Finding a lump or bump in the genital area often causes immediate concern. While any new growth can be unsettling, the vast majority of these findings are benign and related to normal skin anatomy or minor, temporary conditions. The external female genitalia, known as the vulva, is a complex area of skin, glands, and hair follicles, making it prone to various small changes. Understanding the potential causes clarifies when a medical evaluation is necessary.
Common and Benign Causes of Bumps
Many lumps arise from everyday activities and irritation, leading to localized inflammation that is not harmful. One of the most frequent causes is the development of ingrown hairs, or folliculitis, which occurs when a hair strand curls back and grows into the skin. This common issue is often triggered by hair removal practices like shaving, waxing, or plucking, and typically presents as small, red, sometimes pus-filled bumps that resemble acne.
Friction from tight clothing, especially during exercise, can also lead to minor skin irritation and the formation of small, temporary bumps. These frictional bumps are simply the skin’s reaction to constant rubbing or pressure. Razor bumps, a specific type of pseudofolliculitis, are common after hair removal and represent inflammation surrounding the hair follicle as it attempts to regrow.
Another common and entirely normal finding is the presence of Fordyce spots, which are enlarged sebaceous (oil) glands that appear as tiny, painless white or yellowish-white spots. These spots are not a sign of disease or infection and are simply a natural variation of skin structure in the inner labia and other mucous membranes.
Sebaceous cysts are also superficial, non-infectious lumps that result from a blocked hair follicle or oil gland, accumulating sebum and dead skin cells underneath the surface. These cysts often feel like a small, firm, moveable pebble beneath the skin and frequently resolve on their own.
Specific Cysts and Glandular Swellings
Some lumps originate from specialized glands within the vulva. The Bartholin’s glands are a pair of pea-sized glands located deep on either side of the vaginal opening, responsible for secreting lubricating mucus. A Bartholin’s cyst forms when the duct becomes blocked, causing the mucus to accumulate and the gland to swell.
These cysts are typically painless and may only be noticed if they grow large enough to cause pressure or vulvar asymmetry. If a Bartholin’s cyst becomes infected, it transforms into a Bartholin’s abscess, which is an area filled with pus. An abscess develops rapidly and is characterized by severe pain, tenderness, redness, and sometimes a fever, making walking or sitting difficult.
Other types of cysts include vaginal inclusion cysts, which are usually small, firm, and located on the vaginal wall. These often form after childbirth or injury to the vaginal tissue.
While most cysts are benign and may not require treatment, sebaceous or inclusion cysts that grow larger may require minor drainage if they become bothersome or inflamed.
Lumps Related to Infections and Skin Growths
Certain lumps arise from infectious agents or represent established growths requiring professional identification. Genital warts are a common, non-painful growth caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). They typically present as small, soft, flesh-colored bumps that can be flat or raised, appearing singularly or in clusters. These growths are transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact.
Another viral infection, molluscum contagiosum, causes small, firm papules characterized by a pearly appearance and a central dimple, known as an umbilication. These bumps are usually painless and spread through direct skin contact.
In contrast, lesions caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) begin as a cluster of small, painful, fluid-filled blisters. These eventually break open to form open sores or ulcers.
Non-infectious growths, such as skin tags or pre-existing moles, can also be found in the genital area, often appearing in areas of friction. Skin tags are harmless flaps of extra skin that can be easily removed if they cause irritation. Any mole that changes in size, color, or texture, or develops an irregular border, should be evaluated.
Identifying Warning Signs and Seeking Medical Advice
While most vulvar lumps are benign, certain characteristics should prompt consultation with a healthcare provider for a professional diagnosis. A lump warrants attention if it exhibits rapid growth, changes in color or texture, or feels unusually hard or fixed beneath the skin. Any sore or ulcer that does not heal within a few weeks should also be examined.
Warning Signs
Pain that becomes severe, unexplained bleeding not related to the menstrual cycle, or a persistent, localized itch that does not improve with standard treatments are important red flags. Experiencing a fever alongside a painful, swollen lump suggests an abscess or a deeper infection and necessitates prompt medical care. The medical evaluation involves a physical examination of the vulva and surrounding area. Early consultation ensures timely intervention for conditions that require treatment.