White spots on the labia can appear for various reasons, and their origin is not always associated with the course of a pathological process.
To understand why spots appear, you need to consult a doctor, especially if they cause concern.
Whether white spots should be treated or not will be decided by the doctor after he finds out the cause of their origin.
In the absence of pathology development, dynamic monitoring of the process may be required.
White dots: causes of appearance and location of localization
The labia are abundantly supplied with hair follicles and glandular cells.
Sex hormones actively influence the activity of the glands.
The appearance of white spots on the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals can be caused by:
- blockage of glandular ducts;
- development of the infectious process;
- cystic formations in the ducts of the glands. The resulting wen (lipomas) in the absence of an inflammatory process in them are considered harmless. They are a benign form. Lipoma on the labia is painless and mobile. There are: fibrolipoma, angiolipoma and liposarcoma. Lymphosarcoma is a malignant form and tends to metastasize. The presence of cysts may indicate a weak immune system;
- infection of the hair follicles (folliculitis).
- White spots that form under the skin or in the thickness of the labia majora require mandatory consultation with a specialist. They can be caused by an infectious process or hormonal changes;
- when the formations are localized inside the labia on one side, it may mean inflammation of the Bartholin gland or be a sign of the formation of a boil;
- degeneration of tissues into a malignant form;
- changes in hormonal balance.
If white dots appear on the labia minora or majora and they cause concern, then we may be talking about a pathological process.
In this case, you will need to undergo additional research and consult specialists.
Bartholinitis
Bartholinitis is understood as a disease that manifests itself as a thickening under the labia closer to the vagina. The formation can be the size of a pea, but if left untreated it reaches the size of a chicken egg. Diagnosed visually during a gynecological examination. The main cause is a blockage of the Bartholin glands located near the back of the labia majora.
This happens due to the fact that microorganisms enter the ducts, and a favorable environment contributes to their rapid growth. A ball-shaped seal on the lips is felt 5 days after the start of the process and is accompanied by tingling and burning. Timely treatment takes place without complications, but if you do not pay attention to this, the disease will lead to the appearance of a cyst.
Factors contributing to bartholinitis:
- weakened immune system;
- diseases of the genitourinary system;
- diabetes;
- poor nutrition;
- antibiotics.
Bartholinitis is also caused by sexually transmitted infections. Purulent bartholinitis is especially severe. Gonorrhea disease mostly manifests itself in women after 2-3 days of the latent period with a feeling of tickling, itching in the genitals, which turns into pain when walking.
After another 2-3 days, the disease spreads to the cervix and descends to the area of the Bartholin glands. The tissue around the Bartholin glands turns red, gland abscesses form, turning into thickenings. A small ball quickly develops into a tumor. Gonorrheal infection affects the entire intimate area, the cervix, leading to endometritis and sepsis.
There is only one way to prevent gonorrheal bartholinitis – the absence of promiscuity. The infection is not only transmitted through sexual contact; infection occurs through beds, shared towels, and is transmitted to children.
If you feel a lump on your outer lips, accompanied by itching and a rise in temperature, you should immediately go to the hospital.
White dots: what types of pathology can we talk about?
The list of diseases that cause rashes in the genital area is quite diverse.
Regardless of whether there are additional symptoms, you should see a gynecologist.
After examining and taking smears, the doctor will be able to determine what caused the rash.
- If white pimples appear on the skin, then most likely their formation is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. In this case, therapy will be carried out with drugs whose action is aimed at suppressing the pathogen.
- In the case of a viral infection, treatment tactics will depend on the type of pathogen that has infected the genitals. It is possible that therapy will be aimed at removing formations using systemic drugs.
- In the presence of malignant forms, chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy are performed.
Allergic reaction
The appearance of small white dots in the genital area, including the labia, is often a sign of an allergy.
The rash can be single or multiple, the elements can merge with each other.
The patient complains of irritation and itching of the affected area.
When examining the skin and mucous membranes, hyperemia of the affected area is noted.
An allergic reaction can be triggered by:
- depilation of the intimate area using creams and other products necessary for the procedure;
- use of tampons and pads;
- wearing underwear made of synthetic fabrics;
- intimate hygiene products;
- local use of drugs;
- excessive hygiene of the genital area;
- using a latex condom;
- sexual partner's sperm.
Papillomas
When the body is infected with papillomavirus (HPV), neoplasms (condylomas) may appear on the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals.
Favorite places for the formation of white spots: the mucous membrane of the labia minora and majora and under them - in the perineum, the mucous membrane of the vagina, cervix and urethra.
The disease is transmitted by contact.
Symptoms of human papillomavirus infection:
- the presence of burning and itching in the area of the growth;
- pain during sexual intercourse;
- swelling and hyperemia of the affected tissue;
- if condylomas are localized in the urethra, then discomfort occurs when urinating;
- the growths are colored from white to pink;
- possible enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes;
- if the growths bleed, then there is a high probability of degeneration into a malignant form.
