Vestibular Papillomatosis (VP): Understanding Normal Vulva Bumps

The difference between VP bumps and genital warts

Medically reviewed by Peter Weiss, MD

Vestibular papillomatosis (VP) is a term for non-itchy, flesh-colored bumps on the vulva (external female genitalia). VP bumps are common for those assigned female at birth. Having VP is not harmful and does not pose any health risks. There is no association between VP and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like the human papillomavirus (HPV) or genital warts.

This article reviews information about who gets VP, its appearance, texture, and color, a comparison of VP with other vulvar bumps (if they are permanent), and when to see a healthcare provider.

Why is it called vestibular papillomatosis?

The term vestibular papillomatosis derives from the location and appearance of VP. The vulvar vestibule is the skin that the labia minora (small folds surrounding the vagina) covers. "Papillomatosis" is derived from "papilloma," which means a benign (harmless) growth on the skin. Other terms for VP are vaginal papules, vulvar vestibulitis bumps, or labia bumps.

Who Gets Vestibular Papillomatosis (VP) Labia Bumps?

Vestibular papillomatosis (VP) is a common condition that can occur in any person assigned female at birth. These vulvar bumps are a natural and healthy variation of the external female anatomy. VP typically appears during your teen years or in early adulthood.

VP bumps are benign (harmless) and do not require medical attention. They do not occur due to any underlying health issue, genetics, sexual activity, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Related: Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Symptoms in Women

How Vestibular Papillomatosis Looks

Vestibular papillomatosis (VP) are small bumps (or finger-like projections) on the labia minora and vulvar vestibule. They are typically about 1–2 millimeters (mm) but can grow larger.

Anatomy of the Vulva, Labia Minora, and Vulvar Vestibule

The vulva is a term for the outer part of female genitalia. It includes the labia majora (outer folds) and labia minora (inner folds) surrounding the vaginal (birth canal) opening. The vulvar vestibule is the smooth area around the vaginal opening that the labia minora covers.

Texture

VP bumps have a smooth and soft texture and form symmetrically. Typically, they are not itchy, irritating, or painful. However, in very rare cases, they can be.

Color

VP is characterized by flesh-colored, light pink, or white bumps. Sometimes, they are slightly shiny, but typically, the color is similar to that of the surrounding skin. Their coloring makes their appearance subtle. They do not cause redness or skin discoloration.

Vestibular Papillomatosis vs. Symptoms of Other Conditions

Confusing VP with other conditions that cause lumps and bumps in the genital area can be easy. The following helps distinguish VP from these other conditions.

HPV

Genital warts are small flesh-colored growths that appear on the genital and anal areas due to infection with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are a sexually transmitted infection (STI). In contrast to the smooth texture of VP bumps, genital warts have a rough surface, and they may occur in clusters, forming a cauliflower-like appearance.

The Link Between HPV And Lung Papillomatosis

Research suggests that some strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), specifically HPV 6 and HPV 11, have a link with lung papillomatosis. Lung papillomatosis is a rare condition that causes the growth of benign tumors (papillomas) in the airways or lungs.

Related: Signs and Symptoms of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection

Genital Herpes

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes the STI genital herpes. Herpes appears as a cluster of fluid-filled blisters that may itch or hurt, break open, and scab. In contrast, VP does not cause blisters.

Related: What Does Herpes Look Like?

Genital Pimples

Genital pimples are inflamed, red, raised bumps that may contain pus. Clogged pores or ingrown hairs cause them, and they typically occur one or two at a time.

Related: Do HPV and Herpes Look Like Pimples?

Fordyce Spots

Fordyce spots are tiny, whitish-yellow bumps found on hairless areas of the skin, including the inside of the labia minora. They occur due to enlarged sebaceous glands (tiny skin structures that make sebum, an oil the body produces for moisturizing purposes). Like VP, Fordyce spots are a normal, harmless variation of the skin. One difference from VP is that Fordyce spots might be slightly yellowish.

Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer is rare but can cause lumps or bumps in the genital area. Additional symptoms might include discomfort, itching, bleeding, skin thickness, or color changes.

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that causes tiny, round, and raised bumps. They are typically the same color as the surrounding skin or slightly pink with a dimple or indentation that gives them a distinctive appearance. Molluscum contagiosum can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, contaminated objects, or sexual contact.

Cysts

Several types of cysts can occur on the vulva. For example, vestibular or mucinous cysts are harmless, soft, smooth, and round lumps ranging from 2–30 mm. You can distinguish them from VP because they are translucent and contain a clear liquid.

Bartholin's cysts are another example. They occur when the Bartholin's gland in the vulva region gets blocked or swollen. They are harmless unless infection occurs, in which case the cysts become swollen, painful, and filled with pus.

Are VP Bumps Permanent?

VP bumps are a permanent variation in the skin of the vulva. Attempts to get rid of them are unnecessary because they pose no health risks. They are not signs of disease or an STI, and you cannot pass them along to another person.

Why Treatment Isn’t Necessary for Vestibular Papillomatosis (VP)

VP is a harmless, normal skin variation. Healthcare providers do not recommend medical procedures like laser therapy or surgery to remove these bumps because they can cause more harm than good.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Consult with a healthcare provider if you notice any unusual genital bumps or changes in your genital area. Prompt consultation will provide peace of mind that you have an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Additional reasons to see a healthcare provider include:

• Painful or itchy bumps

• Changes in the color, size, or texture of the bumps

• Multiple or clustered bumps

• Blisters or pus

• Additional symptoms like redness, swelling, or unusual discharge

• Possible exposure to sexually transmitted infections

Related: STI Pictures: Chlamydia, Genital Warts, Pubic Lice & More

Summary

Vulvar vestibular papillomatosis (VP) is a common, harmless, and permanent variation of the vulvar skin for those assigned female at birth. VP manifests as small and flesh-colored bumps on the labia minora (small skin folds surrounding the vagina) and vulvar vestibule (skin under the labia minora). Unlike infections or harmful conditions, VP does not require removal or treatment. If this is the first time you notice these spots or are unsure that they are VP, consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and reassurance.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.