The sebum glands on the labia

What are the sebum glands on the labia?

Sebaceous glands are glands that are found all over the body and are mostly attached to hair and found in the skin, but sebum glands can also be found in areas where there is no hair growth. In such a case, they are called free sebum glands.

In the area of ​​the labia there are both hair-bound sebum glands on the outer labia and free sebum glands on the inner labia. Regardless of whether they are free or bound sebum glands, their function is identical. A fatty secretion called sebum is formed inside the glands. This is released to the surface of the skin, creating a thin layer of fat. This layer of fat has various functions - the main one, however, is to protect the skin from dehydration and external pathogens.

The anatomy

When it comes to the labia, a distinction is made between the large, outer labia and the small, inner labia. The outer labia are characterized by hairiness, while the inner labia are more like a mucous membrane and have no hair growth. Both the outer labia and the inner labia have sebum glands. On the outer labia, they are usually tied to hair, while free sebum glands can be found on the inner labia.

The outer labia are usually very hairy. If the hair is manipulated by external influences, such as epilation or shaving, this can also affect the sebum glands. These can clog and lead to accumulations of pus on the surface of the skin.

The inner labia in particular are very rich in blood vessels and sebum glands. The sebum glands can be seen here as small white dots under or on the skin. If a sebum is blocked, pus can also accumulate here. However, this is not out of the ordinary and is not a cause for concern. Blockages of the sebum glands due to hormonal influences are not uncommon, especially during puberty.

The function

Sebum glands are glands found in the dermis (layer of skin). If the sebum glands are bound to hair, they can be found in regions that are lined with field skin. These include, for example, the arms, legs, head or the labia. If the sebum glands are not bound to hair, they are known as free sebum glands and occur in regions such as the lips, ears, nipples or the labia minora.

The basic job of sebum glands is to produce sebum. A relatively solid, whitish-yellow secretion is called sebum. This consists of various fats, such as fatty acids, waxes or cholesterol, and proteins. The secretion of the sebum produced by the sebum glands occurs involuntarily and is promoted, among other things, by the vegetative nervous system and some hormones. The function of the sebum is to cover the upper layer of the skin and thereby create protection against foreign bodies and pathogens. In addition, the sebum keeps the acidic skin environment constant. In the area of ​​the labia in particular, the function of the sebum glands is essential, which is why a relatively large number can be found there. The protection can prevent bacteria and other pathogens from entering. This is further supported by maintaining the acidic skin environment.

If the sebum glands produce too much sebum, this can make the skin appear shiny. A side effect of increased sebum production from hair-bound sebum glands is "oily hair". In addition, increased sebum production, especially if the ducts are blocked, can lead to acne. With age, sebum production decreases, making the skin drier and more vulnerable.

Find out all about the topic here: The sebum gland.

The diseases of the sebum glands

The constipation

As in the whole body, there are also many sebum glands in the area of ​​the labia. The clogging of the glands can mean that the sebum produced cannot be transported to the surface of the skin and thus builds up under the skin, within the duct and the gland.

Possible consequences of such blockages are blackheads, small pimples or even larger sebum lumps. These consequences are often perceived as unaesthetic, especially in the genital area, but in most cases do not represent a disease value. In such cases, simple hygienic measures usually help to quickly relieve pimples and blackheads. However, if the pimples are not relieved and they may actually enlarge, harden or even become inflamed, more intensive treatment should definitely be considered. Failure to treat such cases can lead to painful inflammation and the spread of bacteria throughout the body.

Blockages of sebum glands are not always avoidable. Excessive production of sebum within the sebum glands can be increased by very large sebum glands or by increased perspiration. In addition, a hormonal imbalance, stress or an unhealthy lifestyle are possible factors that can promote blockage of sebum glands.

In the case of enlarged, painful, hardened and inflamed pimples, gentle cleaning agents should be used first. Various ointments can improve this. These are supposed to help soften the skin and at the same time have a disinfectant effect. In some cases, a zinc ointment is also recommended. If there is no improvement, drug treatment can also be resorted to in severe cases. However, this should only be done in consultation with a doctor. Nicotine and alcohol should be avoided for quick relief.

What to do if the sebum is blocked Find out more about this here.

The nodules

Clogged sebum glands can lead to blackheads or pimples. If these remain untreated or if the glandular blockages last longer than average, small to medium-sized, firm nodules can develop from the pimples or the sebum glands that have built up in secretions. These are at great risk of igniting in the further course and therefore harbor the risk of a reaction from the whole body.

In such a case, treatment should therefore be started under all circumstances. This usually consists of first treating the hardened lumps with your own home remedies, such as chamomile baths and ointments. If there is no improvement after these treatments, a doctor should be consulted now at the latest. In consultation with them, drug therapy can then possibly be initiated.

In very few cases, nodules in the area of ​​the labia can also be caused by other, possibly malignant diseases. In the case of persistent, stubborn lumps, a doctor should be consulted under all circumstances. Nicotine, alcohol and stress should be avoided as far as possible for quick relief.

The inflammation

Sebum glands can be found all over the body - including the labia. Just like the rest of the body, blockages of the sebum glands can also occur on the labia. If a duct of a sebum gland is blocked for a long time, the sebum can build up back into the sebum gland, causing pimples filled with pus. In most cases, these pimples are completely harmless and will heal on their own. However, if bacteria penetrate or excessively long accumulation of secretion occurs, inflammation of the sebum glands on the labia may occur. In this case, the pimples and their surroundings may turn slightly reddish in color, be painful and heated.

In the case of the above symptoms of an inflamed sebum gland, a doctor should be consulted in any case, as the inflammation can spread to other parts of the body in rare cases. In addition, specific drug therapy may be required for inflamed sebum glands, which should be discussed with your doctor. In severe cases, it may be necessary to empty the inflamed sebum gland under local anesthesia. In these cases, see your gynecologist or your family doctor.

Also read the article: The sebum inflammation.

What home remedies can help?

Pimples on the labia are not uncommon. Although you want to get rid of the pimples as quickly as possible, squeezing the pimples should be avoided, as this can further worsen the inflammation.

Daily intimate hygiene is very important to treat and prevent pimples in the area of ​​the labia. This removes excess sebum, possible pathogens or other foreign bodies in the genital area and thus keeps the excretory ducts of the sebum glands free. When it comes to intimate hygiene, care should be taken not to use any products with perfume. Typical home remedies for pimples in the genital area are also a chamomile bath or coarse-grain peelings. In general, however, you should not overdo intimate hygiene, as this can also be harmful to the skin.

The intimate shave should be avoided for a while if there are more pimples. Tight-fitting clothing or clothing made of synthetic material can also promote the formation of pimples and should be avoided initially.

How to express the sebum glands on the labia

As a general rule, you should avoid squeezing pimples on the labia. By expressing pimples, the duct of the sebum and the sebum itself come into contact with the external environment. As a result, external pathogens can increasingly penetrate the interior of the gland and thus cause inflammation. Inflammation of a sebum gland can, in severe cases, affect the whole body.

If no home remedy improves the pimples on the labia, a doctor should be consulted, who can then arrange for a targeted opening and emptying of clogged sebum glands if necessary. It should always be ensured that the area around the pimple is disinfected as well as possible and that it is safely covered again after emptying. It must be avoided under all circumstances that external pathogens enter the wound.