Female Genital Sores: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Female Genital Sores?
A primary care doctor can often find the cause and treat genital sores directly. For sores that keep coming back, the doctor may refer you to a gynecologist or dermatologist. Infectious disease doctors may help with hard-to-treat infections. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are female genital sores?
Female genital sores are open spots, bumps, or ulcers on or around the vulva, the outer part of the female private area. Sores can hurt, itch, or cause no discomfort at all.
What it is
A genital sore is a break in the skin that may look like a blister, a shallow pit, a crusty patch, or a raw area. Sores can appear one at a time or in groups.
Symptoms
The sore itself is the main sign, but other symptoms often come with it. You might notice pain when you urinate. The skin around the sore may be red, swollen, or itchy. Some sores cause no pain at all.
Causes and who gets it
Infections cause many genital sores. Herpes is a common virus that causes painful blisters that break open, heal, and sometimes return. Syphilis is a bacterial infection spread through sex that often starts as one painless sore.
Not all sores come from infections. Skin conditions like lichen sclerosus can cause sores or tears, and shaving, tight clothing, or an allergic reaction can irritate the skin.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history, then examine the area. They may take a sample from the sore for a swab test, and blood tests can show whether an infection is present.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Viruses like herpes cannot be cured, but antiviral medicines can make outbreaks shorter and less painful. Sores from irritation often improve when the irritation stops, while skin conditions may need prescription creams.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if a sore does not heal within a couple of weeks, gets worse, or comes back. Painful urination, fever, or swollen glands in the groin are also reasons to be seen. Any sore that appears after sexual contact should be checked.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor is paid with a flat monthly fee instead of insurance. A concierge doctor works similarly but usually costs more. These doctors often have longer appointments, which can make it easier to talk about a sensitive topic like genital sores.
Common questions
Are genital sores always a sexually transmitted infection?
No. Infections passed through sex are a common cause, but sores can also come from shaving, skin conditions, or irritation. Only testing can tell what is causing a sore.
Can genital sores go away on their own?
Some sores heal on their own, but the cause may still need treatment. A painless sore from syphilis can disappear while the infection stays in the body. Seeing a doctor is the safest choice.
Should I pop a genital sore or blister?
No. Popping a sore can spread infection and slow healing. Keep the area clean and dry, and let a doctor look at it.
Can I prevent genital sores?
You can lower the risk by practicing safer sex, avoiding shaving irritation, and using gentle products on the skin. Some causes cannot be prevented, so any new sore should be checked.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
