Experiencing a sore on the vulva can be concerning, yet it is a common occurrence. These sores vary from small bumps to open lesions, and may or may not be accompanied by pain or other symptoms. Understanding their potential causes is important for appropriate care and seeking timely medical attention.
Common Infectious Causes
Infectious agents frequently cause vulvar sores, presenting with distinct characteristics. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) typically manifests as small, painful blisters that rupture, forming shallow ulcers. Initial HSV outbreaks can also involve flu-like symptoms, such as fever or swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
Bacterial infections can also lead to vulvar sores. Folliculitis, an infection of hair follicles, can cause small, red, tender bumps or pus-filled lesions. More severe bacterial skin infections might result in painful boils. Chancroid, an STI, presents as painful, soft sores with ragged edges, often accompanied by swollen groin lymph nodes.
Severe fungal infections, such as yeast infections (vulvovaginal candidiasis), cause intense itching, redness, and irritation. Prolonged scratching from these infections may lead to raw, sore areas. Syphilis, in its primary stage, produces a chancre: a single, firm, round, often painless sore that appears at the site of infection.
Non-Infectious Causes
Non-infectious conditions can also cause vulvar sores. Irritation and allergic reactions, often termed contact dermatitis, occur when sensitive vulvar skin reacts to certain substances. This can involve soaps, detergents, lubricants, scented products, or tight clothing, leading to redness, itching, burning, or raw areas.
Various types of cysts can form on the vulva, potentially becoming sore. Bartholin’s cysts develop when glands near the vaginal opening become blocked. Usually painless, they can become tender, painful, and swollen if infected, forming an abscess. Sebaceous cysts, which originate from blocked oil-producing glands, can appear as small, rounded lumps that may become tender or painful if inflamed or infected.
Physical trauma is another common non-infectious cause. Minor injuries from shaving, friction, or sexual activity can cause cuts, abrasions, or tears, leading to localized pain and sores. Chronic skin conditions, such as lichen sclerosus and psoriasis, can also cause persistent or recurrent vulvar sores. Lichen sclerosus presents as thin, white, crinkled skin patches that can be itchy, painful, and prone to cracking. Psoriasis often appears as bright red, smooth, shiny patches that can be itchy, painful, and may crack.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Recognizing when to consult a healthcare provider for a vulvar sore is important for proper diagnosis and management. Any sore that persists for more than a few days, worsens, or does not heal warrants medical evaluation. Sores with severe pain or discomfort that interfere with daily activities like walking, sitting, or urination should prompt a visit to a doctor.
Additional symptoms include fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin. Unusual vaginal discharge, changes in color or odor, or non-menstrual bleeding alongside a sore are also concerning. Recurrent vulvar sores, even if they heal on their own, should be discussed with a healthcare professional to identify underlying causes. If uncertain about the cause or if a sexually transmitted infection is possible, seeking medical advice is a prudent course of action.
Diagnosis and Management
When seeking medical attention for a vulvar sore, a healthcare provider will typically begin by taking a comprehensive medical history, asking about symptom onset, recent activities, and sexual health. A thorough physical examination of the vulvar area will then be conducted.
To determine the cause, several diagnostic tests may be performed. These can include swabbing the sore for viral or bacterial cultures. Blood tests screen for sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis. For chronic or unusual lesions, a biopsy may be taken.
Management approaches are tailored to the specific diagnosis. Viral infections like herpes may be managed with antiviral medications. Bacterial infections typically respond to antibiotics. Non-infectious conditions like contact dermatitis often improve with avoiding irritants and using topical creams, such as corticosteroids. General supportive measures include maintaining good hygiene, wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear, and avoiding harsh soaps or douches.