Black Spots on Vagina: Causes, Treatments & More

Let’s be honest: most of us aren’t inspecting our private parts with a magnifying glass. So when a black spot shows up, or finally catches your attention, it can feel like something you didn’t see coming. This discovery often triggers anxiety: Was this always here? Is it dangerous? Why does it look like that? And let’s not even talk about how quickly we end up in a late-night internet spiral, bouncing between forums and dermatology diagrams while doom-scrolling articles.

So let’s slow down, take a deep breath, and talk about it — clearly and without any unnecessary panic. Because black spots on the vulva are surprisingly common. 

What exactly are black spots on the vagina?

First, let’s get the terminology sorted. When we say vagina, what we often mean is the vulva, the outer part of your genitals, including the labia majora and minora. The vagina is the internal canal, and it’s not where you’re spotting these black marks.

The vulva has highly pigmented, delicate skin, kind of like your under-eyes, but way more private. Because of this, colour variations are completely normal. Black or dark spots can be flat or raised, smooth or textured, and range in shade from light brown to deep bluish-black.

Sometimes they’ve been there forever, quietly coexisting with you. Other times, they sneak in with age, hormone shifts, or post-shave trauma. Whether they're dots, smudges, or something in between, knowing what you’re looking at is the first step towards not freaking out.

Are dark spots on the vagina normal?

Just like how you might have freckles on your shoulders or a mole on your cheek, your vulva can also develop dark spots. One of the most common conditions behind these spots is vulvar melanosis, a fancy term for flat, pigmented areas that look a bit like freckles or age spots. These are usually harmless, don’t grow rapidly, and don’t require treatment.

Your skin in that area also reacts to irritation, hormones, and time. So a dark spot doesn’t have to mean something sinister; it might just mean your skin had a moment and kept the receipts. Or rather, your skin reacted to an irritant and retained the pigmentation.

Still, if something is new, itchy, bleeding, or generally showing concerning changes — that’s your cue to get a professional opinion. Vulvar melanosis is common, but it does look a little like melanoma (a serious form of skin cancer), and even dermatologists sometimes need a test to tell the difference.

Causes of black spots in the vaginal area

Let’s talk about where these spots come from and what they might mean.

1. Hormonal causes

From puberty to pregnancy to menopause, hormonal fluctuations can be unpredictable. Oestrogen fluctuations can increase melanin production, leading to darker patches, especially in the inner thigh and genital area.

2. Friction & fabric

Shaving, waxing, rubbing, cycling, tight leggings — your vulva experiences frequent friction and irritation. When irritated, your skin produces more melanin as a defence mechanism. This results in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), where irritated skin produces excess melanin, leaving darker patches.

3. Vulvar melanosis

These are dark, flat spots that don’t hurt, itch, or change much, which are benign and frequently observed. Totally non-threatening and quite common. Most women discover it during a routine exam or a sudden burst of curiosity involving a hand mirror.

4. Angiokeratomas

These small, dark red or purple spots are made of tiny blood vessels. They’re often found on the labia majora and tend to show up with age. Harmless, unless an injury causes them to bleed. They typically require no intervention but there's no harm in getting them checked.

5. Acanthosis nigricans

This velvety, darkening skin condition typically appears in folds like the neck, underarms, and groin. It’s not dangerous, but it can be linked to insulin resistance or metabolic issues. 

6. Skin recovery gone rogue

After healing from conditions such as rashes, infections, or ingrown hairs, the skin may retain darker pigmentation. PIH is especially common in people with melanin-rich skin tones. It can stick around for months, but often fades with time and care.

7. Chronic skin conditions

Things like lichen sclerosus, eczema, or lichen planus can cause changes in pigmentation, especially when left untreated. These may come with other symptoms like itchiness, pain, or skin thinning.

8. Vulvar melanoma

This is the serious one, but thankfully very rare. Signs to watch for include:

• A new, dark spot that changes quickly

• Irregular borders or colour

• Bleeding or pain

9. Premalignant tumours of the vulva

Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia is abnormal cell growth on the vulva that could potentially develop into cancer if left untreated. 

10. Invasive squamous cell carcinoma

Invasive squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that can develop on the vulva or vagina, and in rare cases, it may appear as persistent black or dark spots that grow, bleed, or change over time.

How to remove black spots on your private parts safely

Vaginal spots are common and absolutely normal. But if something’s bothering you, physically or emotionally, and you’ve ruled out medical concerns, there are a few (doctor-approved) things you can try.

1. Get it checked

Before attempting any treatment, get a dermatologist or gynaecologist to look at it. You’ll get clarity, peace of mind, and a treatment path that’s actually safe.

2. Chemical peels

Gentle, professional-grade peels may help reduce pigmentation, but require assessment by a dermatologist familiar with treating intimate areas

3. Laser treatment

Lasers can target pigmentation, but they’re expensive and require a professional to treat intimate areas. They work best on well-defined discolouration, not mystery spots.

4. Lifestyle tweaks that help

• Use fragrance-free, gentle cleansers

• Wear soft, breathable underwear

• Shave less, if it irritates you

• Moisturise with intimate-safe products

5. Avoid the internet’s DIY tips

No lemon juice. No turmeric. No sugar scrubs. No essential oil cocktails. Your vulva requires gentle, medical-grade products designed for sensitive skin, so that you don’t end up with rashes, burns, or worse.

When to see a doctor

You don’t need to wait until it’s bad enough. Concerns about changes in your body are always worth addressing with a healthcare provider. A quick check can offer answers and peace. Let’s make this easy. If the following signs show up, see a doctor. 

• The spot is new, large, or rapidly changing

• Borders are jagged or colours are uneven

• It itches, bleeds, hurts, or you just feel uneasy

• You have a personal/family history of skin cancer

What did we learn?

Your vulva is a living, changing part of your body. And like every other inch of you, it has a history of hormones, habits, healing, and sometimes, spots.

Most dark patches result from normal melanin production in response to hormones or irritation. But if something’s new or changing, it definitely deserves your attention. Your health concerns are valid. Your questions are important. And your comfort matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are black spots on my vagina normal?

Yes. Pigmentation varies widely and is often linked to hormones, irritation, or benign conditions like melanosis.

2. How do I remove dark spots safely?

If it’s bothering you, talk to a doctor. Treatments like prescription creams or lasers may help, but only after a proper diagnosis.

3. Should I worry about cancer?

Very rarely, a black spot could be a sign of melanoma. If it changes quickly or has unusual features, get it checked.