Finding unexpected small bumps on the inner labia can cause concern, but the vulva is a highly diverse area of the body. The labia minora, the inner folds of skin surrounding the vaginal and urethral openings, have a unique composition of glands and tissue. Many lumps in this region are simply normal, harmless anatomical structures, while others represent common, temporary skin conditions.
Normal Anatomical Structures
The inner labia contains several structures that can appear as small bumps without indicating any issue. Fordyce spots are a common finding, representing enlarged sebaceous glands not associated with a hair follicle. These spots typically manifest as asymptomatic, whitish-yellow or flesh-colored papules, measuring between one and three millimeters in diameter. They are considered a normal variation of the skin and occur in most adults.
Another common structure is the sebaceous cyst, which forms when an oil gland becomes clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. These cysts usually feel like small, round lumps beneath the skin and are often painless unless irritated. They are benign and frequently resolve without medical intervention. Vestibular papillomatosis presents as clusters of shiny, finger-like projections near the vaginal opening. These normal, non-contagious anatomical features are sometimes mistakenly identified as genital warts.
Bumps Due to Irritation and Inflammation
Temporary bumps often arise from external factors that trigger localized inflammation. Folliculitis is a frequent cause, occurring when hair follicles become inflamed, often due to physical irritation from shaving, waxing, or friction from tight clothing. The bumps appear as small, red papules or whiteheads centered around a hair, and they can sometimes be tender or contain pus.
A specific form of folliculitis is an ingrown hair, where the hair curls back and grows into the skin. This causes a raised, sometimes painful bump that may have a dark spot or line visible beneath the surface, which is the trapped hair shaft. Both folliculitis and ingrown hairs can become secondarily infected, most often by the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium.
Another common reactive cause is contact dermatitis, an inflammatory reaction to an irritating substance. Triggers include fragrances in soaps, laundry detergents, feminine hygiene sprays, or chemicals in menstrual products. The resulting bumps are typically accompanied by intense itching, redness, burning, or raw, cracked skin. Treatment involves identifying and completely avoiding the offending irritant to allow the skin barrier to heal.
Bumps Caused by Infection
Some bumps on the inner labia are caused by infectious pathogens and require a medical diagnosis. Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection resulting in discrete, firm, dome-shaped papules, usually ranging from one to five millimeters. A characteristic feature is a central dimple, known as umbilication; they may be flesh-colored, white, or pearly pink. The infection is caused by a poxvirus and is spread through skin-to-skin contact, often sexually in adults.
Genital warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Their appearance varies significantly, presenting as small, flat, skin-colored lesions, or as larger, rough growths. Multiple warts can cluster together, forming a mass with a distinct, cauliflower-like appearance. These bumps are distinct from benign anatomical structures and inflammatory bumps because they are contagious and may require clinical treatment.
When to Seek Medical Care
While many labial bumps are harmless or resolve quickly, certain signs warrant a medical evaluation. Seek care if a new bump is accompanied by severe pain, tenderness, or a continuous burning sensation that does not improve. Any bump that rapidly increases in size, spreads, or develops into an open, bleeding sore should also be checked promptly.
See a doctor if you notice unusual discharge, pus, or a foul odor. Bumps that do not clear up or improve after a few weeks, or those accompanied by systemic symptoms like a fever, suggest a deeper issue. A medical professional can accurately diagnose the cause and confirm whether the bump is a normal variant, a temporary reaction, or an infection requiring treatment.