Bumps on the vulva are common, though they often cause significant worry. The vulva is the external genital area, including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and the openings of the vagina and urethra. This sensitive area is rich in glands and hair follicles, making it subject to friction, moisture, and hormonal changes. Most vulvar bumps are benign, representing normal anatomical features or minor, temporary skin irritations. However, because some bumps signal a condition requiring medical attention, it is important to understand the possibilities without attempting self-diagnosis.
Normal Features That Can Mimic Bumps
Some bumps are natural parts of the vulvar anatomy often mistaken for temporary conditions. The skin of the labia minora contains numerous sebaceous glands that produce sebum, a natural oil. When these glands are visible without being associated with a hair follicle, they are called Fordyce spots. These spots appear as small, painless, whitish-yellow or flesh-colored papules, typically measuring one to three millimeters. Stretching the skin makes these enlarged oil glands more noticeable, but they are a harmless variation of normal anatomy. Hair follicle openings on the labia majora can also look like tiny, raised bumps, especially after shaving or when hair is growing back. These features are asymptomatic and require no treatment.
Common Non-Contagious Causes
Many vulvar bumps are transient, non-infectious issues related to localized skin irritation or blockage. Ingrown hairs (folliculitis) are frequent causes, resulting from hair removal methods like shaving or waxing. This occurs when a hair curls back and grows into the skin, causing a small, round, red, and often painful or itchy bump that may contain pus. These bumps typically resolve once the hair exits the skin, though a warm compress can sometimes speed up the process.
Contact dermatitis is another common cause, representing an inflammatory reaction to an irritant or allergen. This condition presents as an itchy, swollen, or rash-like area. Triggers often include fragranced soaps, detergents, lubricants, or condoms. Identifying and removing the irritating substance usually allows the skin to heal within a few days or weeks.
Benign cysts also frequently occur. Epidermal inclusion cysts are firm, keratin-filled lumps ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Bartholin’s cysts form when the ducts of the Bartholin glands, responsible for lubrication, become blocked near the vaginal opening. While often painless and small, if the fluid becomes infected, they can rapidly develop into a painful abscess requiring drainage. Skin tags are small, non-cancerous, soft, flesh-colored growths that develop in areas of skin folds and friction.
Contagious and Specific Skin Conditions
Bumps caused by infectious agents or chronic inflammatory disorders require a specific medical diagnosis for proper management and to prevent transmission. Genital warts, caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), are a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) appearing as flesh-colored or whitish growths. These lesions often have a rough, textured, or cauliflower-like surface and may appear individually or in clusters.
The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) causes genital herpes, which typically first appears as a cluster of small, painful, fluid-filled blisters. These blisters eventually rupture to form shallow, tender ulcers. Unlike most other bumps, the initial herpes outbreak is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms.
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection resulting in small, firm, pearl-like bumps, usually one to five millimeters in diameter. They are characterized by a distinctive central indentation or dimple. This condition spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact.
Chronic inflammatory conditions, such as lichen sclerosus or lichen planus, can also manifest as vulvar bumps or skin changes. Lichen sclerosus causes thin, white, crinkled patches of skin, often accompanied by intense itching and pain. These long-term conditions are not contagious but require ongoing medical management to control symptoms and reduce complication risks.
Guidance on Professional Evaluation
While most vulvar bumps are harmless, a medical consultation is necessary to rule out infectious or serious chronic conditions. Seek professional evaluation for any bump that is persistent (does not resolve within a week or two) or is growing rapidly in size. A visit is also recommended if the bump is accompanied by pain, severe itching, or tenderness.
Other red flags include a foul odor, abnormal vaginal discharge, or systemic signs like fever or unexplained fatigue. Bumps that are open sores, bleeding, or developing into deep, draining ulcers should also be examined promptly. Only a medical professional can perform the necessary physical examination, potentially including a biopsy or viral culture, to provide a definitive diagnosis and determine the appropriate course of action.