How Do Vulvar Ulcers Develop?

Vulvar ulcers are a common gynecological condition. There are numerous potential causes, with bacterial infections—such as those associated with vaginitis—being among the most frequent. The presence of ulcers generally indicates a relatively severe condition; therefore, maintaining strict personal hygiene and actively cooperating with medical treatment are essential. Medication must be taken strictly as prescribed by a physician, and sexual intercourse should be avoided until complete recovery. So, what causes vulvar ulcers? Below, we address this question.

Causes of Vulvar Ulcers

1. Unfavorable Living Environment

If a woman lives in an unhygienic environment and produces excessive vaginal secretions, bacteria may proliferate rapidly, increasing the risk of developing vulvar ulcers. Additionally, consuming excessive amounts of spicy, stimulating, high-fat, or high-protein foods may disrupt normal energy metabolism, thereby predisposing her to vulvar ulcers.

2. Delayed or Inadequate Treatment

Failure to promptly treat even minor vulvar wounds can easily lead to bacterial infection and subsequent ulcer formation. Poor personal hygiene further increases susceptibility. Many women neglect vulvar cleanliness in daily life and frequently wear nylon or tight-fitting underwear, creating a persistently moist environment around the vulva. Scratching the vulva with unwashed hands may then trigger ulcer development.

Knowledge Expansion: Symptoms of Vulvar Ulcers

1. Nonspecific Vulvitis

Ulcers typically develop following scratching and may be accompanied by low-grade fever and fatigue. Localized pain is often severe. These ulcers tend to be superficial and few in number, with marked surrounding inflammation. Acute vulvar ulcers commonly occur in Behçet’s disease (also known as the oculo-oral-genital syndrome). Such acute ulcers represent one phase of Behçet’s disease and may manifest simultaneously—or sequentially—with ocular and oral lesions.

2. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infection

This condition has an abrupt onset. After exposure to HSV, symptoms typically appear within a 2–7 day incubation period and may include fever, inguinal lymphadenopathy, and vesicular lesions. Initially, multiple vesicles form; upon rupture, they evolve into shallow, multiple ulcers associated with intense pain. This disease has an acute onset and tends to recur frequently—either as isolated episodes or in combination with other conditions.

The above outlines the primary causes of vulvar ulcers. We hope this information proves helpful.