What causes a painful vaginal blister?

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Last updated: February 13, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Vaginal Blister Painful

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Genital Herpes: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the presence of a painful vaginal blister, which is a classic symptom of genital herpes, a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Bartholin's Cyst or Abscess: A painful blister or bump in the vaginal area could be a Bartholin's cyst or abscess, which occurs when the Bartholin's gland becomes blocked and infected.
    • Vaginal Cyst: A vaginal cyst can cause a painful blister-like sensation and is usually a benign growth that can be filled with fluid or semi-solid material.
    • Folliculitis: This is an inflammation of the hair follicles, which can cause painful blisters or bumps in the vaginal area, often due to bacterial or fungal infections.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Necrotizing Fasciitis: Although rare, this is a life-threatening condition that can cause severe pain, blisters, and necrosis of the skin and underlying tissues. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent mortality.
    • Toxic Shock Syndrome: This is a rare but potentially fatal condition that can cause symptoms including fever, rash, skin peeling, and blisters, often associated with bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Aphthous Ulcers: Also known as Lipschütz ulcers, these are rare, painful ulcers that can appear in the vaginal area, often associated with viral infections or other underlying conditions.
    • Behçet's Disease: This is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause a range of symptoms, including painful genital ulcers and blisters.
    • Fixed Drug Eruption: This is a rare condition where a medication causes a skin reaction, resulting in a painful blister or ulcer, which can occur in the vaginal area.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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