A labial abscess presents as a firm, very tender, reddened, unilateral mass.

The mass arises from the upper portion of the labia minora, including the clitoral hood. This is in contrast to Bartholin cyst abscesses which arise from the lower (inferior) portion of the labia majora.

Causes include infectious complications of trauma and infected skin glands.

Many of these will drain spontaneously, but a simple incision and drainage procedure will provide dramatic, immediate relief of symptoms. Make the incision through the thinnest portion of the abscess wall, but this will generally be in the inferior, medial aspect of the mass.

In theory, simple I&D should be effective in resolving this problem. A better plan includes antibiotics, particularly if there is evidence of cellulitis. Good choices include any antibiotic with reasonable effectiveness against common skin organisms (amoxicillin, cephalosporins, erythromycin, azithromycin, clindamycin).

Complete resolution of symptoms and restoration of the normal anatomy is the expected outcome.