If you have vulvar ulcers, it’s important to know more about their causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Listed below are some of the common causes of vulvar ulcers and how to treat them. Some of these conditions may be caused by STDs, which can be particularly concerning if you’re trying to conceive. Some of these STDs can cause permanent problems, such as pregnancy complications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of vulvar ulcers include pain, discharge, and tenderness. In some women, they may bleed easily and can last for weeks or months without treatment. These ulcers can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, and are most commonly found in adolescents. A person may experience a single ulcer, a cluster, or a series of ulcers. If left untreated, they can lead to infections and cause permanent skin discoloration, scarring, and reduced elasticity of the skin.
If you suspect that you have vulvar ulcers, you should visit your doctor right away. Your doctor will be able to diagnose the condition and prescribe a treatment. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the ulcer. If you suspect that a particular STI is causing the problem, your doctor will test your blood, urine, or ulcer fluid to determine whether it’s caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
Many people suffer from vulvar ulcers, but the exact number of people affected is not known. It’s estimated that around 20 million people will get a genital ulcer each year, which is about 20% of the population. In the United States, herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 are the most common causes of genital ulcers, followed by syphilis and chancroid, which are less common but just as dangerous.
Causes
Various factors may cause vulvar ulcers, including herpes, syphilis, or HIV. If you suspect you may be experiencing an STI, your doctor can perform blood tests or urine tests. Other causes of vulvar ulcers include autoimmune diseases and nutritional deficiencies. While many causes of vulvar ulcers are treatable, treatment options vary. Here are some of the most common types of treatment.
First, vulvar erosions are shallow epidermis defects that heal without scarring. Ulcers, on the other hand, are deep dermal lesions that cause scarring. The most common symptoms at a vulvar clinic are pain and pruritis. These symptoms can affect sexual function and your overall well-being. It is important to treat these lesions, because they can reflect internal disease states.
In addition to viruses and bacteria, other factors may trigger vulvar ulcers. Sexually transmitted diseases such as the influenza A virus, group A streptococcus, and disseminated Lyme disease may also cause vulvar ulcers. Some women have a history of systemic autoimmune diseases, which may also contribute to vulvar ulcers. Further, an examination of the patient’s non-offensive sexual history may reveal a non-sexual cause of vulvar ulcers.
Treatment
While the incidence of chronic vulvar ulcer pain is low, it is associated with poorer sexual functioning and satisfaction. For this reason, pain during vaginal intercourse must be a part of vulvar ulcers clinical evaluation. Researchers have noted that vulvar pain and symptoms often co-exist and are related. Researchers have suggested that treatment of vulvar ulcers should include measures to address both conditions. The study was conducted by Jennifer Bradford, MD, PhD, and Gayle Fischer, MD, PhD.
Despite the relatively low incidence, there are few standardized management guidelines for vulvar ulcers. The authors of this review report 240 cases of squamous intraepithelial lesions diagnosed between 1981 and 2014. Their findings support the presence of anemia, malignancy, and a variety of other diseases. Treatment of vulvar ulcers should be individualized and tailored to the particular patient. The authors suggest that a biopsy should be performed if lesions become painful or grow over time.
Currently, a single private practice dermatologist performs a retrospective chart review of new patients diagnosed with vulvar itch and pain in the years 2009 to 2011. He also reviewed charts of those who did not follow up with their physicians. The researchers also created a mobile application that provides information for patients who are suffering from vulvar candidiasis. The research also identifies the most effective treatment for vulvar lichen sclerosus.
