Bumps on Vagina, Vaginal Lips, Hard, Small, Itchy, Red, White, Pictures, Causes, Treatment & Home Remedies

Various infections or health conditions may trigger bumps on vagina, vulva or vaginal lips (labia minora or labia majora). They can also appear inside the vagina, near or around the vaginal area, especially after shaving. Usually, the bumps are white or red in color. They might be hard or soft, large or small, painful or painless, itchy or not itchy. This page presents facts, pictures, causes, signs, and symptoms of female genital bumps. Furthermore, it highlights how you can get rid of and prevent them with medical treatments and home remedies.

What is a Bump on Vagina?

A bump or lump on vagina is a growth or mass of tissue that appears on the female private parts. Bumps on vagina may be located on the vulva, inner or outer vaginal lip, around the vagina or inside the vagina. They form due to various causes.

You might have just a single bump or a group of bumps. It may exhibit various signs and symptoms, depending on the causes. They usually take the color of the skin but can have other colors, especially red or white.

Female genital bumps may be hard or soft, big, small or tiny, protruding or hidden under the vaginal skin. Also, it might be painful and hurting, tender (painful when touched) or completely painless.

The bumps may be composed of sores or blisters on vagina, in which case they are usually filled with pus or blood and sometimes oozing. However, a lump that is deeply seated on the vagina may not affect the skin but will be felt under the vaginal skin when touched.

Signs & Symptoms of Bump on Vagina

Several signs and symptoms may accompany a bump on vagina depending on what causes the bump. However, the common general signs and symptoms of bumps on vagina include:

• pain or tenderness in the vagina
• hard or soft mass of tissue on the vagina
• hard or soft mass of tissue under the vaginal skin
• pus-filled or oozing raised lesions on vagina
• mass of tissue inside the vagina or on the vaginal walls

Causes of Bumps on Vagina

There are several health conditions that may lead to bumps on your vagina. Here, we highlight the common causes of bumps on your vagina or vaginal lips:

1. Acne (Pimples)

Bumps on vagina may be as a result of acne. This is a common skin condition that occurs when pores become clogged due to various factors. There are different forms of acne that may appear on your vagina.

Mild forms of acne include pimples or zits, which may occur as papules or pustules on the skin. Mild acne may also appear as blackheads or whiteheads, which are together referred to as comedones.

Severe acne is mainly characterized by nodules and cysts. They constitute nodular acne or cysts, cystic acne respectively. Typically, severe acne shows up along with the mild forms of acne and makes the skin oily and bumpy.

The usual causes of acne or pimples on or around the vagina include the following:

• Hormonal imbalance: This may occur due to body changes at different stages of growth. However, hormonal changes often occur during pregnancy or menstruation in women or as a result of stress. It may cause excessive body secretions that may aid the development of acne or pimples.
• Hereditary Factors: In case pimples on vagina tend to run in the family, it is likely that they are as a result of inheritance.
• Poor Hygiene: This may result in accumulation of skin oils, sebum, dead skin, and bacteria on the vagina. Such conditions are likely to encourage clogging of hair follicles and hence pimples.
• Other causes: Factors such as poor diet, allergies, severe stress and some medications may encourage acne and pimples on vagina.

2. Vaginal Boil (Abscess)

A boil is an abscess that forms on the skin (sebaceous abscess), usually as a result of Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. A vaginal boil is a pus-filled, inflamed bump that forms on the vagina, the vulva or labia.

Vaginal boils develop when a hair follicle is irritated and the bacteria enters it causing an infection in the follicle.

According to Web MD, “The boil may start as a small, red bump and develop over the course of a few days into a swollen, painful spot with a white or yellow pus-filled tip”.

In most cases, boils will go away naturally after few days or weeks. However, you can use home remedies to ease the symptoms and speed up the healing process.

• Apply a warm compress to increase blood circulation
• Wear loose clothes to reduce friction on the boil
• Use an ointment to reduce friction
• Take over-the-counter painkillers to relieve pain as the boil heals

Note: Do not pick a vaginal boil.

3. Razor Bumps

Bumps on your vagina after shaving are most likely razor bumps. These are lesions that develop on the skin as a result of irritation that occurs during shaving. They are characterized by usually itchy, painful white nodules or blisters with pus. Sometimes, keloidal scars also show up alongside the other lesions.

Razor bumps on vagina are usually caused by poor shaving practices and techniques. These include failure to observe hygiene or using blunt shavers that tug and pull the hair while shaving. In addition, cutting the hair beneath the skin or pulling the shaver at the skin will encourage the bumps.

