It is common to discover bumps on the vulva, the external female genitalia. While finding any new growth can be unsettling, many vulvar bumps are harmless and result from normal anatomical variations or benign skin conditions. This article provides factual information about common causes of vulvar bumps, distinguishing between typical occurrences and those that may warrant medical attention.
Understanding Vulvar Anatomy and Normal Variations
The vulva is the collective term for the external female reproductive organs. It includes structures such as the labia majora (outer lips), labia minora (inner lips), clitoris, and the vaginal opening. The labia majora are fleshy folds of skin that protect inner structures and contain sweat and oil-secreting glands, along with hair after puberty. The labia minora are hairless folds inside the labia majora, protecting the urethral and vaginal openings. The clitoris is covered by a fold of skin called the clitoral hood.
The appearance of the vulva varies significantly among individuals in terms of size, shape, and color. Some features might be perceived as “bumps” but are actually normal anatomical variations. Fordyce spots, for instance, are small, raised yellowish or white papules that represent enlarged sebaceous (oil) glands without hair follicles. These are common and typically asymptomatic. Prominent sebaceous glands, which can appear yellowish and slightly under the skin, are also normal findings.
Common Benign Bumps
Many bumps found on the vulva are benign and often resolve without specific medical intervention. Ingrown hairs are a frequent occurrence, developing when a hair curls back into the skin or grows sideways into the follicle instead of growing outward. They typically appear as small, red, sometimes painful bumps that may contain pus, often arising after shaving, waxing, or other hair removal methods. Folliculitis, an inflammation of hair follicles, can also present as small, red bumps or pus-filled pimples around hair follicles on the vulva. This condition is often caused by friction from tight clothing, shaving, or bacterial infections.
The vulva, like other skin areas, has oil glands and can develop pimples or zits. These typically appear as red, tender bumps, sometimes with a whitehead, and form when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Skin tags are small, soft, flesh-colored or slightly darker growths that can appear in areas where skin rubs together, including the labia. They are generally harmless and painless, often appearing attached to the skin by a small stalk.
Sebaceous cysts are another type of benign bump that can form on the vulva. These are non-cancerous sacs that develop under the skin when a sebaceous gland, which produces skin oil, becomes blocked. They often appear as smooth, firm lumps, varying in size, and usually do not cause pain unless they become inflamed or infected. These common benign conditions usually do not pose a health risk.
Bumps Linked to Infections and Other Conditions
Some vulvar bumps indicate underlying infections or other medical conditions that require professional diagnosis and treatment. Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear as flesh-colored, raised or flat, single or clustered bumps, sometimes resembling a cauliflower. These warts are usually painless but can cause itching or discomfort.
Genital herpes is another viral STI characterized by painful blisters that eventually rupture, forming open sores. These outbreaks are often preceded by tingling or itching and can recur periodically. Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that causes small, firm, pearly or flesh-colored bumps with a characteristic dimple in the center. These bumps can be spread through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact.
Allergic reactions or contact dermatitis can also manifest as bumps or rashes on the vulva. This occurs when the skin comes into contact with irritants or allergens, such as certain soaps, detergents, lubricants, or even synthetic fabrics. Symptoms often include redness, intense itching, and sometimes small, raised bumps or blisters. In some cases, larger, more painful cysts, like Bartholin’s cysts or abscesses, can develop near the vaginal opening if the Bartholin’s glands become blocked and infected. Other skin conditions or precancerous lesions can also cause vulvar bumps.
When to Seek Medical Guidance
While many vulvar bumps are harmless, certain signs and symptoms indicate that medical evaluation is necessary. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if a bump is painful, causes itching, bleeds, or changes rapidly in size, shape, or appearance. Any new bump accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, or a general feeling of unwellness warrants prompt medical attention.
Additional reasons to seek medical guidance include bumps associated with unusual vaginal discharge or a strong odor, which could suggest an infection. If multiple new bumps appear suddenly, or if a bump does not resolve within a few weeks, a healthcare provider should be consulted. Any bump causing significant concern, discomfort, or interfering with daily activities should also be evaluated. A healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the cause of the bump through examination and, if necessary, additional tests, then recommend appropriate treatment options.
General Vulvar Care and Prevention
Maintaining good general vulvar hygiene can support overall vulvar health and potentially prevent some types of bumps. Gentle washing with plain water is often sufficient for daily cleaning. If using a cleanser, choose a mild, unperfumed product specifically designed for sensitive skin. Avoiding harsh soaps, douches, and perfumed products, including scented wipes, sprays, and bubble baths, is important as these can irritate the delicate vulvar skin and disrupt its natural balance.
Wearing breathable underwear, preferably made of cotton, helps to keep the vulvar area dry and reduces moisture buildup, which can contribute to irritation and infections. Avoiding overly tight clothing, such as restrictive jeans or leggings, also promotes air circulation and reduces friction. For individuals who shave or wax the vulvar area, proper techniques can minimize the risk of ingrown hairs and folliculitis. This includes using a sharp, clean razor, shaving in the direction of hair growth, and moisturizing the skin afterwards. Practicing safe sex, including consistent and correct condom use, significantly reduces the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections that can cause vulvar bumps.