The development of HPV can be provoked by a decrease in the activity of the immune system and the presence of vitamin deficiency.
Diagnosis is based on the result of a PCR smear analysis.
Fat cysts (Fordyce granules)
They are hormonal in nature.
Formed during the process of blockage of the sebaceous gland.
The pathology is a cosmetic problem and is not contagious.
The defect does not pose a danger to its owner.
In appearance, hormonal nodules look like a scattering of white grains filled with yellowish contents (lipids and cells of dead epidermis).
The size of the dots is about 1-2 mm.
Cysts do not manifest themselves in any way and do not affect the quality of a woman’s sexual life.
Occasionally, ladies may complain of periodic itching.
Cystic formations can be removed at the woman’s request by electrocoagulation, laser or cryodestruction.
Surgical excision is not used as it may leave scars on the skin.
"Retin-A" is a remedy that can have a positive effect in the fight against fatty cysts.
Leukoplakia
The development of pathology occurs against the background of hormonal imbalance.
The causes of the pathology have not been sufficiently studied.
It appears as whitish dots on the mucous membrane of the labia.
Symptoms at the beginning of the disease are accompanied by the appearance of dryness, slight tingling and burning, which appear more often at night.
If you do not consult a specialist in time, then over time the symptoms become more pronounced.
This pathology refers to precancerous diseases.
In the absence of timely treatment, cancer may develop.
Genital herpes virus
The onset of a viral infection begins suddenly.
A small watery rash forms in the intimate area, at the site of which there is acute pain and a burning sensation.
In some cases, there is a rise in temperature.
After some time, the watery dots open and dry out.
In their place, crusts form.
During the opening of the papules, a secondary infection may occur.
There are no scars left in place of the crusts.
The viral infection is chronic, so periods of remission alternate with periods of exacerbation.
The route of infection with the genital herpes virus is sexual.
Molluscum contagiosum
The pathology is of viral origin.
The disease is transmitted through sexual contact.
The duration of the incubation period can reach 2 months.
Localization of white spots during infection with molluscum contagiosum: pubic area, labia, perineum.
The size of the formations ranges from 1 to 1.5 mm.
There is a depression in the center of the formation.
When the element is squeezed out, a white substance is released.
If a secondary infection occurs, itching may occur.
An examination is enough for the doctor to make a correct diagnosis.
Time to go to the doctor
If all diseases were treated with proper hygiene... There are clinical manifestations that require immediate consultation with a specialist:
- painful condition of the perineum;
- discharge (white, cloudy);
- mobility of seals;
- accelerated growth in education;
- itching and burning.
The first specialist you need to contact is a gynecologist. His task is to sweep away sexually transmitted diseases.
Despite widespread educational work on the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, 10% of the world's population are infected with them every year. In Russia, every third woman out of four manages to get an STD by the time of pregnancy. If chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and gonorrhea are not treated in a timely manner, there is a high risk of infertility.
Therefore, if you are embarrassed to go to a antenatal clinic, find a medical center, anonymously conduct an examination, and then be sure to visit a gynecologist. Self-medication for STIs does not work.
Treatment of white spots
If white spots appear on the genitals, including the labia, then this is a direct indication for examination and comprehensive treatment of the patient.
Women, when problems appear on the labia, do not always have a clear idea of where to go to get diagnosed and take all the necessary tests.
Which doctor deals with these problems?
As a rule, it is better for a woman to visit an examination room at a local clinic or make an appointment with a gynecologist.
Depending on the results obtained, the patient will be treated by a gynecologist, dermatovenerologist, allergist, endocrinologist or oncologist.
Timely diagnosis carried out by a specialist and tests that will need to be taken to find out the cause of the disease play a decisive role in the effectiveness of treatment.
How treatment will proceed depends on the cause of the disease.
Drug therapy is used, and in some cases surgery may be necessary.
- If the appearance of rashes is caused by ignoring the rules of personal hygiene, then it will be enough to follow them with the mandatory inclusion of water procedures and the use of hygiene products containing antiseptic components. If white spots appear as a result of heat rash, using baby powder with zinc will be enough.
- If the pathology has developed as a result of infection with pathogenic flora, then specific therapy will be required. A treatment regimen for the disease will be drawn up by a doctor based on the results of additional research and the stage of the disease.
- If there is no evidence of an infectious process, the doctor may recommend treating the rash with a disinfectant.
- If there is an allergy, then taking an antihistamine will be an ideal assistant in solving the problem; in case of hormonal imbalance, corticosteroids will come to the rescue, which should be prescribed by a specialist.
Regardless of the cause of the appearance of white spots in an intimate place, it is useful to take immunomodulators and vitamin-mineral complexes that will help the body cope with the pathology.
Malignant neoplasms
The main oncological disease affecting the external genitalia in women is vulvar cancer. Occurs more often in the postmenopausal period. It is detected late, as in the first stages it does not cause any discomfort.
