Vaginal cysts form when a gland or even a duct becomes clogged, leading to a liquid or another material to collect inside. The cause of a vaginal cyst much depends on its type.
Inclusion bumps on labia are caused by trauma to the vaginal walls. For example, women may get an inclusion cyst after they have an episiotomy (a surgical cut used to enlarge the vaginal opening during childbirth) or when they have surgery that damages the lining of the vagina.
Bartholin’s gland cysts are brought about when the opening to Bartholin’s gland becomes blocked like by a flap of skin thus creating a fluid-filled growth. An abscess can be caused by a number of bacteria which includes those that lead to sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea. Bacteria normally found in the intestinal tract, like E. coli, can also cause Bartholin’s abscesses.
There are several causes for itchy bumps on vagina (or, to be exact, on vulva, mons pubis or external parts of vagina). The first thing that a woman thinks of is a sexually transmitted disease but, although that is a known fear, usually there is another explanation for the symptoms.
Itchy vaginal bumps are symptoms which are similar to those of STIs (sexually transmitted infections). This makes it challenging to determine the exact culprit. Women should see gynecologist for an accurate diagnosis of the bumps. But, if the vaginal bumps are not sexually transmitted, then some simple over-the-counter remedies can be able to cure or even alleviate several cases.
Several reasons might lie behind the lump on the vaginal area. Some lumps regress by themselves while others need a more complex treatment modalities. Here’s a brief overview:
What Causes Bumps on Labia?
- Cysts
Cysts are one of the common forms of bumps on labia. They usually develop as bumps on vulva or vaginal region because of the blocked skin glands. If they are large enough to lead to an intense discomfort, then the cysts might be incised and drained out by a doctor. Never try to squeeze the cyst by yourself as this can cause bacterial infection in the area. Two common types of vaginal cysts are:
- Skene’s duct cysts happen around the urethral opening and you can get rid of them by warm compression or even in complex cases seek the assistance of a doctor.
- Bartholin cysts might happen on either side of labia majora on vulva. These cysts are able to grow up to the size of a walnut and thus produce painful symptoms as well as their treatment is the same as indicated above.
- Blocked Hair Follicles
Also known as the folliculitis, this is very common in genital region of both men as well as the women and is able to occur inside the vulva of a female. They are an infection and need administration of antibiotics or even incision and also draining if they do not resolve by themselves.
- Clogged Sweet Glands
Clogged sweat glands can as well produce a pimple on the vaginal lip. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a painful condition that arises out of the clogged sweat glands and also leaves behind the hard scars. The condition is able to be treated using antibiotics and steroids.
- Genital Herpes
This is a viral STD which normally develops as a sore spot and then matures to a blister or group of blisters causing an open ulcer. The condition is normally accompanied with itchy, burning and also painful symptoms and can be treated using antiviral medications.
- Genital Warts
Infection by the human papilloma virus subtypes 6 and 11 can also lead to genital warts. This causes cauliflower-like, rough infectious bumps in genital areas. Specialized medications can be able to assist in treating the disease.
- Molluscum Contagious
This is a painless infection that produces fleshy, pearl colored bumps in vaginal area which normally regresses on their own.
- Skin Tags
These are the outgrowths of the skin which is able to happen anywhere on the body including the vaginal area. Areas of the body that are subjected to rubbing against another part of the body or even bound by tight clothing is likely to develop the tags. Wearing tight jeans for long period of term can render the soft vaginal skin susceptible.
It is crucial to get such bumps on labia assessed for infectious growth. Skin tags can be removed by laser surgery or even freezing in liquid nitrogen with the assistance of a doctor. Home remedies involves application of apple cider vinegar regularly twice a day until the tag falls off.
Why you get Pimple on Vag after Shaving
Pubic hair tends to be curlier than head hair, which can cause ingrown hairs. These pesky ingrown hairs can then lead to pimples. If a pimple appears to be getting redder, more tender, or warm, it might be a sign of infection, and you should consult a doctor or even a nurse practitioner.
To reduce the likelihood and also frequency of bumps on labia, avoid any dry shaving, use of the shaving gel or even the cream, and shave in direction that the hair grows rather than against it so as to prevent irritation.
Not every bump is a pimple. For instance, bumps that are red and tender, even at the base, can be herpes sores. These particular sores can be tender before they appear, painful once they do, and then disappear some few days later. They can then return from time to time, or even never again. Genital herpes is a viral infection, normally transmitted sexually.
If there is any concern, have the doctor or nurse check out the bumps.
Some women prefer smooth, clean look of shaving the vaginal areas. This practice is not new it dates back to ancient times. Shaving the pubic area is also necessary if you plan to wear a bikini. Since the skin in the area is sensitive, though, razor burn might also be a problem.
