A genital lesion is any abnormal skin or mucosal change in the genital area, including sores, blisters, bumps, patches or crusted areas. This page summarizes common causes, what to expect during clinical assessment, basic prevention measures and when to seek urgent care or specialist referral.
The term covers changes on the vulva, penis, scrotum, perineum, around the anus or internal genital mucosa. Lesions can appear as ulcers (open sores), papules (small raised bumps), warts, blisters, redness, or scaling. Accompanying symptoms such as pain, itching or discharge help clinicians narrow likely causes.
Causes fall into several categories: infectious agents (herpes simplex, HPV warts, syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections), chronic inflammatory skin conditions (lichen planus, lichen sclerosus, contact dermatitis, psoriasis), mechanical irritation or trauma, allergic reactions, and less commonly neoplastic changes. The lesion’s look, how long it has been present, and associated signs guide initial diagnostic thinking.
Evaluation begins with a focused history and physical exam, including questions about onset, symptoms, sexual history and previous similar problems. Depending on findings, clinicians may collect a swab from the lesion for PCR or culture, order blood tests (for example syphilis or HIV screening), perform a skin biopsy, or arrange specialist inspection. The choice of tests is made by the examining clinician.
Risk reduction includes safer sex practices and condom use, discussing HPV vaccination with a clinician, and protecting skin from irritants such as harsh soaps or perfumed products. Keep the area clean and avoid unnecessary topical agents. Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe pain, rapidly spreading redness, heavy bleeding or pus from the lesion, high fever, or inability to urinate — those signs warrant urgent care.
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