Vaginal Bumps & Lumps

If you’ve ever wondered if lumps, bumps, and the skin color of your vagina are normal, you’re not alone. Vaginal bumps and lumps are common, especially during your childbearing years or as you age.

However, if these vaginal bumps and lumps become itchy or infected, they may require attention.

Symptoms of Vaginal Bumps and Lumps

Vaginal bumps or lumps may appear as small, red, or flesh-colored and blisters. They may also change their appearance and become crusty or larger.

Some of these symptoms include:

• Itchiness.
• Pain at the site.
• Burning sensation.
• Flesh-colored or red filled with pus.

What causes vaginal bumps & lumps?

While many kinds of genital bumps are normal and not a cause for concern, some cases may require medical attention. They include;

• Contact dermatitis– Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema caused by skin contact with an allergen or an irritant. Common irritants and allergens contributing to vaginal pimples include harsh soaps, douches, scented sanitary pads, or condoms, laundry detergents, medicated lotions or gels, or urine
• Folliculitis – This is an inflammation or infection of hair follicles. A follicle is a small skin cavity from which hair grows, each hair on the body growing out of its own follicle. Folliculitis results from shaving, wearing tight clothes, ingrown hair, using hygiene products that block the follicles, or an infection that spreads to the follicles.
• Valvular cysts – the vulva is dotted with glands. If these glands get clogged, they may form valvular cysts. These cysts are hard, small bumps that are usually painless unless infected. Valvular cysts clear up by themselves in most cases.
• Vaginal cysts – vaginal cysts cause firm bumps in the vagina. They usually form after childbirth or a vaginal injury and aren’t painful or harmful in most cases.
• Molluscum contagiosum – Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection characterized by lesions that can occur anywhere on the body, including the vaginal area. The growths, called Mollusca, are usually small, raised, and white or flesh-colored. They can be pearly in appearance and have a dimple at the center.
• Genital herpes – genital herpes is a viral disease caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2. Symptoms include fever, genital pain, and itchy bumps on outer vagina lips, that turn into ulcers. These ulcers can clear up on their own, but there’s no known cure for herpes.
• Genital warts – genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which is a very common sexually transmitted infection. Symptoms include small skin-colored bumps on the vulva, closely spaced warts, and itching. Visible warts often go away on their own, or they can be removed by a doctor.
• Cancer of vulva and vagina – this is an extremely rare condition with symptoms that might include flat or raised bumps on the vaginal lips, skin that is lighter or darker than the surrounding area, thick patches of skin, itching, burning, sores that persist, and unusual bleeding or discharge.

Diagnosis of  Vaginal Bumps & Lumps

In many cases, vaginal bumps resolve once the irritant causing them has been eliminated or on their own.

However, if your bumps become painful, bleed, or start spreading, check with your doctor to pinpoint the cause and seek the correct treatment. In some cases, bumps can become infected and need to be drained by a medical professional.

In most cases, small bumps in the vulva or vagina are not a cause for concern. They could be caused by blocked sebaceous glands, contact with irritating chemicals, and clear up on their own. However, in some cases, the bumps may be itchy, painful, and persist for weeks.

You will require a physical examination to determine the cause of female genital sores.

Your doctor will perform a pelvic exam and ask you about your medical history. They may also order tests, such as blood work or a culture of the sore.

How is Vaginal Bumps and Lumps treated?

Vaginal lumps often don’t require treatment. If they do need medical care, treatment is determined by their cause.

Most vaginal bumps and lumps can be managed at home.

Here are some things you can do to help relieve your symptoms:

• If you have cysts, take warm baths several times a day for a few days. That may help the cysts drain.
• Avoid wearing clothing that rubs your vulva.
• Wear panties made of natural material like cotton. Natural materials are breathable and can help keep your genitals cool and dry.
• Medication: if the bumps persist and worsen over time, your doctor can give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor may recommend antibiotics in the event of infection or topical creams for contact dermatitis.

Prevention of vaginal bumps and lumps

The following tips may help prevent vaginal bumps and lumps:

1. Maintain good hygiene – wiping from front to back and regularly changing underwear, sanitary pads, and tampons can help minimize the presence of bacteria that can cause bumps and lumps.
2. Wear natural fabrics and loose clothes – wearing breathable fabrics and loose-fitting clothes promote good air circulation around your genitals. This prevents the moist, damp conditions that bacteria flourish in and prevents oil glands from becoming blocked.
3. Avoid harsh cleansing products – Harsh soaps, douches, or scented feminine hygiene products can interfere with your vagina’s pH balance and cause infection or irritation. Mild, unscented soap and warm water are enough to clean the vulva.
4. Practice safe sex by using condoms- They can help stop the spread of STIs such as Genital Herpes.
5. Avoid squeezing vaginal pimples – Squeezing or popping can cause further pain and irritation. The risk of spreading bacteria and causing infection increases, and they may grow in number and severity. Wait for it to rupture naturally or seek medical treatment.