Vulvar lesions are relatively common, maybe more so, considering that many cases go undiagnosed. They can be painful and uncomfortable, and although sometimes harmless, often signal an underlying illness or disease. Poplar Avenue Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee, has a team of experienced providers to diagnose and treat your condition, getting you back on the road to full health. Call today to request a consultation or book online.
Vulvar lesions are sores or ulcers that form on the vulva, the outer part of a woman’s genitals.
Doctors classify vulvar lesions into two categories: acute reactive and acute recurrent. Acute reactive lesions develop as a symptom of an illness. They go away after several weeks and don’t return. Acute recurrent lesions recur continually, meaning they go away but come back again at frequent intervals.
Vulvar lesions can be painful and uncomfortable. If you have them, your provider at Poplar Avenue Clinic needs to examine you because they may be a symptom of another illness or disease.
Vulvar lesions take many forms and, if untreated, they can worsen. Some of the most common signs to look out for include:
Sometimes, the only symptom of the lesion is the lesion itself. If you have any of these symptoms, call Poplar Avenue Clinic so that your provider can prescribe you a custom treatment plan.
Vulvar lesions can develop for all kinds of reasons, some harmless and others that need immediate treatment. Here are some of the most common causes:
Infection
Fungal, bacterial, and viral infections all cause vulvar lesions. Your doctor prescribes antibiotics or antifungal medication to clear it up.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
STDs, such as the herpes simplex virus (HPV), syphilis, and HIV, are the most common cause of vulvar lesions.
Allergic reactions
A reaction to a skin or laundry product can cause vulvar lesions. Try switching products to see if the lesions go away.
Drug reactions
Certain antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can trigger vulvar lesions.
Autoimmune disease
Some autoimmune and inflammatory diseases can cause lesions to develop, including Crohn’s disease, Behcet’s disease, and Darier disease.
Vulvar cancer
Vulvar cancer is more common in older women and causes lesions to form around the vagina. Treatment involves removing the cancer and sometimes some of the surrounding tissue.
Other illness
Some common illnesses, like respiratory infection and tonsillitis, can cause vulvar lesions, especially in adolescents.
If you have further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of the experienced women’s health providers at Poplar Avenue Clinic, call today or book through the patient portal.
