Are these warts?

Dear Dr.,

I am a 24 year old female and recently I noticed a sort of rough/dry patch below my vaginal opening. Upon closer inspection with a hand held mirror I saw that there werea few very tiny skin coloured bumps in the area with a white-ish tip. I (possibly foolishly) tried to pop them like a pimple but it didn't do anything. A few days later I saw my doctor who glanced at it for literally 5 seconds and said it was warts and prescribed a cream (which I have not used yet).

The next day there are less bumps (it seems) but slightly larger more distinct smooth bumps that are clearly all white in the same area. I am olive/medium brown skinned so the change in colour literally overnight was very obvious.

I have read that you can use vinegar on the bumps and if they turn white, it is genital warts but mine seem to have turned white all on their own so I can't really use this method to check.

Are these genital warts or could it be something else? Should I go see someone else for a second opinion?

Thanks in advance.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it can be contact dermatitis,rash due to friction rub,folliculitis,cysts ,molluscum contagiosum(multiple, small, dome-shaped papules, often with a central depression or plug) 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.