About this article
Medically reviewed- Written by
- Dr Paul Watson
- Medically reviewed by
- Dr Han Simpson
- Published
- April 8, 2026
- Medical review date
- September 8, 2026
- Evidence searched through
- September 8, 2026
- Next review due
- September 8, 2027
- Intended audience
- General Readers & Patients
- Geographic scope
- Worldwide
- Conflicts of interest
- None declared.
- Funding
- Website Owner
- Report a correction
- Report an error or editorial concern
- Medical disclaimer
- Read the medical disclaimer
When someone searches for vulvar ulcers pictures, they are usually trying to understand whether a sore, painful, or unusual area on the vulva is something harmless—or something that requires medical attention. The reality is that vulvar ulcers can arise from a wide range of causes, from minor irritation to infections and underlying health conditions.
This article explores what vulvar ulcers typically look like, the most common causes, how they are diagnosed, and when you should seek medical advice. While we will describe visual characteristics in detail, this article does not include graphic images but instead helps you understand what you might expect to see in vulvar ulcers pictures found in medical resources.
What Are Vulvar Ulcers?
Vulvar ulcers are breaks or open sores in the skin of the vulva, which includes the external female genital area such as the labia, clitoris, and surrounding tissue.
These ulcers can vary widely in appearance depending on their cause. Some may be shallow and small, while others are deeper and more painful. They can be:
- Red or inflamed
- White or yellow at the centre
- Open and raw-looking
- Crusted or scabbed over
- Accompanied by swelling or discharge
When people search for vulvar ulcers pictures, they are often trying to compare their symptoms with visual examples to determine urgency.
What Do Vulvar Ulcers Look Like?
Although individual cases vary, vulvar ulcers pictures in medical contexts often show some common characteristics:
1. Shallow Open Sores
These may appear as small, round or oval lesions with a raw surface. The surrounding skin might look red and irritated.
2. Deeper Ulcers
Some ulcers extend deeper into the tissue and may appear crater-like. These are often more painful.
3. Clustered Lesions
Certain infections can produce multiple ulcers grouped together. These may merge into larger areas of broken skin.
4. White or Yellow Centres
Some ulcers have a white or yellow coating, often due to infection, pus, or dead tissue.
5. Swelling and Redness
Inflammation is common, and the surrounding skin may appear swollen, warm, and tender.
6. Blisters That Break
Some conditions begin as fluid-filled blisters that burst and leave ulcers behind.
Common Causes of Vulvar Ulcers
When examining vulvar ulcers pictures, it’s important to understand that different conditions can produce similar-looking sores. Here are the most common causes:
1. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
One of the most common causes of vulvar ulcers is genital herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Typical appearance:
- Small clusters of painful blisters
- Blisters that break open into shallow ulcers
- Red, inflamed base
- Often accompanied by burning or tingling before sores appear
Other symptoms:
- Pain during urination
- Flu-like symptoms (in first outbreak)
- Swollen lymph nodes
In vulvar ulcers pictures, herpes lesions often appear grouped together and extremely inflamed.
2. Aphthous Ulcers (Non-Sexually Transmitted)
These are similar to mouth ulcers but occur on the vulva.
Typical appearance:
- Round or oval ulcers
- White or yellow centre with red border
- Very painful
- Not caused by a sexually transmitted infection
These may be triggered by:
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Immune response
- Minor injury
In vulvar ulcers pictures, aphthous ulcers often resemble small, clean-looking sores with a defined edge.
3. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Several STIs can cause vulvar ulcers, including:
Syphilis
Caused by bacteria, this infection produces a painless ulcer known as a chancre.
Appearance:
- Single, firm ulcer
- Round and well-defined edges
- Usually painless
In vulvar ulcers pictures, syphilitic ulcers are often described as clean, hard lesions without inflammation.
Chancroid
A less common bacterial infection.
Appearance:
- Painful ulcers
- Soft, ragged edges
- May bleed or have pus
4. Yeast Infections (Severe Cases)
While yeast infections typically cause itching and irritation, severe cases can lead to skin breakdown.
Appearance:
- Red, raw patches
- Cracked skin that may resemble ulcers
- White discharge
In some vulvar ulcers pictures, this may look like irritated, broken skin rather than a classic ulcer.