4. Ingrown Hair Bumps

As the name suggests, ingrown hair bumps develop as a result of an ingrown hair on your vagina. Mostly, this happens after hair removal by shaving or waxing. It can also happen in case you pluck a hair around your vaginal area.

An ingrown hair bump typically forms around the affected hair. The bump may then get filled with pus and become very painful. Usually, the skin around the hair first turns red and later black as the bump hardens up.

Ingrown hairs are a common cause of bumps on vagina. Normally, they will clear on their own after some time, depending on their severity. However, you can speed up the healing process by means of home remedies.

4. Vaginal Cysts

Bumps on the vaginal lips or inside the wall of the vagina may be as a result virginal or vulvar cysts. These are closed sacs that contain a fluid or pus, which result from various factors.  The most common types of cysts on vagina are inclusion vaginal cysts, Gartner’s duct cysts, and Bartholin’s cysts.

(a) Inclusion vaginal cyst:

This is a cyst that shows up on the vulva or labia as a result of an injury during birth or during vaginal surgery. The affected tissue on the vagina collects fluids that became enclosed in a sac-like structure on the vulva (outer vaginal parts) or inside the vaginal walls.

(b) Gartner’s cyst:

This cyst develops on the walls of the vagina, especially after birth. It forms when fluid that collects in a garners duct fails to vanish. A Gartner’s duct forms naturally during pregnancy and is expected to disappear on its own after birth.

(c) Bartholin cyst:

This is a cyst is that forms when a flap of skin develops over the Bartholin’s gland. As a result, fluids are trapped in the gland leading to the formation of a cyst. Usually, a biathlon cyst is painless. However, it can get infected and form a painful abscess. Biathlon cysts mostly form on the outer vaginal lip (labia minora). However, it can still appear on outer vaginal lips (labia minora).

Doctors treat cysts by means of a minor surgery and or by drainage of its fluid. In case of infection, doctors may administer topical or oral medications to treat it.

5. Yeast Infection Bumps

Bumps on vagina may also arise due to vaginal yeast infection as yeast infection bumps or pimples. This infection fungal infection is also known as vaginal candidiasis. It shows up when there is an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans.

Besides the bumps, the typical symptoms of vaginal yeast infection vaginal irritation, vaginal discharge. In addition, your vagina may become inflamed, red and sore and severely itchy, especially on the vulva (vaginal opening). Likewise, you may experience a painful sexual intercourse and a painful or burning sensation during urination.

Your doctor will diagnose yeast infection by culture or observation of a sample discharge under a microscope. You can treat it using over-the-counter medications. Alternatively, use antiseptic home remedies such as yogurt, coconut oil, boric acid, oil of oregano and tea tree oil.

6. Genital Warts (HPV Bumps)

Genital warts form as a result of a viral infection caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). It is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD). It affects both genders and can also occur in the anal region.

Typically, genital warts appear as growths or usually painless bumps that are flesh-colored or gray. They may be accompanied by itching, and discharge, burning and rarely, bleeding.

In women, the bumps appear on the vulva and vaginal lips (labia majora or minora). They may also appear inside the vagina or on the cervix.

Doctors use topical prescriptions to treat genital herpes. Common ones include podophyllin, podofilox (Condylox), imiquimod (Aldara), and trichloroacetic acid (TCA). In case genital warts do not heal, doctors remove them using surgical therapies such as:

• Excision, or cutting off the warts
• Electrocautery, or burning off the warts
• Cryosurgery, or freezing off the warts
• Laser therapy
• Interferon injections

If not well managed, genital warts can lead to serious complications. HPV that causes genital warts is also the main cause of cancer of the cervix. Besides, it can also lead to cancer of the vulva.

7. Genital herpes (HSV Blister)

Genital herpes is a viral infection that is caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can affect both men and women and is usually transmitted sexually.

The typical symptoms of vaginal genital herpes include painful red bumps or blisters, which may ooze. In women, the lesions form on the vagina, vulva, vaginal lips or the surrounding area.

Like any other viral infections, there is no cure for genital herpes. However, antiviral medications can be used to manage the symptoms. Avoid unprotected sexual intercourse to avoid contracting or spreading genital herpes.

8. Fordyce Spots

The term Fordyce spots refer to small raised spots or bumps. Usually, they are pale red, bright red, yellow-white, purple or skin-colored.

They are formed when blood vessels dilate abnormally and are covered by thickened skin. Although they are usually painless and not itchy, they may bleed during or after sexual intercourse.