Additional symptoms with the development of pathology are itching at the site of the lesion and pathological discharge mixed with blood. The disease is a life-threatening condition. Treatment includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Conclusion: Diseases, the symptom of which is a lump on the genitals, most often do not pose a serious threat to the life and health of the patient. However, in any case, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist to diagnose the formation and decide on its treatment.
Drug treatment of white spots on the genitals
- If there are rashes on the genitals, medications are used to help normalize the vaginal microflora. For this purpose, solutions, vaginal suppositories and vaginal tablets are used to help get rid of pathogenic microorganisms.
- In case of viral infection of the intimate area, tablets or injections are prescribed. The duration of drug treatment is determined by the doctor. On average it ranges from 10 days to two weeks. If herpetic rashes appear on the genitals, then ointments containing an antiviral active ingredient are used. If papillomas are present, they can be treated with keratolytics.
- For furunculosis, ointments with an osmotic effect are used, which accelerate the process of maturation and opening of the abscess.
- If an allergic rash occurs, you will need to identify the allergen that triggered its appearance and prevent skin contact with it. To relieve itching, your doctor may recommend taking an antihistamine.
Surgical methods for removing formations on the labia
In some cases, they resort to surgical removal of formations in an intimate place.
Indications for it are:
- the presence of papillomas and genital warts;
- fatty cysts;
- the appearance of neoplasms;
- presence of subcutaneous acne;
- molluscum contagiosum;
- furunculosis;
- inflammation of the Bartholin gland.
Most often, minimally invasive removal techniques are used: cryodestruction, laser therapy and radio wave excision of elements.
In exceptional cases, surgery can be performed using a scalpel.
- Laser therapy - this method is based on the use of a laser beam that evaporates the contents of the tumor. The technique is used to remove papillomas, cystic formations, and elements of rash caused by molluscum contagiosum.
- Radio wave therapy – the effect of radio waves is similar to the effect of a laser beam. The technology is used for excision of tumors.
- The use of liquid nitrogen (cryodestruction) is used to remove papillomas, molluscum contagiosum rashes, and condylomas. The method is rarely used due to the impossibility of controlling the depth of freezing of elements.
- Diathermocoagulation is a method that is very rarely used to excise tumors localized on the labia, since there is a high risk of burning surrounding tissues.
- Surgical intervention is used in case of a large size of the element or if its malignant nature is suspected.
After removal of the formation, a histological examination of the material is required, which is important to determine its benignity or malignancy.
Hygiene procedures for white spots on the labia
If the appearance of white spots on the labia is associated with poor hygiene, then washing the genitals daily with baby soap will help get rid of the problem.
Treatment procedures using antiseptic agents are usually prescribed by a gynecologist or dermatovenerologist.
In addition, some rules should be followed:
- when choosing underwear, make sure that it is made from natural fabrics;
- refuse to wear thong panties;
- Avoid using pads that contain fragrances, as they can cause rashes;
- use only a personal towel for hands, face and body;
- exclusion of hair removal and means for its implementation on the labia majora;
- When visiting a bathhouse or swimming pool, strictly observe hygiene rules.
How to treat a bloody pimple on the pubis or groin at home?
Most boils and small blood pimples will go away on their own within a few days or weeks. You can help relieve symptoms and speed up the healing process with these home remedies:
Before touching the boil or the area surrounding it, be sure to wash your hands well. Use antibacterial soap and warm water. Without this step, you risk introducing a large number of bacteria and germs into the boil, which can make the infection even worse.
Likewise, wash your hands after you finish your treatment if you don't want to risk spreading any bacteria to other areas of your body.
Rules and methods for treating blood acne on the pubis or groin
Do not squeeze or poke the pimple
Resist the temptation to squeeze or remove a blood pimple yourself. By doing this, you release bacteria that can spread the infection to nearby private areas. It can also make the pimple inflamed even worse, causing it to flare up and become painful.
Apply a warm compress
Soak a pre-disinfected warm cloth with water that is slightly warmer than room temperature. Squeeze out excess water. Place the compress on the area of the bloody pimple and leave it there for 7 to 10 minutes.
Repeat this process three or four times a day until the boil goes away. The heat from the compress helps increase blood circulation so white blood cells can fight any remaining infection.
Avoid wearing tight pants or jeans to cure a bloody pimple.
One of the most common causes of bloody pimples on the pubic or groin and even labia is tight, tight clothing, which causes friction on the sensitive thin pubic skin Until the boil disappears, wear loose underwear and clothes After training, also remember to immediately switch to clean , dry underwear.
Use ointments for acne and inflammation
Antibiotic erythromycin ointment can help protect the skin of the groin and pubic area from blood pimples, inflammation, and kill bacteria and viruses that cause this more severe form of acne. o Erythromycin ointment for acne! .
Take over-the-counter pain relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers may be needed to relieve pain and inflammation caused by boiling. Use medications such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen according to package directions.
If these home remedies do not help or the boils do not go away within two weeks, make an appointment with your gynecologist or primary care physician as you may need urgent medical treatment from a doctor.