If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.
Overview
Lichen sclerosus is common.
Biopsy may be needed.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayNot usually urgent.
See a doctor soonLasting changes.
Causes
Causes include skin conditions, infections, and cancer.
OwieClear has pages on 2 conditions that can cause sore, lump, dark spot, or itch on the vulva that won't go away. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Extramammary Paget diseaseSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
A rare, slow-growing skin cancer of the vulva, scrotum, groin, or around the anus.
- Vulvar precancer, cancer, or melanoma (needs checking)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
A lasting itch, sore, lump, white or red patch, or dark spot on the vulva can rarely be precancer, cancer, or melanoma.
What you can do at home
- Avoid irritants.
Medicines
Depends on cause.
At the doctor
Biopsy.
Questions you may be asked
- Duration
The exam
A pelvic exam.
Tests
- Biopsy
Prevention
Get checked.
- Regular exams
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.