worried and confused.

Hello.  I have two bumps on the outside of my left labia that is red and irritated.  My labia is also slightly swollen and I have no idea what is causing it.  I have had another bump that was swollen on my right labia but it shriveled up.  I was told that I had herpes and that the bump on my right labia would crust over, but it never did.  (Also, a friend with 20 yrs of medical experience looked at the first bump and is most convinced that it is a cyst of some sort.)  What could be causing this?  It's starting to affect the way that I walk because of the pain.  I also shaved in that general area a few days ago, could the bumps be an side effect of shaving?  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination, confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it can be rash due to friction rub, folliculitis, cysts ,molluscum contagiosum(multiple, small, dome-shaped papules, often with a central depression or plug), herpes sores or genital warts(caused by HPV infection).

Apply warm compresses, Neosporin ointment and calamine lotion and avoid messing with it. You  can take anti-inflammatory pain killers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If the lumps persist then it will be best to get it evaluated from a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination, confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it can be rash due to friction rub, folliculitis, cysts ,molluscum contagiosum(multiple, small, dome-shaped papules, often with a central depression or plug), herpes sores or genital warts(caused by HPV infection).

Apply warm compresses, Neosporin ointment and calamine lotion and avoid messing with it. You  can take anti-inflammatory pain killers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If the lumps persist then it will be best to get it evaluated from a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[confusedteil]

Dear Dr Kaur,

Thank you for your response.  I have looked at symptoms online and have found that they appear to be folliculitis.  The description and pictures were identical to what I was experiencing and I've been keeping Neosporin on it and it seems to be healing well.  Now that I think about it, the side that the bumps are on just so happen to be the side that had the closest shave and a few days after shaving I wore pants that caused some friction in that area. :(  I have learned my lesson.

Thanks again.