Genital sores (female)

Alternative names:

sores - on the genitals (female)

Home care:

Avoid self treatment before seeing a doctor. It can mask the symptoms and make diagnosis of the cause of the sore more difficult.

A sitz bath may be recommended to relieve itching and crusting. Moist lesions can be dried by using a heat lamp.

If caused by a sexually transmitted disease, the sexual partner should be notified and treated and all sexual activity should be discontinued until the lesion(s) are no longer contagious.

Call your health care provider if:

• there are any unexplained genital lesions.
• a sexually-transmitted disease is suspected.
• there is any change in the lesion(s).

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include:

• type of lesion
  • pustule
  • papule
  • nodule
  • open areas (ulcer)
  • pinpoint red or purple spots (petechiae)
  • larger red or purple splotch (purpura)
  • bruise (ecchymosis)
  • hives or blisters
  • other (be specific)
• other descriptors
  • What color is the lesion?
  • How big is it?
  • Does it itch?
  • Is it scaly?
  • Does the border look distinct (sharp) or blurry?
• time pattern
  • When did you first notice the lesion?
  • How long have you had it?
  • Have you ever had a similar lesion in the past?
• distribution
  • Does the size of the lesion spread?
  • Is there an increasing number of lesions?
  • Is there one lesion or multiple lesions?
• location
  • Exactly where on the genitals is the lesion located?
• other
  • What are the amount and type of sexual activity and sexual habits?
  • What are the hygiene habits?
  • Is there painful urination?
  • Is there painful sexual intercourse?
  • Is there abnormal vaginal drainage?

The physical examination will probably include a pelvic examination.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• blood tests such as CBC or blood differential
• culture and biopsy (see skin or mucosal biopsy culture) of the lesion(s)

Intervention:
Treatment may include medications that are applied to the skin or that are taken internally. The type of medication varies depending on the cause, but may include corticosteroids, antiviral drugs, antibiotics, or antipruritic (non-itching) substances.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to genital lesions to your personal medical record.

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial