Vaginal sore in most cases is present in case of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as genital herpes or syphilis. However, it can also be a sign of other diseases, such as hidradenitis suppurativa, Crohn’s disease or vulvar cancer.
Canker sores in the vagina, also called sores in the vagina, can also appear on or near the vulva, and may or may not be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, itching at the site of the sore, swelling and pus discharge.
Therefore, when there is a vaginal ulcer, sore or bruise on the private parts, even if the woman has not had sexual intercourse, it is important to consult a gynecologist for a more detailed assessment so that the most appropriate treatment can begin.
Main causes
The main causes of vaginal ulcers are:
1. Donovanose
Donovanosis is an STI caused by a bacteria that is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person, and that after 3 days can lead to swelling in the genital region. When donovanosis is not identified and treated, you may notice the appearance of a cold sore-like wound that bleeds easily, but is not painful. Understand better what it is, the symptoms, treatment and prevention of donovanosis.
How to deal with: Donovanosis is treated in three weeks with antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones or chloramphenicol, which, if used according to medical advice, can lead to a cure. During treatment it is recommended to avoid sexual contact until the signs have disappeared.
2. Syphilis
Syphilis is an STI, caused by the bacteria Treponema paleand that approximately 21 to 90 days after infection, it forms a cold sore on the outer region (vulva) or inside the vagina, with raised and hardened edges, small or medium in size and reddish color, which, when infected, can appear moist that resembles a cold sore that has burst, does not hurt and usually disappears after a few days.
How to deal with: Syphilis is treated with injections of an antibiotic, penicillin, the dose and duration of which must be recommended by the doctor according to the results of the tests. See more details on how syphilis is treated.
3. Herpes genital
Genital herpes is an STI caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can cause vaginal sores that usually appear after the rupture of small vesicles that form approximately 4 to 7 days after sexual intercourse. Canker sores are normally painful, can last up to 15 days and recur after the first episode improves in times of stress and during menstruation, for example.
How to deal with: Although there is no cure, herpes treatment is carried out with medicines such as acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir, and lasts on average 7 days, which help to close the wounds and control the appearance of others.
Check out home and natural remedies to relieve herpes.
4. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is an infection caused by bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and is transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected person. Chlamydia vaginal sore is actually a swelling that was not treated and ruptured, leaving pus and blood. In some cases, symptoms such as joint pain, fever and malaise may appear. Understand better what it is, the symptoms and transmission of chlamydia infection.
How to deal with: Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics, which can be taken in a single dose or divided into 7 days of treatment, such as azithromycin or doxycycline, which are prescribed by the doctor according to each case. With proper treatment, it is possible to completely eliminate the bacteria in the body, and this leads to a cure.
5. Mol cancer
Cold sore caused by bacteria Haemophilus ducreyi, also known as chancroid, is transmitted through sexual intercourse with an infected person without using a male or female condom. The chancroid sore may appear 3 to 10 days after infection. Its wound may be painful, small in size with the presence of pus, and in some cases lumps or lumps may appear in the groin area. Check out other signs of chancre in addition to genital ulcers.
How to deal with: Treatment is with antibiotics, such as azithromycin, ceftriaxone, erythromycin or ciprofloxacin, which can be administered in a single oral dose or divided into seven days. In some cases it may be necessary for the treatment to 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 do not yet have an active sexual life. They generally occur after the appearance of flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever and body pain and are painful, and may be related to pain when urinating and some local swelling.
How to deal with: These canker sores tend to improve without any specific measures being necessary. However, in addition to keeping the area clean, sitz baths and anesthetic ointments can be used to help relieve pain. Furthermore, in more serious cases, the doctor may recommend the use of corticosteroid ointments in addition to analgesics such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatories.
7. Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease can affect the vulva, causing canker sores and wounds, which can be accompanied by swelling, itching, local pain and discharge, as well as pain during sexual intercourse. Additionally, other symptoms of Crohn’s disease may be present, such as abdominal pain, fever, and bloody diarrhea. Check out the main symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
How to deal with: The treatment of canker sores related to Crohn’s disease generally involves the use of antibiotics, such as metronidazole, and corticosteroids, however these canker sores may have difficult healing despite the measures adopted.
8. Behçet’s disease
Behçet’s disease is a disease that causes inflammation of vessels in the body and can also cause vaginal thrush. Canker sores can be recurrent, painful and usually affect the vulva. Furthermore, other symptoms can be varied and include joint pain, redness of the skin and eyes, and abdominal pain.
How to deal with: Vaginal thrush generally responds poorly to the use of corticosteroid ointments, however, other treatments are generally indicated only when these measures fail. These treatments include the use of corticosteroids such as prednisone or even immunosuppressive medications such as azathioprine and cyclosporine. See what it is, the symptoms, causes and treatment of Behçet’s disease.
9. Hidradenitis suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a disease that affects hair follicles in the skin and can cause genital thrush and thrush in areas close to the vulva, especially in girls in puberty and young women. In addition, the appearance of nodules and abscesses on the skin can also occur, generally involving the groin, close to the roots of the thighs, armpits, chest and buttocks.
How to deal with: Generally, treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa involves the use of antibiotics such as clindamycin or doxycycline. However, more serious cases may need to be treated through surgery. Understand better what it is, the symptoms and treatments of hidradenitis suppurativa.
10. Cancer of the vulva
Sometimes, vaginal ulcers, sores and bruises can be related to vulvar cancer. Generally, canker sores are difficult to heal, may be painless, itchy or bleed, and may be associated with nearby bumps or nodules.
How to deal with: Treatment depends on the stage at which the disease is diagnosed and may involve removing the cold sore through surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
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