What's that Bump Down There?
This is a very common reason a patient sees me, but I want women to know that all vulvar bumps are NOT sexually transmitted infections! So don’t freak out and learn about the different types of bumps that exist! Warning: included pictures may be graphic for some viewers, so please use caution while viewing! But remember, we are here to learn!
Folliculitis
Very common small, sometimes painful bumps/razor burns or due to ingrown hairs
▪️Change your razors frequently to avoid bacterial growth
▪️Always hydrate skin before shaving
▪️Exfoliate bikini line before you shave
▪️Avoid tight underwear
Sebaceous cysts
Small painless bump, usually white in color; seen right under the skin.
▪️Not an STI!
▪️Can be incised and the sebum collected under the skin can be extracted which is a white, cheesy material!
Bartholin’s Gland Cyst or Abscess
Lump near opening of vagina, can be painless or painful, hard to walk or sit
▪️Can be incised and drained +/- Word catheter
▪️+/- Antibiotics
▪️Marsupilization can be performed if recurrent
Genital Warts/Condyloma
Flesh-colored lesions, can look like a cauliflower. Sometimes confused for a skin tag.
▪️Caused by low-risk HPV, so is a STI.
▪️A variety of treatments are available.
▪️Can be prevented with the HPV vaccine!
Vulvar Cancer
Signs or symptoms including one or more of the following:
Itching, burning, pain or tenderness on the vulva that does not go away.
Changes in vulva skin color, where it is redder or whiter than normal for you.
Changes on the vulva skin, such as a rash, warts, sores, lumps or ulcers.
HPV infection and smoking increases your risk.
