Pimple in vaginal area: Causes, and How to Prevent Them

"Do you have pimple in vaginal area?" This might sound like a very private question, but your answer could say a lot about your health and hygiene.

Well, vaginal pimples are harmless occurrences, yet they can be uncomfortable and annoying. Clogged pores and improper shaving or waxing practices primarily cause them. Their existence can also signal potential infections and allergies. Just because female genitals are highly sensitive, it is common to be concerned about these abnormal growths.

This blog can tell you the potential causes of vaginal pimples, home remedies to prevent them, and available treatment options to manage them. Along with it, we will also learn if these bumps are not vaginal pimples, what else they could be.

So, let’s keep on reading!

Common Causes of Pimples on the Vaginal Area

The common causes of vaginal pimples may include:

Irritants and allergens

A primary cause of bumps that resemble pimples in the vaginal area can be due to contact dermatitis. It is a medical term for skin irritation that causes allergies from fragranced condoms, sanitary pads, soaps, or even douches.

Shaving/Waxing

Shaving or waxing can be another reason for pimple-like bumps in the female genitals. This can happen when shaving or waxing irritates hair follicles, leading to ingrown hairs. This can contribute to the development of redness, painful bumps, or infected follicles that are often filled with pus. The condition is medically denoted as vaginal folliculitis or razor bumps.

Friction

Friction from tight clothes can be one of the significant reasons for pimple on vaginal area. Tight fabrics can trap sweat and heat in the groin area by blocking hair follicles. This leads to bacterial growth, thereby developing a pimple on the private parts. Infected hair follicles causing vaginal pimples are medically denoted as vaginal folliculitis.

Clogged Pores

Clogged or blocked pores can easily cause red, itchy bumps in the vagina area. When the sweat, oil, or dead skin is blocked in the private parts, it can contribute to the development of pimple-like bumps in the vaginal area.

Infections

Boils from deep bacterial infection or some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also develop bumps that look like pimples in the genital area. Even though both sound similar, the key differentiators may include:

• Boils are usually harmless. They are often painful, red, and pus-filled.
• Whereas, STI bumps are blisters and painless sores, sometimes appearing in clusters. They usually come with accompanying symptoms like fever and flu. This medical condition predominantly needs a medical diagnosis for further treatment.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Many women might have noticed pimples on their faces when their menstrual cycle is approaching. Similar to that, menstrual cycles can also trigger pimples in the genital area. This happens due to the hormone fluctuations at this particular phase. These pimples are generally temporary and can subside on their own.

What Else Could Vaginal Pimples Be?

Apart from folliculitis and contact dermatitis, pimples that are actually cysts, warts or growths can be caused by:

Cysts & Growths

Bartholin's Cyst

Bartholin's cysts are generally pimple on vaginal lip near one side of its opening. They are often painless at first. However, it can become large and very painful if infected. Even though warm soaks can help drain the small lumps, large ones need medical attention, especially if they are painful and persistent.

Skin Tags

Skin tags in the genital area can sometimes appear to be pimples. They are just a small flap of tissue, which is generally harmless. However, visiting a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis is important to rule out other infections that resemble skin tags.

Vaginal Cysts

Vaginal cysts are often fluid-filled sacs. They are usually harmless and painless unless infected. These cysts commonly arise from Bartholin's cysts (near the opening), Müllerian cysts (from reproductive tract tissue remnants), inclusion cysts (from injury), Gartner's duct cysts (from leftover embryonic ducts), and sometimes endometriomas (from tissue remnants or blocked glands).

Infections (STIs & Others)

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a type of bump caused by a viral infection. These bumps can usually appear anywhere on the skin, including the vaginal area. They are often small and flesh-coloured to pearly-white with a central dimple. Though the condition is contagious, it can be managed without treatment.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is painful red bumps or blisters that appear on the genitals or anus. They generally come and go on their own. Though it is an acute condition, it can be managed with treatment to lessen outbreaks. This contagious condition typically has mild or no symptoms.

Genital Warts

A genital wart is often misunderstood for a vaginal pimple. They can come either singly or clustered. They usually appear to be pink or flesh-coloured. These warts are primarily caused by one of the common STIs called human papillomavirus (HPV). Though the condition is contagious, it can be managed effectively.

