Female Body Concerns / Question
Published: May 6, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Hi. I was wondering if you would happen to know what my problem COULD be. I have a zit-like things on my labia majora.HOWEVER, they do not hurt, itch, nor are they bothersome in any respect besides making me concerned of what they are. I normally shave down there (by the way I'm a female if you did not know that already) and generally I do have sensitive skin all together, but I still don't find it to be so much of a shaving rash. I have tried to research what this may be by myself, however all of the things that I have found to be close to it are irritating or sore for the person. My bumps do not feel like nything but just a bump. Do you have any idea what this may be? And what can I do to treat it?
Signed: Bump On Labia Majora
Dear Bump On Labia Majora,
For those of you not familiar with the female anatomy, the labia majora are the external folds of skin surrounding the urinary and vaginal openings. Your rash or bump could be a common dermatitis or skin irritation from tight clothing or the type of soap you might be using. Many bumps that occur in the labia majora are known as sebaceous cysts. They result when oily material blocks a sebaceous duct or gland in the skin. Sebaceous cyst are benign and usually ignored unless they become infected or painful. These cysts may disappear spontaneously or remain in place without causing any problems.
Other causes of bumps in the genital area are human papilloma virus which cause genital warts and other infections that may be sexually transmitted.
All this said, the only way for sure to know what the bumps are, and get any treatment, is to be examined by a doctor. Seeing a doctor will give you a definitive diagnosis and help relieve your anxiety. Once your doctor has identified the problem, he/she can prescribe a course of treatment if necessary. You should also get in the habit of having regular checkups with your physician. Adolescence is a time of tremendous change and good medical care should be part of it.
If you would like to meet with a doctor from the Adolescent/Young Adult Center For Health in Morristown, New Jersey, you can call 973.971.6475 for an appointment. Outside of New Jersey, please call your local Planned Parenthood.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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