Genital ulcers refer to open sores that develop on the genitals. The sores can appear on the vulva, penis, anus and perianal area. These may or may not be accompanied by some symptoms. When symptoms occur, they include itching, burning, pain, oozing of fluid from ulcers, vaginal discharge, pain during urination, painful intercourse, and fever. Lymph nodes in the groin area may be enlarged. There are several causes behind genital ulcers. They are mainly caused by STDs, that is, sexually transmitted diseases. The first of these is syphilis (an STD caused by the bacterium treponema pallidum). The second STD is genital herpes, caused by the HSV herpes simplex virus. Another STD is chancroid, an STD caused by the bacterium Hemophilus ducreyi. Another is Lymphogranuloma Venereum, caused by gram-negative bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis. Some infections that are not acquired sexually have also been reported to be associated with genital ulcers. For example, Epstein-Barr virus, Group A streptococci and cytomegalovirus.
In rare cases, a yeast infection can cause genital sores. Besides infections, genital ulcers can also occur due to non-infectious reasons. The first of these is an injury. It can also be the result of irritation or a reaction after using a body care product. They also occur in inflammatory diseases such as Lichen Planuthe disease, Behcet’s disease, lupus and psoriasis. Lichen planus is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin, mouth, nails and genitals. Purple-colored bumps appear on the skin and painful sores may appear on the genitals. Behcet’s disease is a condition that results in inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body. In this disease, ulcers appear in the mouth, along with rashes, inflamed eyes and ulcers in the genitals. Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which immune cells accidentally damage the body’s healthy tissue. This disease tends to cause inflammation in different parts of the body. Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes red, inflamed patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales. Cancer of the vulva or penis can also cause genital ulcers.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy has many options to treat cases of genital ulcers in a very safe and natural way. Homeopathic medicines are very effective in healing ulcers. These medications, along with healing ulcers, also help control the accompanying symptoms such as pain, itching, burning, and discharge, if any. The homeopathic medicines are of natural origin and therefore very safe to use without any side effects. These medications are selected individually for each case based on the symptoms. So, it is advisable to always consult a homeopathic doctor before taking any of these medicines and avoid self-medication. Homeopathy is recommended for cases of genital ulcers of mild to moderate intensity. If the ulcers are of severe intensity or there is a serious cause behind the ulcers, it is advised to seek help from the conventional method of treatment as homeopathy may not be able to help in such cases due to its limitations.
Common homeopathic medicines for the treatment of venereal ulcers in men and women
1. Merc Sol
Merc Sol is one of the most recommended medications for treating cases of genital ulcers in men and women.
In men
This medicine is well indicated when small blisters (fluid-filled eruptions) appear on the glans penis and foreskin, which break and form ulcers. Yellowish-white discharge comes from these ulcers. The discharge has a very strong odor. The ulcers are painful and tend to bleed when touched. Pain in the groin may also occur while walking. A burning sensation may be felt in the penis. Merc Sol is a leading drug for treating cases of genital ulcers (chancre) in syphilis.
In females
This medicine is recommended for whitish ulcers on the vulva. A burning sensation is felt which worsens when the ulcer comes into contact with urine. A throbbing sensation is also felt. Lying still makes things better. There is itching on the vulva. There may be yellowish vaginal discharge. The discharge becomes worse at night. It is accompanied by itching and a burning sensation occurs when scratching. There may be swelling on the labia.
2. Nitric acid
In men
This medicine is recommended for flat ulcers with raised zigzag edges. A thin discharge may come from the ulcers and flow profusely. It can also be mixed with blood. The sores may be several at any one time. They are painful to touch. This medicine is also indicated for ulcers with flat edges from which pus oozes. At the same time, the inner surface of the foreskin is inflamed, which becomes painful in the evening.
In females
This medicine is suitable for ulcers on the labia minora. Itching and burning are felt in the vulva. There may also be swelling of the vulva, along with green or brownish vaginal discharge. It may be in the form of viscous mucus. The discharge has an unpleasant odor.
3. Thuja
In men
It is a very suitable drug for the treatment of ulcers in men and itching. It is also useful for round, raised sores with red edges. These sores are painful and moist.
In females
It is an effective medicine for treating white ulcers on the inside of the labia majora. The vulva is painful to touch. The pain gets worse when sitting. There may be vaginal discharge that leaves yellow-green spots.
Some other medicines for venereal ulcers in men
1. Arsenic album
This medicine is useful for treating ulcers with hard edges. A thin, smelly discharge comes out. Bleeding may occur if touched. Excessive burning is also felt in the ulcers.
2. Cinnabaris
Cinnabaris is a useful drug for treating ulcers on the genital organs in syphilis. In cases where this is necessary, red, swollen sores form on the male genitals. The edges of the ulcer are hard and raised. There is discharge of thin pus. This medicine is also indicated for hard ulcers formed on the center of the penis.
3. Staphysagria
It is a very useful drug for the treatment of ulcers on the penis accompanied by bleeding. The ulcer may be large in size. There may be stabbing pain. A burning sensation may occur.
Some other medicines for venereal ulcers in women
1. Sepia
Sepia is indicated for the treatment of ulcers on the labia. There is redness and swelling of the inner labia where this medicine is needed. Itching is felt in the vulva. There may be vaginal discharge that is yellowish or greenish. The discharge has a foul odor. The discharge is more after urination. It is accompanied by itching and burning pain in the vagina. There is a frequent urge to urinate. There is pain during intercourse along with the above indications.
2. Creosote
It is another important medicine to treat ulcers on the vulva. In cases where this is necessary, there is marked itching in the vulva. After scratching, pain and burning is felt in the vulva. The labia may be swollen. Vaginal discharge can be colored white, yellow or brown. It gets worse while standing and walking. There is lighting while sitting.
3. Merc Cor
This medicine is recommended for the treatment of ulcers and pus discharge. The vulva is quite inflamed. There is heat and pain in the genitals. There may be a pale, yellow vaginal discharge. The secretion is thin. It can sometimes be bloody.