Why do vaginal pimples form?

Few parts of the body are as sensitive as the female genitals, and any changes can cause real panic. Here you will also find a number of tips on how to treat vaginal pimples and prevent new ones. Get proven information and remember – a happy woman is healthy and educated!

What causes vaginal pimples?

The exact cause is not always possible to find, but there are several factors that contribute to the occurrence of pimples on the genitals. Here are some of them:

Contact dermatitis

It is a reaction to something that touches the skin. Genital contact dermatitis can be caused by sensitivity to:

douching
tampons or sanitary pads
over-the-counter spot products
detergent or laundry softeners
foam baths and soaps, especially with fragrances
napkins, deodorants, lotions, powders or perfumes
spermicides, condoms, lubricants or stimulants of sexual arousal

The skin may also have irritation due to:

urine
sperm
sweating
vaginal discharge

Folliculitis

Acne in the genital area can be the result of bacterial infection of the hair follicle. Shaving on the pubis is one of the causes of folliculitis. When the hair begins to grow from the follicle, it first curls back to the skin, causing irritation. In some cases, the hair grows back into the skin (ingrown hair).

Irritation of sensitive skin with a razor during shaving can cause:

burns
bumps
blisters
pimples

Hidradenitis

Hidradenitis, also called inverse acne, is a chronic sweat gland disease that causes pimple-like rashes all over the body, including the vulva’s area.

The cause of this rare disease has not been found, there are treatments that alleviate the symptoms, but there is currently no cure.

Contagious molluscum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that can cause acne on any part of the body, including the genitals. Treatment is not always necessary, but there are topical remedies and pills available if needed. If necessary, a doctor can also remove pimples.

Is it safe to squeeze pimples?

It is better not to try to squeeze a pimple in the vaginal area if it is present. This can spread bacteria and cause an infection, which only causes irritation. So most likely it will only get worse.

A pimple can turn into a boil if it fills with pus and continues to grow for several days. As it grows, pimples often become painful.

Never try to squeeze a pimple that is located near the genitals. Most likely, it will open on its own. The right thing to do is to contact your doctor and let him help you open the boil in such a way as to prevent infection.

How are pimples in the vaginal area usually treated?

Pimples that occur due to minor irritation usually goes away on its own. If the rash does not heal, it is a reason to consult a doctor.

Topical remedies can treat pimples caused by contact dermatitis. And antihistamines will help if you have severe allergies.

If you have contact dermatitis, the first thing to do is to determine the factor that causes it. You will know what substances to avoid in the future. In order to understand the cause of the rash, you must first limit the contact of the intimate area skin with all possible irritants. Then, alternately introduce the use of substances one by one in order to find out which one causes the problem.

Pimples caused by ingrown hairs usually goes away on its own. Early diagnosis and treatment of hidradenitis can prevent unwanted consequences. For molluscum contagiosum, treatment is not always necessary, if the rash does not go away on its own, your doctor will prescribe topical or oral medications.

If you are not sure what exactly causes pimples, refrain from over-the-counter medications and visit your doctor.

What else could it be?

Some formations appear to be pimples, but in fact they are cysts, warts or other growths:

Bartholin cysts usually occur on one side of the vaginal entrance. If the cyst does not go away within a few days or causes pain, consult your doctor. Large cysts may need to be drained.
Vesicles during genital herpes may look like pimples. They appear around the vagina, vulva and anus. It is important to treat genital herpes and avoid sexual contact during its exacerbation.
Vulvar condylomas often look like pimples. You can have one condyloma or a cluster of them. The cause of condyloma formation is the human papillomavirus, the reliable prevention of which is timely vaccination.
Moles on the skin may also look like pimples, but they are only small areas of tissue that do not pose a threat to health. However, moles in the vulva area can cause irritation. Your doctor may suggest removing them.

Prognosis

In most cases, pimples go away on its own or after treatment within a few weeks. Your doctor will be better able to tell you what to expect.

You may need to make adjustments to your personal hygiene regimen to prevent acne from recurring.

Tips for prevention:

Try not to touch pimples too often;
Avoid tight clothing that can cause friction;
Avoid hot water when bathing or showering;
Avoid taking bubble baths and scented hygiene products;
Choose underwear made of cotton, not synthetic materials;
Use only high-quality products for intimate hygiene, for example Woman in Love;
Avoid shaving with a razor as it can cause severe irritation of the skin around the vulva.

If you have any atypical bumps or growths in the genital area, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis.

More about your health and body is in the courses: A girl becomes a woman, All about you. What it’s like to be a Woman, All about you 35+.

I’m eager to file all of these courses in English, just send me a request to dr.silinaeducation@gmail.com

You can always choose your doctor at the Lior Medical Center.

💗 to all

Sincerely, your Natalia Silina,
doctor of gynecologist-endocrinologist,
UNICEF and UNFPA expert on sexuality education