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

Sores on the female genitals

Genital sores may be painful, itchy, produce a discharge, or cause no symptoms at all.

Because genital lesions or sores can have a negative affect on a person's self-image, many people do not seek proper medical care. All genital sores should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Itching, painful urination, or painful sexual intercourse often occur with genital lesions.

Sores or lesions on the female genitals are often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs that can cause these sores include:

• Chancroid
• Genital herpes
• Granuloma inguinale
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Syphilis
• Genital warts

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.

Nonsexually transmitted diseases may also produce sores on the genitals. In young girls (before puberty), common causes of genital sores include:

• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Nonspecific vulvovaginitis

Less common causes include:

• Skin conditions such as lichen planus, lichen sclerosis, seborrheic dermatitis, and vitiligo
• Noncancerous (benign) cysts or abscesses of the Bartholin's or Skene's glands

Images

Genital sores (female)

Review Date: 12/14/2009
Reviewed By: Daniel N. Sacks, MD, FACOG, Obstetrics & Gynecology in Private Practice, West Palm Beach, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)