Genital ulcers are a painful medical condition that result from unprotected sexual activity. The ulcers appear on the vulvar area, the anus, vagina, and inner thighs. Genital ulcers can be a benign condition, but most prevalently they can be attributed to a herpes virus infection. Less common infections causing genital ulcers include chancroid and donovanosis, and syphilis. Non sexually-transmitted causes may be due to a yeast infection, genital psoriasis or trauma to the area. Herbal and alternative therapies may ease symptoms, but they cannot cure vulvar ulcers. Herbal remedies for vulvar ulcers should never be used in place of medical treatment. A doctor should diagnose the condition as either a benign ulcer or an sexually-transmitted infection or disease requiring medication.
Herbs that Can Help
Goldenseal, known by the Latin name Hydrastis canadensis, has historically been thought to relieve skin conditions and vaginitis, the inflammation and infection of the vaginal area. Stems and roots of the plant are dried and then used to make teas. Steep a clean cloth or gauze pad with a tea strongly infused with goldenseal and apply to the vulvar ulcers. The tea infusion should be room temperature. A few drops of tea tree oil diluted with water can also be daubed on the infected area.
Natural Supplements
Zinc supplements and ointments made with zinc applied to the vulvar ulcers might speed healing time and boost the immune system. Calm the eruptions with a rinse created out of sage and chamomile tea diluted with water. Pour this herbal rinse into a sitz bath and soak the infected area at least four times a day. You may also want to add the herb Echinacea to your supplement regimen, as it is believed to promote and hasten healing.
Ulcer Care
The outbreaks should be kept clean and dry, Clean the ulcers several times a day with warm soap and water and either witch hazel or Burrow's Solution, which is a pharmaceutical liquid preparation containing aluminum sulfate, and water that relieves stinging pain and itching. Dry the infected area with a cotton towel or use a blow dryer set to cool.
Lifestyle Accommodations
Strive to strengthen the immune system with a balanced diet high in vitamin C, lysine, and vitamin B. Avoid smoking and eschew or cut down on drinking. Stress can cause vulvar ulcer outbreaks, so calm the body and mind with exercise, meditation or herbal supplements -- such as bromelain, valerian, lavender and comfrey-- with soothing properties. Get sufficient rest and sleep to help prevent recurrences.
References
- Centers of Disease Control and Prevention: Diseases Characterized by Genital, Anal, or Perianal Ulcers
- Herpes Cold Sores.Com: Chancroid Information and Pictures
- The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne: Clinical Practice Guidelines: Vulval Ulcers
- Home Remedy Central.com: Genital Herpes
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Goldenseal
- Prairie Dawn Herbs.com: Herbs for Ailments
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