The outer labia are generally the same color as the skin or slightly darker, functional OB/GYN Wendie Trubow, M.D., says. The inner labia might be pink, while others might be reddish, brown, or purple in color. “If someone has vitiligo and it impacts the vagina, that would cause the person not to have any pigmentation on their labia, and it would be white,” Trubow adds.
The labia could undergo slight variations in color for different reasons. “Some people may notice that the labia may become a little redder or larger in appearance when aroused because of the increase in blood supply,” Irobunda explains. That’s perfectly normal and shouldn’t be cause for concern.
However, irritation from fragrances may also lead to a redness or darkening of the labia, Irobunda tells mbg. If that occurs, stop using products with fragrance, including scented body wash, scented tampons, and even scented laundry detergent, and consult with a gynecologist.
“The vagina itself is usually a medium to dark pinkish-red,” Durrett says. If it’s a vibrant, bright red, that’s typically a sign of inflammation, she adds.