Genital herpes (female)

It typically manifests as painful lesions on the vulva, vagina, cervix, perineum, or perianal region. Initial lesions usually appear as grouped vesicles on an erythematous base, which evolve into superficial ulcers and can cause intense pain, itching, dysuria, vaginal discharge, and painful inguinal lymphadenopathy. In primary infections, symptoms are usually more intense, with fever, malaise, and even systemic symptoms. In recurrences, manifestations tend to be milder and self-limiting. In the differential diagnosis, it is important to distinguish herpes from other conditions that can present with genital ulcers, such as syphilis, candidiasis, chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum, and contact dermatitis.