Bumps on skin are able to ruin the aesthetic effect of shaving. Fortunately, there are several ways you can do away with the razor bumps and thus maintain a smooth bikini line.
Step 1
Apply a shaving gel to the pubic area before you shave, instead of applying a shaving cream. Shaving cream is able to clog the skin’s pores, which might increase the likelihood of the bumps on labia.
Step 2
Inspect the razor to make sure that it is clean and also sharp. If in doubt, then discard the razor and get a fresh one.
Step 3
Shave in the direction of hair growth, rather than shaving “against the grain.” This can assist to keep the hair from being pushed back into skin, which leads to inflamed bumps.
Step 4
Reduce the shaving frequency. The more often that you shave the vaginal area, the more chances that the skin has to become irritated and also develop bumps.
Step 5
Apply a cortisone cream that has an aloe vera base to the vaginal area twice a day so as to soothe irritated skin and get rid of the bumps on labia.
Step 6
Wear loose-fitting underwear. Tight jeans and also the underwear rub against the vaginal area, thus irritating the surface of skin.
Warnings
- Keep shaving gel and the cortisone cream away from direct contact with vagina. These particular products are able to irritate the vaginal tissues.
Reasons for Small Painful Bump on Labia Minora
- A Bartholin’s cyst leads to a swelling of the labia on one side, which is near the entrance to the vagina. A cyst is normally not very painful, and also significant pain suggests that an abscess has developed. But, large cysts might be painful simply by virtue of size.
- A Bartholin’s abscess leads to a significant pain in addition to a swelling. The swollen area is very tender and the skin is reddened. Walking and also sitting might be quite painful. Women who have Bartholin’s abscesses do not have fever. Vaginal discharge can be present, especially if the infection is brought about by a sexually transmitted organism.
When to Seek Medical Care for a Bartholin’s Cyst
- See a doctor if the genital lump continues to enlarge or does not improve within some days of home treatment.
- If the bumps on labia or even a mass is painful, then this suggests that an abscess has developed. It requires to be drained.
- If other symptoms develop, which includes vaginal discharge, fever, or even vomiting, then call the doctor.
- With Bartholin’s cysts, the primary reason to seek emergency care is acute pain. Women who are having severe pain or who cannot sit comfortably should see the doctor as soon as possible. Although symptoms like high fever and abdominal pain normally are not brought about by Bartholin’s abscesses, seek emergency care if the symptoms develop.
Can you get Sebaceous Cyst on Labia Majora?
- Vulvar cysts are rare and usually fluid-filled lesions which form on the vulvar region (the area that is around the external vaginal opening) in women. A majority of the cysts are small and present no given symptoms, while some might grow larger leading to pain and discomfort
- Sebaceous Cyst of Vulva is a benign vulvar cyst which forms when the sebaceous glands that lubricate the skin and also the hair get obstructed because of various reasons. It might be also called the Epidermal Inclusion Cyst of Vagina
- The cysts might be solitary or several numbers and are usually painless. No significant signs and symptoms or even complications are usually noted. But, in some cases, Sebaceous Gland Cysts of Vulva can grow to larger sizes causing discomfort and pain
- Typically, no treatment is required for the condition, unless significant signs and symptoms are seen. If needed, conservative therapy through a good personal hygiene and also use of medicinal toiletries are recommended
- In general, the prognosis of the Sebaceous Gland Cysts of Vulva is perfect with appropriate treatment
Who gets Sebaceous Cysts of Vulva?
- Sebaceous Cysts of labia majora are mostly seen in women of a wide age range. They can as well be observed in young girls.
- There is no known geographical, ethnic, or even racial preference
What are the Risk Factors for Sebaceous Cysts of Vulva? (Predisposing Factors)
- No definitive risk factors have been known for Sebaceous Cysts of the labia majora
It is crucial to note that having a risk factor does not imply that an individual will get bumps on labia. A risk factor increases a person’s chance of getting a condition as compared to a person without the risk factors. Some of the risk factors are more crucial than others.
Also, not having a risk factor does not imply that a person will not get the condition. It is always crucial to discuss the effect of risk factors with a healthcare provider.
What are the Causes of Sebaceous Cysts of Vulva? (Etiology)
- Sebaceous Gland Cysts of labia majora happen because of the obstruction of oil glands or even the sebaceous glands making it to dilate and also get swollen
- It is crucial to note that Vulvar Sebaceous Cysts are not brought about by any sexually transmitted disease
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sebaceous Cysts of labia majora?
