White spots on the labia: causes and treatment.

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.

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.

Reasons for appearance on the areola

Despite the concept of “seborrheic cyst,” seborrhea does not provoke the appearance of Fordyce formations on the nipple areola. With seborrhea, the components of sebum change, which causes blood clots in the sebaceous duct, and, accordingly, the appearance of similar growths. Fordyce's disease is not characterized by any changes in fatty fluid. Therefore, in this case, the name is more relevant - sebaceous cyst. Unfortunately, doctors have not yet been able to establish a single cause for the occurrence of such neoplasms. Nevertheless, it has been repeatedly noted that this phenomenon occurs mainly during puberty. It is likely that a hormonal imbalance in the body contributes to the disease. Against their background, the sebaceous glands secrete excessive amounts of sebum, which turns into cysts. For the first time, neoplasms can appear between the ages of 12 and 17, when the glands are at their peak of activity. In the future, the number of growths increases regardless of age and lifestyle.

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Often, in people with a similar disease, the location of the sebaceous glands is noted much closer to the upper layer of the skin than with normal physiology. Also, patients with this disease experience hyperplasia (narrowing) of the sebaceous ducts, which can be congenital or acquired.

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.

Treatment at home

You can try to remove the growths using traditional medicine. Based on medicinal plants, decoctions, tinctures or ointments should be prepared for topical use. If the granules cause itching and local discomfort, you can use chamomile. To do this, pour 1 tablespoon of the plant’s flowers with a glass of water, put on low heat and wait until it boils. Next, wait until the broth cools down and strain through cheesecloth. Wipe your nipples twice a day. If there is a burning sensation, you can use essential oils that are applied to the surface of the growths.

Although Fordyce granules are a very unpleasant phenomenon, they do not pose any particular danger to humans.
Don't rip them off or try to squeeze them out. When it appears, it is better to consult a doctor who will tell you how to cope with a similar ailment on the chest. The article has been verified by the editors

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.

Removal methods and prevention

The removal of Fordyce granules on the papillae is done using some special procedures. The exact method used to perform the operation depends on the individual characteristics of the patient, as well as the degree of tumor growth. The most popular methods are:

Electrocoagulation is exposure to high frequency current. The method is notable for its comparative painlessness and absence of bleeding. In addition, there are practically no scars left after such an event.
Cryodestruction or freezing with liquid nitrogen. Removal occurs under the influence of the lowest possible temperature. The tissues of the formation freeze and die. The procedure is quite painful and is performed under local anesthesia.
Laser excision is a procedure that involves the use of a special laser. It burns the tissues of the formation, completely destroying its structure.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Since the procedure is quite invasive, it is used only in emergency cases.

None of the above methods of excision can guarantee a long-term effect. Most often, after some time, the granules appear again.

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.