Fordyce spots can affect genitals of both men and women. In females, they tend to appear on the labia (minora or majora). Additionally, Fordyce spots on lips can affect both men and women.

Basically, Fordyce spots do not usually need any treatment as they are harmless. However, if necessary, doctors treat and remove them using pulsed dye lasers, electro desiccation (CO2 laser), and micro-punch technique.

9. Skin Tags

Skin tags are flappy, fleshy loose growths that hang off the skin by a stalk-like stem of flesh. They can grow anywhere on the skin but are common on the neck, eyelids, nipples, groin, penis, vagina and anus.

The actual cause of vaginal skin tags is not known. However, dermatologist thing that the cause could be friction or rubbing, hormonal imbalance, old age, diabetes type 2 and hereditary factors.

Generally, skin tags are harmless growth and you don’t have to treat them. However, you can remove or treat them if you find them unsightly. Similarly, get rid of them if they cause annoyance such as causing pain when accidentally nudged.

The common methods of removing skin tags include:

• Excision, or (cutting off the skin tags)
• Electrocautery (burning off the skin tags)
• Cryosurgery (freezing off the skin tags)
• Laser therapy

10. Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen Sclerosus is a rare skin condition which mostly affects women after reaching menopause. It appears on the vulva, labia and around the anus as bumps or blisters. The common symptoms include:

• Blisters which may be blood-filled
• White spots that later change to wrinkled thin skin patches
• A fragile thin and shiny skin
• Bruising and bleeding easily
• Pain during sexual intercourse or urination

There are no clear causes of lichen sclerosus. However, an overactive immune system or a hormonal imbalance may play some role in development.

Doctors treat Lichen sclerosus topically using corticosteroid cream or ointment. It may recur after treatment. If you have this condition, you may be at a slightly higher risk of getting vulvar cancer.

11. Varicosities

Varicose vein refers to a condition whereby veins become abnormally thickened, twisted, dilated or enlarged. They are generally hereditary and can develop anywhere on the body. However, they tend to occur more on legs.

In women, they are common during pregnancy and affect about 10% of pregnant women. They show up around the vagina, vulva and vaginal lips (labia minora and majora).  They appear as bluish raised or round bumps that feel heavy and may become itchy, or bleed.

Usually, varicose veins will naturally disappear about 6 weeks after giving birth. However, they may recur in subsequent pregnancies. Usually, you do not need to treat varicosities. However, a healthcare specialist in vein surgery can remove them surgically, if need be, especially for non-pregnant women.

12. Vaginal Cancer (Vulvar Cancer)

Although rare, bumps on vagina, vulva or labia may develop as a result of cancer of the vulva. Rarer still, it can be due to cancer of the vagina. Below are the typical symptoms of vaginal or vulvar precancerous and cancerous conditions:

• Flat or raised bumps on the vulva or vaginal lips (labia minora or labia majora)
• Sores which do not easily heal (they persist beyond  a few weeks)
• Appearance of thickened and typically discolored (lighter or darker) spots or patches.
• Experiencing pain, itching or a burning sensation inside or around the vagina or vaginal lips
• Unusual discharge or bleeding (other than the normal ones such as periods)

Doctors diagnose vaginal and vulvar cancer using biopsy. Typical treatments include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, excision surgery, laser surgery, and radiation therapy. Usually, the stage and severity of cancer determine which method.

In case you suspect cancer, visit your doctor immediately. Unlike later stages, earlier stages of cancer are easier and inexpensive to treat. It may not be possible to effectively treat very late stages of cancer and they may be fatal.

13. STD Bumps

Other typical STDs that may cause bumps on vagina include:

• Gonorrhea Bumps: Gonorrhea is an STD caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
• Syphilis Bumps: Syphilis is an STD caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum.
• Chlamydia Bumps: Chlamydia is an STD caused by a bacterium known as Chlamydia trachomatis.

Small Bumps on Vagina

Typical conditions that cause small bumps on vagina include Fordyce spots (tiny bumps), pimples, genital herpes and genital warts.

Large Bumps on Vagina

The typical conditions that give rise to huge or big bumps on vagina include boils, and cysts – especially Biathlon’s cyst,

Red Bumps on Vagina

Common conditions that may cause red or reddish bumps on vagina include an inflamed pimple, ingrown hair bumps, inflamed razor bumps and yeast infection. Other possible conditions include genital warts, genital herpes, Fordyce spots, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia bumps.

