions on the female genitalia may have many causes. Often, the lesions of most concern are those seen with sexually transmitted diseases (STD). 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 (Crohn's disease).
Because genital lesions (genital 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 which can appear anywhere on the vulva (external female genital area).
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