A majority of the bumps on labia are small-sized and also asymptomatic, presenting no signs and symptoms. In some other cases, the following signs and symptoms of the Sebaceous Cysts of labia majora might be noted:
- Presence of a fluid-filled cyst which appears as a tiny bump; in most of the cases, more than one cyst can be present
- The cysts can be of various sizes; most cysts are small (about a few mm), while some might grow larger
- Redness and also tenderness; normally no pain is felt
- Large sizes may lead to discomfort and also the pain
- Fluid drainage from the cyst having a foul, smelly discharge
- Pain or even discomfort while using a tampon and also during sex
- Discomfort while walking
- Sometimes, it may also lead to itching and painful urination
What are those Small White Bumps on Vag Lips
Possible Causes of White Bumps on Vaginal Area
- Cysts
There are specific locations along the genitals where the drainage ducts might be blocked, causing the formation of bumps on labia. Cysts are very much common and can happen anywhere on the body. Most of the cysts near the vulva are because of the blocked skin or sweat glands.
When this occurs, they might fill with debris, causing the follicle lining to be distended. This is a process that is similar to getting a white head pimple, but on genitals.
If the cyst is larger than half an inch, then a doctor will be able to incise it by use of a sterile instrument and then drain using sanitary precautions. Do not try to “squeeze” the cyst by yourself as the broken skin can provide an entry point for the bacteria which can cause an infection. Patients first try warm soaks at least three times daily then incision and finally drainage. With recurring cysts, then a procedure called marsupialization may be necessary.
- Clogged Sweat Glands
Fox Fordyce is a type of an itchy skin lesion that can lead to white bumps on labia. This is because of the skin debris clogging the apocrine glands. It is treated by phototherapy or a steroid cream.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is also a kind of clogged sweat gland that is frequently accompanied by a secondary bacterial infection. The condition might be painful but not very itchy. These nodules can leave the shiny scars where the skin has already darkened.
The condition will be treated using topical or oral antibiotics. In the case of draining large hardened nodules, surgical treatment can be necessary.
- Infections
Folliculitis is common among tender, raised or even irritated lesions. Skin bacteria such as strep and staph enter the hair follicle through any tiny break in the skin. The infection site can stay small, called folliculitis, or even grow to a furuncle. Carbuncles are usually larger or even deeper abscesses. Antibiotics or even the incision and drainage can also be used as treatment.
Some infections relating to white vaginal bumps are:
- Molluscum Contagiosum
It is because of a pox virus. The white bumps on the vaginal area brought about by molluscum contagiosum are round and small, frequently having a small indentation at the center. They will then regress over time without any proper treatment, but it is able to be removed by cryobiology or freezing.
- Human Papilloma Virus Infection
HPV subtype 6 or 11 may cause visible genital warts that are resembling cauliflower. They are rough and also raised, expanding in number and also the size, particularly when the immune system is stressed. They can then be treated using a cream so as to enhance the immune system, cryobiology or even freezing, and bi- or trichloroacetic acid.
- Herpes Simplex Virus Infection
It is usually linked to burning and also itching with possible raised bumps. It first appears similar to a bug bite before becoming a cut within the skin or even an open ulcer.
- Normal Skin Condition
Skin tags and also the remnants of the hymenal ring that are surrounding the vaginal opening might appear to be bumps on labia. Papillomatosis is also commonly mistaken for the warts, but is a normal vulva variation. These are more fingerlike as opposed to the raised bumps.
- Vulva Cancer
Although it is very rare, white bumps on the vaginal area can be an indication of cancer of the vulva. Additional symptoms include the pain or burning, thickening of the vulva skin, discharge or even bleeding not related to menstrual cycle and also open sores. Vulva cancer is curable with early detection.
- Other Medical Conditions
There are several other medical conditions that may cause bumps on labia:
- Acanthosis Nigricans
It generates velvety and also dark raised areas along the neckline, armpits and also the vulva. It is usually linked to insulin resistance.
- Angiokeratoma
It is made by small blood vessels. Dark purple to red spots are normally visible when the dilated capillaries group together. You might not notice the symptoms until the friction by capillaries cause bleeding. They are then treated through surgical removal.
How to Treat Bumps on Labia
In the case of bumps on labia brought about by infections, the health care provider can prescribe antibiotics, topical lotions or even creams.
Medical treatment can be necessary for the white bumps on vaginal area brought about by STD (sexually transmitted disease) related infections.
Further references;
- Vaginal Cysts: http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/vaginal-cysts-causes-symptoms-treatments#1
- http://m.kidshealth.org/en/teens/ingrowns.html
- How to Get Rid of Bumps on the Vaginal Area From Shaving: http://www.livestrong.com/article/90114-rid-bumps-vaginal-area-shaving/