White granules
During my shower, I noticed some white spots on my labia that looked like pimples.
When I squeezed them, they came out easily.
There are more on the left side, while the right side has almost none.
Could this be genital warts?
Yi, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/29
Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Based on your description, it is not a wart.
It may be a keratin cyst (also known as an epidermoid cyst), which is a cyst formed by epidermal cells migrating into the dermis, containing white keratin.
It could also be a sebaceous cyst, which is formed by the blockage of sebaceous gland ducts, leading to the accumulation of sebum, with the contents being white sebum.
Thank you for your message!
Reply Date: 2016/02/29
More Info
When it comes to the presence of white bumps on the labia, it is essential to consider various factors before jumping to conclusions about their nature. The description of these bumps being white and similar to pimples that can be squeezed out suggests that they may not necessarily be warts (also known as condylomata acuminata), which are typically caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Instead, they could be a variety of other benign conditions.
One common possibility is that these bumps are sebaceous cysts or clogged sebaceous glands. These are small, harmless lumps that can occur anywhere on the body, including the genital area. They are usually painless and can appear white or yellowish. When squeezed, they may release a thick, white substance, which is a mixture of sebum and dead skin cells.
Another possibility is that these bumps could be Fordyce spots, which are small, painless, pale bumps that are actually enlarged sebaceous glands. They are completely normal and do not require treatment. Fordyce spots can appear on the labia and are often mistaken for other conditions due to their appearance.
On the other hand, if the bumps are indeed warts, they would typically have a more irregular surface and may not be easily squeezed out. Warts can also be associated with other symptoms, such as itching or discomfort. If there is any doubt about the nature of these bumps, especially if they change in appearance, become painful, or are accompanied by other symptoms (such as unusual discharge or bleeding), it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
It is also important to consider your sexual health history and any potential exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have had unprotected sexual contact with a partner who has warts or other STIs, it would be prudent to get tested and discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider.
In summary, while the white bumps on the labia could be benign conditions such as sebaceous cysts or Fordyce spots, it is essential to monitor them and seek medical advice if there are any changes or concerns. Regular gynecological check-ups are also recommended to maintain reproductive health and address any potential issues early on. If you are unsure about your vaccination status regarding HPV, it may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider, as vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of developing genital warts and other HPV-related conditions.
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