Small spots or bumps on vagina can ring alarm bells in most women's minds. This is because any disfigurement in the vaginal area causes much concern. Spots on vagina can be mild or severe. These spots can be white or red. Whatever the case may be, obtaining medical advice is better when detecting vaginal bumps and spots. If ignored, this could lead to more serious problems.

Causes of Vaginal Bumps and Spots

There are various causes for spots on vagina. Some of them may be due to straightforward causes such as allergies while others may be due to sexually transmitted diseases. Having a proper awareness of the symptoms of these conditions may help when identifying the cause of the problem.

Sebaceous Cysts - Sebaceous cysts are non-cancerous, pus-filled lumps that form just beneath the skin. The pus, when the cysts burst, has a foul odour. Sebaceous cysts form anywhere on the body. There are instances when these cysts form on the genitalia. Most women, when encountering pimples on vaginal area, make the mistaken assumption that it is genital herpes. However, unlike herpes, sebaceous cysts form due to swollen hair follicles or trauma. They are painless, grow slowly and when touched, move freely under the skin. Sebaceous cysts should not be touched often as this may result in infection. However, there are instances when sebaceous cysts do become infected. If the pimples on vaginal area are red, tender and warm to the touch, it is time to consider medical intervention as this indicates infection. Treatment is not necessary if infection is not indicated. However, if infected, steroid medication may be prescribed for the swelling.

Genital Herpes - Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. This means a woman can be affected with herpes if she has sexual intercourse with a man who is infected with the herpes simplex virus. Although, most often, genital herpes is asymptomatic, signs do occur from time to time. The most significant symptom of genital herpes is blisters around the affected area. The blisters break leaving sores that take many weeks to heal. A woman infected with the virus experiences a second round of blisters several weeks or a few months after the first. These blisters are less severe than the first blisters. The herpes virus never leaves the body. It lays dormant till an illness causes weakening of the immune system and then it rears its head. Herpes puts women and men at risk of becoming HIV positive. Although there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications help prevent the length and severity of the outbreaks.

Gartner's Duct Cyst - Gartner's duct cysts typically develop near the Gartner's duct. The Gartner's duct is active during foetal development and disappears after birth. However, there are instances when parts of the duct collect fluid and produce cysts. Although Gartner's duct cysts are asymptomatic, there are occasions when the cysts enlarge and cause discomfort. The spots on vagina may be felt in the vaginal wall or may protrude from the vagina. There is no medication for Gartner's duct cysts. However, surgical removal may be required if the cysts grow to uncomfortable proportions.

Vaginal Warts - Vaginal warts are another cause for pimples on vaginal area. These are transmitted sexually and are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The fleshy, elevated spots on vagina caused by HPV can be found in the vulva, urethra, vagina and the cervix. HPV may occur in the walls of the vagina. The pimples or spots are flesh-coloured or white and may form in clusters or as single warts on the vaginal area. Symptoms may not be easily detected and may be diagnosed during a pap smear or a screening test. Treatment depends on the doctor's diagnosis of the warts.

There are several other causes of spots on vagina. However, the above mentioned are the most common causes for pimples on the vaginal area. Unusual spots or bumps anywhere on the body should be medically examined without fail.