5. Autoimmune Conditions
Certain autoimmune diseases can cause ulceration.
Behçet’s Disease
A rare condition that causes ulcers in multiple areas, including the vulva.
Appearance:
- Recurrent painful ulcers
- Similar to mouth ulcers
- Often come and go
In vulvar ulcers pictures, these ulcers are usually small but extremely painful.
6. Trauma or Irritation
Ulcers can also result from physical damage.
Causes include:
- Friction from clothing or sexual activity
- Shaving or waxing
- Allergic reactions to products
Appearance:
- Localised raw areas
- Red and inflamed
- May resemble a scrape or abrasion
7. Skin Conditions
Conditions such as:
- Lichen planus
- Lichen sclerosus (read more)
can cause ulcer-like lesions.
These may appear as:
- Thin, white patches
- Skin tearing easily
- Open sores in advanced cases
When to Be Concerned About Vulvar Ulcers
If you are searching for vulvar ulcers pictures, it’s often because you’re unsure whether your symptoms are serious.
You should seek medical attention if you notice:
- Painful or persistent ulcers
- Ulcers that do not heal within 1–2 weeks
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Recurring sores
- Unusual discharge or bleeding
- Pain during urination or intercourse
Diagnosis: How Doctors Assess Vulvar Ulcers
A healthcare professional will typically:
1. Take a Medical History
- Sexual history
- Recent infections
- Medication use
- Previous similar episodes
2. Perform a Physical Examination
They may compare the appearance with known patterns often seen in vulvar ulcers pictures.
3. Take Swabs or Tests
- Swab of the ulcer
- Blood tests
- STI screening
4. Biopsy (if needed)
In rare cases, a small tissue sample may be taken.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends entirely on the cause.
For Herpes
- Antiviral medications (e.g. aciclovir)
- Pain relief
- Keeping the area clean and dry
For Bacterial Infections
- Antibiotics
For Aphthous Ulcers
- Pain relief creams
- Steroid ointments (in some cases)
For Autoimmune Conditions
- Immunosuppressive medications
- Specialist care
For Irritation or Trauma
- Avoiding irritants
- Wearing loose clothing
- Gentle hygiene practices
Self-Care Tips
If you are dealing with vulvar ulcers, you may find relief from:
- Keeping the area clean and dry
- Wearing loose cotton underwear
- Avoiding scented products
- Taking warm baths (sitz baths)
- Using pain relief medication (if appropriate)
Avoid self-diagnosing based solely on vulvar ulcers pictures online—many conditions look similar but require different treatments.
Why You Should Avoid Relying Solely on Images
While vulvar ulcers pictures can help you recognise that something is unusual, they should not be used as a diagnostic tool.
The reason is:
- Many conditions look visually similar
- Severity cannot be judged by appearance alone
- Some serious conditions may appear mild
- Some harmless conditions may look severe
A proper diagnosis always requires medical evaluation.
Psychological Impact
Vulvar ulcers can be distressing, particularly when:
- They are painful
- They affect intimate relationships
- There is concern about STIs
- They recur frequently
It is important to remember that many causes are treatable and not life-threatening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are vulvar ulcers always sexually transmitted?
No. While some are caused by STIs, many are due to non-sexual causes such as autoimmune conditions or irritation.
Can vulvar ulcers heal on their own?
Some mild ulcers can heal without treatment, but persistent or painful ulcers should always be checked by a doctor.
Should I search for vulvar ulcers pictures online?
You can use images for general awareness, but avoid self-diagnosis. Medical advice is essential for accurate assessment.
Are vulvar ulcers dangerous?
They can be harmless or a sign of a more serious condition. It depends on the cause.
Final Thoughts
Searching for vulvar ulcers pictures is often the first step in trying to understand a worrying symptom. While images can provide a general idea of what different conditions look like, they cannot replace professional medical advice.
Vulvar ulcers can arise from infections, autoimmune conditions, irritation, or injury. Some are painful and persistent, while others are mild and temporary. The key takeaway is that any unexplained or persistent ulcer should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Early diagnosis leads to better treatment outcomes and peace of mind.
You may also want to check out our article on what does bv look like pictures.