What should I do if I have a small fleshy ball on my vulva?

Small fleshy balls on the vulva can be treated by keeping them clean, applying topical medications, laser treatment, surgical excision, and antiviral treatment. It may be related to factors such as genital warts, sebaceous cysts, vulvar polyps, Bartholin's gland cysts, and soft fibromas.

1. Keep it clean

Wash your vulva daily with warm water and avoid using harsh lotions. Choose cotton underwear and change them daily to reduce friction and wet conditions. If itching or secretion increases, you can use potassium permanganate solution for sitz bath as directed by your doctor.

2. Topical application

Genital warts caused by human papillomavirus can be treated with topical imiquimod cream or podophyllotoxin tincture. Cysts caused by bacterial infection can be treated with erythromycin ointment, while fungal infections require clotrimazole cream. It is necessary to make a clear diagnosis before taking medication and avoid self-treatment.

3. Laser treatment

Suitable for smaller genital warts or soft fibromas, the diseased tissue is vaporized by carbon dioxide laser. After treatment, the wound should be kept dry and sexual intercourse should be avoided for 2-3 weeks. Temporary pigmentation may occur, which usually fades over 3-6 months.

4. Surgical resection

Bartholin's gland cysts or vulvar polyps larger than 1 cm in diameter require resection. Local anesthesia is used, and sutures are removed 7-10 days after surgery. Genital warts with a high probability of recurrence can be treated with photodynamic therapy combined with surgery.

5. Antiviral treatment

Recurrent genital warts require oral acyclovir tablets or interferon injections to regulate immunity. HPV-DNA levels should be reviewed regularly during treatment, and spouses should be checked simultaneously. Podophyllotoxin preparations are contraindicated in pregnant patients.

Avoid scratching or picking the tumor on your own, and observe whether it is accompanied by bleeding, ulceration, or rapid growth. Sexual intercourse is prohibited during treatment, and spouses need to be screened together. Increasing the daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, and supplementing with appropriate amounts of vitamin C and zinc can help improve mucosal resistance. Wear loose clothing, change underwear promptly after exercise, and change sanitary napkins frequently during menstruation. If the lesions persist for more than 2 weeks or recur, pathological biopsy is required to rule out malignant lesions.