Small lump under the skin on the labia majora

A blocked hair follicle, an ingrown hair, a small cyst, or an inflamed gland can create a local bump. A tender, warm, red lump containing pus may fit a boil. A firm lump that does not settle, bleeds, forms an ulcer, or changes in colour needs a clinician's assessment; these signs do not identify the cause by themselves. The vulval skin is sensitive, so friction, shaving, and scented products can also aggravate a minor bump.

A clinician may inspect the skin and gently feel the area. They may ask when it appeared, whether it grows or drains, and whether you have itching, discharge, fever, or pain.

Do not squeeze, pierce, or repeatedly check the lump, because this can worsen inflammation or introduce infection. Wash gently with water or an unscented cleanser, pat dry, and choose loose breathable underwear. Pause shaving and avoid products that sting the area. A warm, not hot, compress may ease tenderness. For general background, see Skin Lumps and Boils. Treatment depends on the finding; an intralesional steroid injection is only considered for selected inflammatory lesions after assessment.

Arrange a prompt appointment if the lump is enlarging, increasingly painful, hard, fixed, repeatedly returns, or remains after simple irritation has settled. Seek urgent care for rapidly spreading redness, severe swelling, fever, feeling very unwell, or difficulty passing urine. A new sore or bleeding area on the vulval skin should also be examined without delay. These warning signs indicate a need for assessment, not a particular diagnosis.

Ask: Could this be a cyst, ingrown hair, boil, or another lesion? Does its position involve a gland or the vaginal opening? Do I need a swab, imaging, or a biopsy? Which washing, pain-relief, or treatment options are suitable for this sensitive skin? What changes should make me return sooner?