Harmless Bumps

Harmless bumps in the genital area include pimples, cysts, angiomas and molluscum.

• Pimples are small, red bumps that may be white at the tip and filled with pus. Friction, sweat, bodily fluids, ingrown hairs and inflamed hair follicles (called folliculitis) can all cause genital pimples. No treatment is needed.
• Cysts are yellowish round lumps under the skin, which feel like a small ball or pebble that can easily be moved around. Cysts may enlarge slightly, but in general they stay about the same and don’t cause any problems. They’re usually caused by blocked hair follicles. No treatment is needed.
• Angiomas are small collections of blood vessels and are either bright red or slightly purplish. They usually don’t enlarge or bleed. No treatment is needed.
• Molluscum are skin colored, tiny bumps (1-2 millimeters) caused by a virus. In the genital area, they’re usually transmitted by sexual contact. Molluscum don’t cause diseases or increase cancer risk, but they are often a result of unprotected sex. So, if you have them, you’ll want to be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and hepatitis. Molluscum will go away with time, though it may take up to three years.

While these types of genital bumps do not require treatment to prevent disease, they can be irritating, embarrassing and uncomfortable. Your doctor can help prescribe medication and lifestyle changes to help you treat and prevent genital pimples, cysts, angiomas and molluscum.

Infections

If you have sex without a condom or multiple sex partners, you are at a higher risk of sexually transmitted infections, some of which can cause genital bumps. Some infections, including genital warts, syphilis and possibly herpes, can have serious consequences if not treated.

• Genital warts are usually multiple, small, skin-colored bumps. They may eventually go away, or they may stay the same or multiply. They are contagious and caused by genital human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most common STI and is linked to cervical cancer in women and throat cancers in men. Fortunately, there is an HPV vaccine that’s recommended for children 11 and older, as well as adults who haven’t yet been vaccinated. If you think you have genital warts, see your doctor, dermatologist or OB/Gyn.
• Syphilis looks like a sore and can appear in the genital area or on your lips and mouth. It’s caused by bacteria, so it can be treated with antibiotics and will go away within a few weeks. However, you can become reinfected, and you can develop serious problems if it remains untreated.
• Genital Herpes appears as painful blisters in the genital area. Although the herpes infection itself isn’t particularly dangerous, it tends to come back in the same area multiple times. Some people have outbreaks as frequently as once a month. Herpes is contagious and can be a problem during pregnancy. See a doctor for medication to prevent or treat outbreaks.

Skin Cancer

Vulvar, vaginal and penile skin cancer are uncommon but possible. If you find a black spot that continues to enlarge, it could be melanoma. This type of skin cancer can be deadly if left untreated. A melanoma can be completely flat and can develop in non-sun-exposed skin.

Non-melanoma skin cancer usually looks like a skin-colored or reddish bump that often bleeds easily and doesn’t go away.

Six important signs can help you figure out if you should ask your doctor about a spot that might be melanoma. Just think A through E:

• A – Asymmetry: A spot that isn’t the same on both sides is asymmetrical.
• B – Borders: When the outline of your spot is wavy, rigid or uneven.
• C – Color: If your spot is a different color or changes color over time.
• D – Diameter: Melanomas are usually larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser (more than ¼ inch or 5 millimeters).
• E – Elevation or Evolution: If the spot is raised above your skin (a bump) or if you notice it changing over time (evolving).

If you notice any of these signs, or have concerns about any type of genital bump, visit a healthcare provider. They will help diagnose the bump, treat your condition and relieve any painful or irritating symptoms.