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Wounds in the vagina or vulva can arise from several causes, mainly due to friction during sexual intercourse, allergies to clothing or intimate pads or as a result of hair removal done without much care. However, these wounds can also be indicative of sexually transmitted infections, such as genital herpes and syphilis, for example, with the appearance of other symptoms besides the wounds.
So, when the sores in the vagina or vulva do not disappear over time or are accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, pain, discharge or bleeding, it is important to consult the gynecologist so that more specific tests are done to indicate the cause of the wound, then the most appropriate treatment is started.
The main causes of sore in the vagina include:
1. Injuries and allergies
The wound in the vagina or in the vulva region can arise from the use of tight underwear that causes friction, friction during intercourse or injury during intimate waxing. In addition, allergy to the material of the panties or to the intimate absorbent can also lead to the appearance of wounds, since one of the symptoms related to the allergy is itching in the genital region, which favors the appearance of wounds. Know other causes of itching in the vagina and what to do.
What to do: in these cases the wound usually heals on its own after a few days, however, to promote healing it is important to give preference to the use of comfortable clothes and cotton underwear, in addition to avoiding hair removal and sexual intercourse while you have the wound. If improvement is not seen after a few days, it is recommended to consult the gynecologist to verify the need to use ointments that facilitate healing.
2. Sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections are important causes of sores in the vagina, and the most common include:
- Genital herpes: is an infection caused by the virus Herpes simplex, and is acquired by contact with the blisters or ulcers of the partner or partner. It causes the appearance of redness and small bubbles that cause pain, burning or itching. Learn about the symptoms of genital herpes and what to do;
- Syphilis: is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum which is most often transmitted through intimate contact without using a condom. Usually, the initial stage appears after 3 weeks of contamination, as a single and painless ulcer. If left untreated, syphilis can progress to stages and become very severe. Understand more details of this dangerous infection;
- Soft cancer: also known as cancer, it is an infection caused by the bacteria Haemophilus ducreyi, which causes multiple, painful ulcers with purulent or bloody secretion. Learn more about how to identify and treat soft cancer;
- Venereal lymphogranuloma: it is a rare infection, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, and usually causes small lumps that turn into painful, deep wounds and accompanied by tears. Understand better about the symptoms and treatment of this infection;
- Donovanosis: also known as inguinal granuloma, is caused by the bacteria Klebsiella granulomatis, and causes initial lesions that are subcutaneous nodules or small lumps that develop into non-painful ulcers, which gradually grow and can cause major damage to the genital region. Check out more details about what it is and how to treat donovanosis.
In the case of wounds in the vagina or vulva caused by a sexually transmitted infection, it is common that these wounds do not disappear over time, and it is also common for them to be accompanied by other symptoms such as discharge, bleeding and pain during sexual intercourse, for example. example.
It is important to remember that the presence of genital infections represents a risk for HIV infection, in addition to being entry points for infection by the virus and other microorganisms, therefore, they must be prevented as condom use and properly treated, with the gynecologist or infectologist.
What to do: In these cases, it is important to consult the gynecologist so that tests can be done to identify the infection related to the appearance of the wound, as this way it is possible to start the most appropriate treatment, which can be done with antibiotics or antivirals. It is also important that the person's sexual partner is also treated, even if he does not show signs or symptoms of the disease.
3. Autoimmune diseases
Some autoimmune diseases can also cause sores in the genital region, such as Behçet's disease, Reiter's disease, lichen planus, erythema multiforme, complex aphthosis, pemphigus, pemphigoids, Duhring-Brocq herpetiform dermatitis or linear IgA dermatitis, for example. These diseases are usually more rare, and can appear in young, adult or elderly women, and can manifest with ulcers also in the oral, anal, among others.
Wounds caused by autoimmune diseases can also be accompanied by other systemic symptoms, such as fever, weakness, weight loss or impairment of other organs, such as kidneys and blood circulation, so they can be worrisome and should be investigated and treated by rheumatologist or dermatologist.
What to do: if the woman has an autoimmune disease, or has a history of autoimmune disease in the family, it is recommended to communicate to the gynecologist as soon as the wound is noticed, so that the medication to regulate the immunity, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants and proprietary ointments to help heal the wound. In addition, as autoimmune diseases can lead to hypersensitivity reactions, it is recommended to avoid the use of allergenic products, such as cosmetics, as well as very spicy foods, which have a strong color and smell, for example.
4. Cancer
Cancer is a rare cause of sores in the vagina that usually causes itching, stench and discharge, and is more common in older women. The chance of a wound in the vagina becoming cancer is greater when it is caused by the HPV virus. Check out more details on how to identify cancer in the vagina.
What to do: if the woman knows she has HPV, as soon as it is possible to notice the wound with discharge, it is recommended that she see a gynecologist, so that a biopsy can be done and, if confirmed, start treatment for vagina cancer, which it usually involves removing the affected area by surgery, in addition to completing treatment with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and checking nearby lymph nodes.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER ,. Oncology Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Vulvar Cancer.. 2017. Available at:. Accessed on 08 Oct 2020
- BRAZILIAN FEDERATION OF GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS ASSOCIATIONS. Gynecology Oncology Guidance Manual. 2010. Available at:. Accessed on 08 Oct 2020
- MINISTRY OF HEALTH. Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines (PCDT). 2015. Available at:. Accessed on 08 Oct 2020