Small Painless Bumps on the Labia: Common Benign Causes

Asymptomatic, non-tender labial bumps are usually benign. Common causes:

• Sebaceous hyperplasia: Yellowish 1–3 mm papules from enlarged sebaceous glands. Common after puberty, increase with age.
• Fordyce spots: Ectopic sebaceous glands (no hair follicle). Pale, yellow-white, 1–2 mm. Present in 70–90% of adults. Not pathological.
• Vestibular papillomatosis: Symmetric, fine, finger-like projections of vestibular mucosa. Normal variant; not HPV.
• Skin tags (acrochordons): Soft, skin-colored, pedunculated. Friction-related; common in folds.
• Vulvar varicosities: Bluish, compressible venous dilations. Common in pregnancy; may cause heaviness.
• Ingrown hairs / folliculitis: Small pustules or papules after hair removal. Usually tender.
• Molluscum contagiosum: Pearly, umbilicated papules. Viral (poxvirus); contagious, self-limited.

When to See a Clinician

• New, growing, or changing lesions
• Pain, ulceration, bleeding
• Multiple clustered lesions (possible HPV/warts)
• Immunosuppression

Most require no treatment. Reassurance and avoidance of irritation (tight clothing, harsh soaps) suffice.