10 causes of genital ulcers in women (and how to treat them)

Vaginal ulcers are a sign that indicates the presence of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as genital herpes or syphilis. However, these vaginal ulcers can also be a follow-up to other diseases such as suppurative hidradenitis, Crohn’s disease or vulvar cancer.

These genital sores may appear on the vulva or nearby, and may or may not be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, beginning in the place where the ulcer is found, inflammation and pus discharge.

For this reason, if an ulcer develops in the intimate parts, so the woman does not maintain sexual relations, it is important to consult a gynecologist so that a more detailed evaluation is carried out and the most appropriate treatment is indicated.

The main causes of genital ulcers are:

1. Donovanosis (inguinal granuloma)

Donovanosis is an STI caused by a bacterium that is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person, which, after 3 days, can cause a rash in the genital region and if not treated it turns into a herit with the appearance ulcer that bleeds easily, but in the duel.

How to treat it: the treatment of donovanosis is carried out for 3 weeks with antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones or chloramphenicol, los cuales, if used according to medical advice, can cure the illness. During the treatment it is recommended to avoid sexual contact until the signs have disappeared. See details on how to treat inguinal granuloma.

2. Syphilis

Syphilis is an STI caused by bacteria Treponema pallidum, which forms an ulcer in the external region (vulva) or inside the vagina, around 21 to 90 days after infection; this lesion has raised and hardened edges, it is small or medium in size and red in color, and when it becomes infected it can have a moist appearance that looks like a blister that has burst; in addition, it is in the duele and usually disappears for a few days.

How to treat it: the treatment of syphilis is carried out with the injection of an antibiotic called penicillin, whose dose and duration must be indicated by the doctor in accordance with the results of the exams. See what are the medications used in the treatment.

3. Genital herpes

Genital herpes is an STI caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which causes lesions similar to ulcers or sores in the vagina, which usually appear after the rupture of small vesicles that form after 4 to 7 days after having maintained sexual relations. These ulcers can be painful, and can be maintained for about 15 days.

How to treat it: although there is no cure, the treatment of herpes is carried out using drugs such as aciclovir, valaciclovir or famciclovir, which lasts for 7 days and helps to close the heridas and control the emergence of others. Discover some homemade and natural remedies to relieve herpes.

4. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is an infection caused by bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, la which is transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected person. The vaginal ulcer caused by chlamydia is really a lesion that was not treated and ruptured, expelling pus and blood. In certain cases, symptoms such as joint pain, fever and malaise may appear. See what other symptoms can cause chlamydia.

How to treat it: the treatment of chlamydia is carried out with antibiotics, such as azithromycin or doxycycline, which can be taken in single doses or divided into 7 days of treatment, having to be prescribed by the doctor on a case-by-case basis. With the right treatment, it is possible to completely eliminate the body’s bacteria, achieving the cure of the disease.

5. White chancre

Also known as a chancroid, it is an STI where an ulcer forms that is caused by bacteria Haemophilus ducreyi, which is transmitted by sexual intercourse with an infected person without the use of male or female condoms. The blando chancro lesion can appear 3 to 10 days after the infection, your condition can be painful, small in size and with the presence of pus; Asimism, in certain cases, can arise in the English region due to the inflammation of the ganglia in this region.

How to treat it: the treatment is carried out with antibiotics such as azithromycin, ceftriaxone, erythromycin or ciprofloxacin, which can be carried out in a single oral dose or divided for 7 days. In some cases, it may be necessary that the treatment be carried out by intramuscular injection, according to the doctor’s recommendation.

6. Lipschutz ulcers

Lipschutz ulcers are ulcers that are not sexually transmitted and are more common in young women and adolescents who are not sexually active. Suelen occurs after the appearance of flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever and body pain and are painful, which may be associated with other symptoms such as pain in the ear and hinchazón in the region.

How to treat: these llagas suelen improve without it being necessary to take some specific measure. Without embargo, in addition to keeping the region clean, it is possible to perform seat baths and the placement of anesthetic ointments to help relieve pain. In addition, in more severe cases, the doctor may recommend the use of ointments with corticosteroids, analgesics -such as paracetamol- and anti-inflammatories.

7. Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease can affect the vulva, causing ulcers and sores, which can be associated with swelling, comezón, pain and secretion, in addition to pain during sexual intercourse. In addition, other symptoms of Crohn’s disease may appear, such as abdominal pain, fever and bloody diarrhea. Know what are the symptoms of Crohn’s illness.

How to treat: The treatment of ulcers related to Crohn’s disease may involve the use of antibiotics, such as metronidazole, and corticosteroids, however, these lesions can be difficult to heal, despite the measures adopted.

8. Behcet’s illness

Behcet’s illness is a condition that causes inflammation of the body’s blood vessels and can also lead to vaginal ulcers.

Ulcers can be recurrent, painful and generally affect the vulva, and may appear associated with other symptoms such as joint pain, skin swelling and abdominal pain.

How to treat: Vaginal ulcers generally respond poorly to the use of corticosteroid creams, however, other treatments are indicated when this measure fails, so the doctor may indicate the use of corticosteroids such as prednisone or even immunosuppressive drugs such as azathioprine and cyclosporine .

9. Suppurative hidradenitis

Suppurative hidradenitis is a disease that affects the hair follicles of the skin and can cause ulcers in the genitals and in the areas surrounding the vulva, especially in girls during puberty and young women. In addition, the appearance of nodules and cutaneous abscesses that generally affect the English, armpits, chest and buttocks can also occur.

How to treat: In general, the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa involves the use of antibiotics such as clindamycin or doxycycline. However, it is possible that the most serious cases should be treated through surgery. Know what is, symptoms and treatment of suppurative hidradenitis.

10. Cancer of the vulva

Sometimes, ulcers, sores or sores in the vagina can be related to vulvar cancer. Generally, these heritables are difficult to cure, can be painless, cause onset or bleeding, and are associated with an increase in lymph nodes around the region or in the nodes.

How to treat: The treatment depends on the stage in which the illness is diagnosed and may involve the removal of the wound or ulcer through surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.