The female genitalia is susceptible to injuries, sores, or wounds. Genital ulcers in women frequently appear in the sexually active stage and result from a sexually transmitted disease or other causes capable of triggering this alteration, such as contact with detergents, clothing, trauma, or scratches. However, sexually transmitted infections are one of the most frequent causes of their appearance.
Next, in this FastlyHealarticle, you will learn much more about genital ulcers in women: causes and treatment.
Table of Contents
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is spread when a person’s skin comes into contact with the wound of an infected person, often occurring during sexual intercourse. It is a viral disease that generates the appearance of genital sores in women, which can extend to the anus. In cases where oral sex is practiced, the mouth can present this type of lesion.
Treatment
The doctor will indicate treatment with antiviral medication orally and locally, depending on the state of the lesions.
Genital warts
The presence of what is known as warts on the genitals of women can generate the appearance of severe ulcers as a result of infection by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). These injuries are not consequential; however, they tend to be uncomfortable.
Treatment
The gynecologist will check the genital area to verify the type of injury and begin treatment with 80 or 90% trichloroacetic acid and chloroacetic acid. Wait until the wart is white and after 30 minutes, rinse the acid with plenty of water. This will cause the injury to come off, leaving a painful wart in its place.
This treatment should be repeated once a week until it disappears completely.
Syphilis
This disease is sexually transmitted. It is evidenced by a small and painless open ulcer that appears between 2 to 5 weeks after sexual contact with a person infected by this disease.
Treatment
It will be in charge of a doctor who will place an antibiotic such as Benzathine Benzylpenicillin as pharmacological treatment. Of this, 2.4 million units can be delivered at the muscle level in a single dose. In cases where the person is allergic to penicillin, Erythromycin 500 mg orally every 6 hours for 14 days will be indicated.
When taking Erythromycin is not enough, treatment with Tetracycline will be reinforced.
Soft chancre
This is an infectious sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi, which causes genital ulcers in women. One or more may appear. They are soft and painful, and they bleed easily in the vulvar or vaginal region. In addition, they are usually accompanied by palpable, painful lymph nodes and fever.
Treatment
The doctor will be in charge of indicating a pharmacological treatment with antibiotics such as Erythromycin 500 mg or Ceftriaxone 250 mg intramuscular injection.
You can see more information in the article Soft chancre: what it is, symptoms and treatment.
Molluscum contagiosum
It is a viral infection that occurs at the skin level and is transmitted in adults through sexual contact. It generates the appearance of vulvar ulcers, in the perineal region, on the inner side of the thighs, or in the lower abdomen.
Treatment
It consists of removing the lesions, cauterization, cryotherapy, and the application of Trichloroacetic acid in each of the lesions.
We invite you to read Molluscum contagiosum: symptoms and treatment for more details.
Granuloma inguinal
This infection is produced by Calymmatobacteriun granulomatous, which is more frequent in men. However, it can appear in women. It causes a non-painful ulcer in the vulvar region, vagina, or cervix that can reach the inguinal region with bleeding lesions with minimal friction.
Treatment
The treatment indicated by the doctor is pharmacological, with antibiotics such as Doxycycline 100 / mg every 12 hours for three weeks.
Lymphogranuloma venereum
This infection is caused by a bacterium known as Chlamydia trachomatis and its incubation period lasts approximately one to four weeks. After this time, a painless papule or ulcer appears in the vulvar region due to sexual contact with an infected person.
Treatment
The doctor will place drug treatment with antibiotics such as Doxycycline or Erythromycin for approximately 21 days.
Atopic dermatitis
It is a chronic condition characterized by red, itchy rashes in the vulvar or vaginal area. It is produced by a reaction in the skin, giving rise to the appearance of swelling and redness that can lead to vulvar ulcers.
Treatment
The doctor will indicate this according to the symptoms that the patient presents. Initially, the application of histamines for topical use or orally will be recommended.
In addition to steroid-based ointments or creams that will be applied according to medical indications, he will suggest taking care of hygiene in the genital area.
Contact dermatitis
In this case, the skin in the genital area becomes red, painful, and inflamed after contact with detergents, fabric softeners, perfumes, creams, ointments, or douches. This will cause itching, swelling, and ulcers on the genitals.
Treatment
It will be based on taking care of the hygiene of the genital area. The doctor will recommend cleaning with plenty of water to remove any chemicals that could cause the reaction and advise the application of corticosteroids cream or ointment to relieve symptoms.
If symptoms persist, oral corticosteroids will be indicated for approximately 12 days.
Bartholin’s cyst
It consists of the increase in the volume of the Bartholin’s glands, located on the sides of the vaginal opening. The accumulation of fluid in the gland can become infected, giving women an abscess or genital ulcer.
It is usually accompanied by redness, swelling, pain, and the presence of a sore that makes sitting or walking impossible.
Treatment
The doctor will recommend warm sitz baths for 1 to 2 days after the lesion has been drained for an abscess. In cases of infection, the specialist will recommend an antibiotic.
If the increase in volume persists, the doctor will propose the surgical resolution.
You can see more details on how to unclog the Bartholin’s gland.
Trauma or scratches
A trauma or scratch in the genital area of women can give rise to the appearance of ulcers or genital sores, which will be accompanied by pain, inflammation, and limitation when walking or sitting.
Treatment
Treatment will be based on maintaining hygiene in the area in question and indicating local antiseptics, creams, or ointments to alleviate the patient’s symptoms. Among these, it is necessary to mention analgesics or anti-inflammatories.
If you present any of these lesions, go to your gynecologist to indicate the following treatment according to the symptoms you present.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Genital ulcers in women: causes and treatment, we recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.