Dermatological Problem- Hard lumps on outter vulva just below skin surface

[kimmy84]

On the more delicate softer part of my outter labia- reaching further towards my inner labia, I have a collection of hard lumps just underneath the skin surface. They are hard to touch and feel as though if the skin was nicked they would just pop out. I think this may have something to do with having had the hair waxed from my gentiles a few times in my past. I think the lady who waxed me mentioned something about expolded hair follicles or something.

I don't believe them to be in-grown hairs as they have been there for a few years now. There are about 4  more prominant one and a collection of smaller bumps.

Is there anything that can be done for them? With the larger ones appearing to be below the skin surface I am not sure a cream would make much of a difference. Can they be cut out?

I have been to my Doctor but all he confirmed is that they were nothing sexually transmitted.

I wanted to know whether it was worth going to a dermatologist as wasn;t sure if there was anything that can be done for them.

They are making me self conscious.

I am from the U.K so if you recommend anything can you not give brand names but types of medication as we have different products over here.

Many Thanks

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

If they've been there that long, they're probably not going to go away by themselves.  On the other hand, they certainly don't sound like something that needs to be (or ought to be) cut out--doing that would be not just unnecessary but would leave scars that would make you even more self-conscious.  So my advice is to leave them alone for at least a couple of weeks (in case you've been squeezing them), show them to a dermatologist for definitive diagnosis, and then in all probability ignore them, since that will in all likelihood be the best approach.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[Angeelah]

wow,I know what you are going through!I have these very same lumps.I did go and have them checked out by a specialist.He informed me that they are only cysts.Some women get them and some do not.They are not contagious!!The best thing to do is to soak in a hot tub,it softens them up and allows you to pop them sometimes.They do however take a few yrs to pop on there own.The Dr. told me that it takes up to 2 yrs.They will grow to be about the size of a pea and then rupture on their own.I know this because I have already had that happen.They can be painful when they rupture because the core and all come out but otherwise very harmless.I have had them for yrs and I never worry about them anymore.THEY ARE HARMLESS!!!!

[Chue]

My mom's been having these weird lumps underneath her skin. She said that they aren't itchy but hurt when you pressed them. What are these? Do you think they'll be more severe? I'm very worried. She haves them on her right hand, two small ones on her legs. I'm very terrified so let me know ASAP. Thanks!