[Wounds in the genital and oral region]

Wounds mean disruption of normal continuity of structures. Ulcers are excavations of the skin that reach at least to the depth of the dermis. More superficial defects are called erosions. Erosions and ulcerations are seen in a wide variety of conditions. Although many urogenital wounds have similar clinical appearances, their etiologies encompass many disorders. General categories of the causes of wounds are different types of trauma, viral, bacterial and fungal infections, neoplasms, autoimmune blistering diseases, immune and systemic diseases, and neoplasms. Many drugs are capable of causing erosions of the mucosal surfaces, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sulfonamides, penicillins, tetracyclines, antiepileptics and antimalarials. To determine the cause of erosions and ulcerations, it is essential to take careful history and perform full examination of the mucosal surfaces and skin. Swabs for bacterial and fungal culture are often necessary. Biopsies of lesional mucosal surfaces for light microscopy and perilesional mucosal surfaces for direct immunofluorescence are indicated if an autoimmune blistering disorder is suspected. Although orogenital region is an accessible site for examination, unfortunately, many health care providers are not aggressive in clinical examination. This, coupled with the fact that orogenital cancers are usually asymptomatic, often delays diagnosis.