Medical Treatment Options for a Pimple on the Vaginal Area

The majority of vaginal pimples can go away on their own. Yet, the persistent and painful bumps may require proper medical guidance. The common vaginal pimple treatment prescribed by the professional may include:

Topical Antibiotics

For infected vaginal pimples, your healthcare provider may prescribe topical antibiotics like clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid. These can help with inflammation and clear clogged pores. While bacitracin ointment may sometimes be recommended for boils after draining.

Oral Medications

Oral medications for vaginal pimples often include antibiotics (like doxycycline, minocycline) and hormonal contraceptive pills (like estrogen-containing birth control pills or spironolactone). They may be prescribed when the condition is severe or to treat an underlying condition like hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). These medications generally help reduce inflammation and bacterial growth.

Antihistamines

In cases of contact dermatitis, oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may be prescribed. This helps to reduce the itching sensation. Sometimes, stronger options like doxepin may be prescribed when the condition is severe. Topical hydrocortisone may also be recommended to soothe the infected area.

Other Treatments

When it comes to pimples on private parts female treatment, your healthcare provider may prescribe specific options like antibiotics for bacterial infections and STIs. For infected cysts and growths, procedures like incision and drainage (I&D) or marsupialisation may be recommended. In cases of large and suspicious growths, surgical excision might be used.

Note: I&D is generally used for quick relief, whereas marsupialisation is used for recurring issues.

Home Remedies to Treat a Pimple on the Vaginal Area

The following can help with treating minor pimples on private parts female home remedies ointment:

Warm Compress

Applying 10 to 15 minutes of a warm, damp cloth on the bump helps to soothe the soreness. In cases of boils, it can help to drain them. You can repeat it several times a day for better results.

Sitz Baths

Taking a sitz bath in the warm water can also help relieve the itching and discomfort caused by the vaginal pimples. You can do this with or without Epsom salt.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is well-known for its antibacterial properties. Diluting a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, can greatly help to reduce inflammation and bacterial/fungal effects.

Aloe Vera

Applying aloe vera gel is one of the best soothing options for cyst pimples on private parts female home remedies. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera can help reduce inflammation and redness.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a flowering plant, widely used for treating irritations and acne. It has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat pimples on the private parts.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another natural moisturiser with antibacterial properties. Using it sparingly can help to soothe the infected area and relieve itchiness and redness. It also supports the healing process of mild vaginal pimple-like bumps.

Home Remedies to Prevent Pimples on the Vaginal Area

• Change sweaty clothes immediately, especially after activities like workouts and cycling.
• Avoid being in wet clothes.
• Dry the vaginal area completely before changing clothes.
• Do not wear tight or synthetic underwear. Prefer to choose cotton, breathable underwear.
• Shave carefully. Always ensure to use clean razors. Use creams and moisturisers to avoid irritation.
• Skip the usage of fragranced products, including soaps and sanitary pads.
• Avoid using too much hot water while showering.
• Avoid popping or pricking the pimple. It can worsen the infection and scarring.

When to Seek Medical Help?

• If the vaginal acne doesn’t go away with home remedies.
• If it’s becoming large and painful.
• If it’s filled with pus.
• If you notice accompanying symptoms like fever along with the pimple.
• If it’s spreading to other parts.
• If you want to confirm whether it’s a pimple, wart, or cyst.
• If you want to confirm its underlying cause.
• If you notice sudden changes in its appearance.
• If you notice bleeding or unusual discharge from the vaginal acne.

Note: Remember not to squeeze or prick the pimple.

Summary

Pimples on private parts female are common occurrences. Though they are harmless, they can be uncomfortable and annoying. Simple home remedies can vastly help to manage the condition. If they do not go away with home remedies or are unsure of what to do after noticing pimples on the vaginal area, seeking medical help is highly recommended. A professional from a facility like Aval Clinics can greatly help you figure out the actual cause with healthy outcomes.

Above all, talk to your healthcare provider for any guidance.

If you still have any concerns, having a consultation with experts at Aval Clinics is recommended. They can guide you.

Contact us today for expert advice and personalized care:

• 📞 Call us at 80047 80048
• 📅 Book an appointment here