White Bumps on Vagina

White or whitish bumps on vagina may be an indication of pimples, razor bumps, ingrown hair bumps. Other possible conditions include genital warts and vulvar or vaginal cancer bumps.

Itchy Bumps on Vagina

Typical conditions that may lead to itchy bumps on vagina include razor bumps and yeast infection bumps. Other conditions include genital warts, varicose veins, and vaginal or vulvar cancer bumps.

Hard Bumps on Vagina

Typical conditions that result in hard bumps on vagina are razor bumps and ingrown hair bumps.

How to Get Rid of Bumps on Vagina

Various approaches are used to get rid of bumps on vagina. Depending on the cause, certain home remedies and medical treatments may be administered.

Usually, when it is not clear, doctors first carry out a diagnosis to definitively determine the cause before administering the treatment. Typically, diagnosis of vaginal bumps entails physical examination and laboratory tests of a specimen obtained from the bumps.

Home Remedies for Bumps on Vagina

Home remedies are practical in treating only vaginal bumps due to mild conditions. These include ordinary pimples, boils, ingrown hair bumps, razor bumps or Fordyce spots.

However, you may use them on any bumps to relieve symptoms such as pain and itching as you prepare to visit your doctor. Ensure that the remedy you choose does not irritate the sensitive skin on or around the vagina.

• Ice: Hold an ice cube on the bumps for a couple of minutes daily to dry it out and heal it fast.
• Aspirin: Apply aspirin paste and wash it out after 30 minutes. Repeat this procedure daily
• Honey: Dab honey directly on the bumps for about 15 minutes before washing it out daily.
• Tea tree oil: Apply tea tree oil on the bumps with your finger and leave it for about 15 minutes daily.
• Garlic: Rub the garlic on the bumps and leave it for about 5 minutes before washing it out daily.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Dilute some apple cider vinegar and apply it on the bumps. Leave it overnight.
• Aloe Vera gel: Apply the Aloe Vera Gel to the bumps for 15 minutes and wash it out daily
• Olive oil: Apply olive oil on the bumps before going to bed and leave it overnight to heal it.

Medical Treatment of Bumps on Vagina

Doctors use various medications medical procedures to treat bumps on vagina depending on the actual cause. Most of the medical treatments are highlighted under each cause above in brief. Nevertheless, your doctor will be able to find an appropriate solution for your case.

How to Prevent Bumps on Vagina

Some of the measures that may help prevent bumps on your vagina, vulva or vaginal lips include the following:

• Observe vaginal hygiene: Keep your genital area clean always. Take a shower regularly and consistently with a toilet soap with antiseptic properties to keep bacteria and other pathogens at bay.
• Avoid sexual Intercourse with many partners, especially without protection. The best option is to have one trustworthy partner.
• Avoid irritating the vaginal area: Avoid underclothes that have a rough texture or anything that might scratch your genitals. Also, avoid scratching yourself, especially with hands that are not clean.
• Avoid allergic products: Avoid using cosmetic products that cause allergic reactions to your skin. Opt for other alternative products that are friendly to your skin.
• Manage stress to avoid hormonal imbalance.
• Eat a balanced diet with less fats and more fruits.

When See a Doctor

You may want to seek medical attention in case the bumps on your vagina are hurting and do not show any improvement. See your doctor in case of the following:

1. The bumps on your vagina are causing severe itching, pain or burning sensation.
2. The bumps won’t heal within two weeks, even after trying home remedies.
3. You suspect the bumps are infected, even if it is a mild condition such as an ingrown hair.
4. You suspect that the bumps are not a mild condition such as a pimple, a boil, ingrown hair bumps, razor bumps or Fordyce spots.

Sources and References

[showhide type=”links” more_text=”Show Sources and References” less_text=”Hide Sources and References”]

1. Guide to Vaginal Lumps and Bumps: http://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/vaginal-lumps-bumps#causes3
2. Vaginal Bumps: https://www.stdtestexpress.com/vaginal-bumps/
3. Vaginal Cyst: http://www.healthline.com/health/vaginal-cysts#overview1
4. Genital herpes: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-herpes/Pages/Introduction.aspx
5. Genital Warts (HPV Infection): http://www.emedicinehealth.com/genital_warts/article_em.htm
6. Treating and Preventing Ingrown Pubic Hair: http://www.healthline.com/health/treating-preventing-ingrown-vaginal-hair#overview1
7. Fordyce Spots: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatments: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/256918.php
8. Varicose Veins: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/varicose_veins/article_em.htm [/showhide]