Vaginal Papule

Sometimes the female genital opening shows a papule like lesion. Papule is a raised structure hanging on the surface of vagina or anywhere on the genital opening.

There may be many causes of such a papule. It may be absolutely benign and require no treatment. Its important to look for other associated symptoms. A papule may be an expression of some serious disease.

Causes of Papule

Mucocele

In the pink moist area surrounding the opening to the vagina, it is possible to have a mucocele, which is a little mucus gland that has become plugged. It is a benign condition. Needs no treatment unless this mucocele is traumatized or is infected by some external agents.

Other possibilities might include STDs like chancroid, LGV, herpes etc.

Chancroid

This venereal disease is also called soft chancre. It is marked by painful genital ulcers and inguinal adenitis i.e. inflammation of the groin gland. It is caused by a bacterium called Hemophilus ducreyi.
A small papule (pimple) appears at the site of entry, usually the groin or inner thigh. It may appear on the vulva, vagina, or cervix. The papule may rapidly ulcerate, becoming painful, soft, with a bad odor and produces pus. Approximately 2 to 3 weeks later, inguinal adenitis develops, creating inflamed nodes that may rupture into large ulcers.
Treatment consists of antibiotics such as Co-trimoxazole.

LGV (Lymphogranuloma Venereum)

It is caused by a bacterium and is transmitted through sexual intercourse. A very small painless pimple may occur on the vagina. It usually disappears within a week. This is followed in 2-3 weeks by painful swelling of glands in the groin. There may be fever, head-aches and flu-like symptoms. The glands may become an abscess and burst, discharging a thick pus. Treatment consists of antibiotics.

A papule in the pubic hair area could be the result of ingrown hair or razor rash.

Medical Advice (Q&As) on “Vaginal Papule

  1. Renata Colina

    Hi. I’m a 19 year old girl. I have a big pimple with no whitehead (a papule) on my groin. It barely hurts but I’m really worried of what it might be.

    Reply
  2. rose

    I have a few painful like pimples filled with pus around my vaginal opening. It hurts and I don’t know what it can be.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      If you are sexually active, you need to see a doctor to screen STDs.

      If not, start applying an antibiotic (like mupirocin) over these pimples. They appear to be infected. Apply the ointment twice daily for a week.

      Keep the area clean and dry. Wear loose lowers and underwears to keep the area well ventilated and free from moisture. Avoid all frictional movements over the pimples.

      Reply
  3. Linds

    I have a small pink mark on my butt cheek by my vaginal and anal opening. It’s basically healed but I’m not sure what it is or if it is contagious. I know I have herpes and have never had an outbreak before. Everything I have read says an outbreak is painful and leaves a sore that is an indentation and still painful after the sore pops.
    I found a small pink bubble in the area I described that could have been what I thought was Herpes. It never hurt, the bubble flattened and dried out leaving a small scab that bled but it is still flat and just feels like dry skin over top of the pink mark. Like a healing burn or something.
    Any ideas?

    Reply
  4. Sarah

    I have a lot of small papules butt I’m not sure if that’s what it is it looked like a small sea enenamy but it doesn’t hurt and it has bee there forever

    Reply
  5. Lisa

    Hi,
    I’m a girl and I slept with another girl about a week ago. 2 days ago I started experiencing itchiness and higher sensitivity, mostly before bed, and light pain during the day. It doesn’t hurt much, it’s more like a slight discomfort. I also noticed 2-3 small papule on my inner vaginal lips. Do you think it’s HPV, or could it be something less scary? Would a baby cream help?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Could be HPV. Observe if the lesions burn or increase in number. HPV lesions may increase in number. However, you need to be examined for exact diagnosis.

      Do update us about the follow up.

      Reply
      1. Lisa

        Hey, so I had a urine test and it came back as a bacterial infection. I’m not sure how I got it, I still think it was somehow related to my partner because I’ve never had it before, but at least it wasn’t as serious. It passed by now.

        Reply
  6. Ryan

    Papules inside the labia minora and vaginal opening, painful urination, unable to have sex, only one partner and he never had sex with someone else as well. Just realized two days ago. What to do. Thanks

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Since you’ve multiple lesions of the same kind, it’s likely to be an infection. You need to see a gyne for diagnosis.

      Reply
  7. Des

    Small papules has been spotted on vag and I am clueless of what to do? Thinking about seeing a doctor about it next week . I am not sexually active but I’ve noticed this bout a few years ago but never paid it any mind.

    Reply
  8. Shell

    A week ago I had a yeast infection and I also had bacteria in my urine. Over time of taking my meds, I have had many papules grow on my labia minora. I’m also sexually active I have only one partner

    Reply
  9. Nana

    I had warts, burnt them with wart magic liquid. Right after they were gone, I had a rash like but hard pimples in my vagina. There is many of them, only now they start to itch. I’m pregnant, 8 months.

    Reply
  10. Sandhiya das.

    I am a girl 24 years old. One Small papule like leasion just inside the labia. It is painful. Pain is Sudden in onset. What can it be??

    Reply
  11. Betty Cooper

    Hi I have small clustered Flesh colored papules surrounding my vaginal opening. I am sexually active and every time it is rubbed it is teared off. help

    I only have one partner and it is my very first.

    I don’t know if normal to have those papules or not. its not itching or anything

    Reply
  12. Lia

    It seems like I have a papule on my left labia majora. It’s only on the outer surface and I don’t feel any pain. It is red, but there is no pus or discharge. It only bothers if I touch it–

    Do you think I should go get checked? or can it be an ingrown hair?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Papules are usually skin colored, this one you say is red! Can you share a pic, if possible, via any link?

      Reply

Ask Your Medical Question

Your Question will be answered by a specialist M.D. in 1-2 days.

To prevent unauthorized comments, we request you to solve a simple problem: *