Differential Diagnosis for Bumps Around Labia
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Folliculitis: This is the most common cause of bumps around the labia, often resulting from inflammation of the hair follicles due to friction, shaving, or bacterial infection.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Ingrown hairs: These occur when hair grows back into the skin, causing inflammation and bumps, especially in areas where hair removal is common.
- Genital warts: Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), these can appear as small bumps around the genital area, including the labia.
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV): This viral infection can cause painful bumps or blisters around the genital area.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Bartholin gland cyst or abscess: While not typically described as "bumps," these can present as a painful swelling near the labia and require urgent medical attention to prevent serious infection.
- Malignancy: Although rare, any persistent or changing lesion around the labia should be evaluated for the possibility of cancer, such as vulvar cancer.
- Rare diagnoses
- Hidradenitis suppurativa: A chronic skin condition that can cause painful bumps and abscesses in areas of the body with apocrine glands, including the genital area.
- Molluscum contagiosum: A viral infection that causes small, pearly, or flesh-colored bumps, which can appear anywhere on the skin, including the genital area.
- Syphilis: A sexually transmitted infection that can cause a variety of skin manifestations, including bumps or sores in the genital area, especially in its primary stage.