Vaginal Pimples

Many women are affected by vaginal pimples. This is a common condition that several factors can cause.

Although irritating and uncomfortable, vaginal pimples aren’t considered severe in many cases. They are also similar to pimples that affect other parts of the body.

Vaginal pimples have varying characteristics and sizes. For instance, they may be clustered or separated, painful or painless, red or flesh-colored, burning, or itchy.

Please continue reading to learn more about the cause, treatment, and preventive methods of vaginal pimples.

Causes of vaginal pimples

It is still unclear what triggers vaginal pimples. Notwithstanding, there are few suspected reasons, and some of them include:

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is characterized as a type of eczema triggered by skin contact with an irritant or an allergen. Many reports of vaginal pimples are caused by contact dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis in the genital region may be caused by sensitivity to the following:

  • Urine
  • Perspiration
  • Semen
  • Tampons or sanitary pads
  • Douches
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Lubricants, condoms, spermicides, or sexual stimulants
  • Detergents and dryer sheets
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Gels and medicated lotions
  • Feminine lotions, gels, powders, wipes, deodorants, and perfumes

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is another common cause of vaginal pimples. This can be caused by infection of the hair follicle caused by bacteria.

Women who shave their pubic hair can quickly develop folliculitis. Irritation is said to occur when hair growing out curls inwards in the skin. This is commonly known as ingrown hair.

Folliculitis can be a result of some of the following:

  • Bumps
  • Shaving
  • Blisters
  • Razor burns
  • Pimples
  • Irritation caused by clothing rubbing off the skin
  • Infected wound or cut
  • Dirty pool or hot tub
  • Blocked follicles

Acne inversa (Hidrandenitis suppurativa)

Also referred to as hidradenitis suppurativa, acne inversa is a severe inflammatory skin infection that targets the sweat glands under the breasts and the vaginal area.

About 4% of people are affected by Hidradenitis Supparativa. The condition is characterized by sores and spots that have pus in them. Unfortunately, H.S doesn’t heal quickly and may also leave scars.

Molluscum contagiosum

This is a viral infection that displays as lesions. They can appear on any part of the body, including the genital area. Mollusca, which are the growth of M.C, are generally raised, small, and white or flesh-colored.

The CDC advises that it usually takes 6 to 12 months for molluscum contagiosum to clear off. Nonetheless, it can take up to 4 years before it clears completely.

Treatment of M.C isn’t always necessary, but it can be managed with oral or topical medication. In severe cases, your health care provider may have the pimples removed surgically.

Is popping vaginal pimple safe?

Popping vaginal pimples isn’t the best treatment option. This can cause bacteria to spread, which may lead to chronic infection.

Affected individuals can worsen their condition if they continue disturbing the pimples. Popping a vaginal pimple can turn it into a boil if it contains pus.

Make an appointment with your doctor if the pain, itchy, or burning sensation becomes unbearable.

Treatment

Vaginal pimples usually disappear on their own. However, if this isn’t the case, treatment options may include:

Considering the cause

Suppose you determine that the cause of the irritation is a product you are using; it is advisable to stop immediately. You can discuss healthier alternatives with your doctor.

Maintain a record of the condition and any activities, products, or other factors that affect the genital area. Some of these factors may include hot tub usage and shaving products.

Women with vaginal pimples or who are at the risk of getting infected should do away with products that can contact the genital area. These products may include laundry detergents, lubricants, or spermicides.

These products can be slowly re-introduced once symptoms improve. Ensure to see your doctor for professional advice.

Eliminate irritants

Avoid using products or stop activities that can inspire infection as soon as you’ve identified the cause of irritation.

It is imperative that you only use adequately treated pools, a clean hot tub, and a new blade. It would be best if you also avoided dry-shaving.

Maintain a healthy hygiene

Bacteria and several micro-organisms survive in areas of the genitals that have moisture and warmth.

It helps to keep the affected area clean. You can use warm water and unperfumed soaps. Avoid the use of strong cleaning products in the vagina. Using harsh products to wash up can cause an unbalance in the pH level, which can cause vaginal infection.

Opt for cotton underwear and loose clothing that helps the skin to breathe. Have quick showers when you sweat and avoid apparels that trap moisture and heat.

Routinely have your sanitary pads or tampons changed during menstruation. Additionally, a convenient alternative to sanitary pads and tampons is menstrual cups.

Heat therapy

A warm compress is an excellent way to manage pain and itching caused by vagina pimples. Have a towel soaked in warm water, squeeze, and place on the affected area. Repeat as often as you can.

Don’t forget to dry up before getting dressed. This helps to inhibit bacterial growth.

Medication

Make an appointment with your doctor and discuss possible medications to tackle vaginal pimples. If the root cause is contact dermatitis, antihistamines or topical medications may be administered.

To keep symptoms of acne inversa under control, early diagnosis is advised. While acne inversa often disappears without treatment, your doctor may prescribe medication for persistent cases.

Other complications

There are many other factors and health conditions that can cause bumps similar to vaginal pimples.

These conditions include:

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

One of the major causes of vaginal bumps is sexually transmitted infections. Two very common STIs that can cause irritating bumps around the vagina include genital herpes and genital warts.

Genital herpes

People with genital herpes usually experience painful and itchy discomfort around their genitals. This is caused by HSV (herpes simplex virus).

Genital herpes, although very contagious, can remain dormant in the body. Unfortunately, the herpes simplex virus can’t be removed once a person is infected. Nonetheless, symptoms of genital herpes can be controlled using medication.

Medications can also be taken to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others and minimize flare-ups. You can also reduce the chance of transmission by using condoms with your partner.

Genital warts

These are tiny, flesh-colored bumps that affect the genital area. They affect women more than men, and the virus responsible is known as the human papillomavirus.

No treatment is required if an affected person feels no discomfort. However, surgery or medications can be administered to help deal with possible outbreaks.

The downside is that an affected individual may experience further outbreaks since there is no sure way of clearing the virus out of the body.

It is strongly advised that women should get the HPV vaccine before actively engaging in sex. This helps to prevent the infection of genital warts.

Skin tags

These are small flaps or growths of excess tissue found on the skin. Although not considered dangerous, many people find them very discomforting and would prefer to have them removed.

Bartholin’s cysts

Bartholin’s glands can be found on each side of the vagina. Cysts are formed when these glands become blocked. Amazingly, they are usually painless, and no treatment is needed.

Notwithstanding, if infected, the affected area can become inflamed and full of pus. This usually requires immediate medical attention. Treatment may include medication such as antibiotics.

Vaginal varicosities

These are characterized by blue bumps that affect women as they age. They are commonly found around the vulva and the vagina. You can see them as swollen veins, similar to hemorrhoids.

Discomforts aren’t uncommon but can be managed using cool compresses. Affected women should consult with their doctor concerning treatment. The condition goes away on its own in some cases.

Seeing a doctor

Consulting with a medical doctor for treatment and advice is strongly recommended. This is especially important if the vaginal pimples persist, if the cause is unknown, or if they worsen.

Prevention

Some standard routines can be adopted to help prevent vaginal pimples, including:

  • Reduce or avoid contact with irritants
  • Treating medical complications that may cause pimples
  • Practice healthy personal hygiene
  • Avoid squeezing or touching existing pimples
  • Wear loose-fitting clothes and cotton underwears

Painful, pus-filled bumps can be drained and tended to by a doctor. Several cases of vaginal pimples usually clear up when treatment is administered or on their own.

Lifestyle changes can equally help to prevent further outbreaks.

Reference;

Vaginal Pimples – Medicalnewstoday