Pimples can often appear around the outer part of the female genitalia (thevulva).
Causes of Vaginal Pimples
Pimples on female genitalia occur when pores get clogged.
This can be brought on by hormonal changes.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
It can also be resulting from external factors, such as skin irritation from allergens or friction.
True vaginal pimples are likepimpleselsewhere on the body.
They form when dirt, sweat, and/or bacteria build up inside a pore, causing inflammation.
Vaginal pimples are usually small, red bumps, often with a white dot at the tip.
Sometimes they can be dark at the tip or red all the way through.
Some vaginal pimples may be full of pus, or swollen and painful.
So can irritation from lubricant or other body fluids.
Is It Safe to Pop Labial Pimples?
It is not recommended topop pimplesin the genital area.
Labial pimples are at a greater risk of infection than pimples in other parts of the body.
In addition, popping a labial pimple can be more painful than popping a pimple on other skin tissue.
Theyre not always painful, but that doesnt mean they shouldnt be taken seriously.
They can also be indicators of another condition that requires medical attention.
Ingrown Hairs
Shaving, waxing, and plucking pubic hair is a common cause ofingrown hairs.
Aside from how you groom your hair, certain genetic factors may make you more susceptible.
People with thick hair or tight curls are more prone to developing ingrown hairs.
Vulvar Cysts
Cysts are pocket-like structures filled with fluid that can grow almost anywhere on the body.
The majority of cysts arent cause for worry, but occasionally they can be cancerous or precancerous.
Its always a good idea to have them checked by a medical professional.
Bartholins gland cystsare noncancerous masses that form on either side of the labia.
This throw in of cyst happens when a Bartholins glandwhich is responsible for sexual lubricationbecomes clogged.
This is frequently a result of injury orE. coliinfection.
Some females report experiencing mild discomfort or difficulty urinating.
The true number is likely higher, though, as many vaginal cysts arent reported.
Cysts can form as a result of injury to the vaginal walls during childbirth or surgery.
They can also occur from a gland thats clogged or abenign (noncancerous) tumorin the vaginal lining.
Sometimes the cause cant be pinpointed.
Usually, its discovered when you visit a healthcare provider orgynecologistfor a routine checkup.
These cysts have their origin in embryonic development.
A biopsy may also be ordered to rule out cancer.
Never pick at a cyst or attempt to drain it on your own.
Doing so can lead to infection and scarring.
There may be just one or a whole cluster.
While theyre usually painless, they can become quite itchy.
MC papules tend to be smooth and firm with a dimple in the center.
They can be pink, white, or flesh-colored in appearance.
The infection spreads through sexual or non-sexual skin-to-skin contact.
Its most commonly seen in children, sexually active adults, and people who areimmunocompromised.
Fortunately, MC infections usually resolve within six to nine months.
There are at least 100 different kinds of HPV.
Most are considered relatively harmless.
Others can cause more serious health problems, such ascervical canceror genital warts.
The first HPV vaccine was approved by the FDA in 2006.
It has shown to be 88% effective in protecting against nine strains of cancer-causing HPV.
HPV strains 6 and 11 do not carry a high risk of cervical cancer.
However, they are responsible for 85% to 95% of HPV-related genital warts.
TheHPV vaccineis highly effective in protecting against both of these strains.
In some cases, they develop years later.When they do develop, they sometimes go unnoticed.
They can form in or around the vulva, vagina, or cervix.
Genital warts can vary quite a bit in appearance.
They can be raised or flat, smooth or cauliflower-like in texture.
They can be flesh-colored or lighter, dark purple or brown.
There may just be one or there may be a cluster.
While some people experience no symptoms at all, others can have warts that itch or bleed.
HSVis a lifelong infection with no known cure.
Numbers are on the rise, with more females affected than males.
Genital herpes is mostly resulting from HSV key in 2 and transmitted via penetrative sex.
Therefore, the infection can easily be spread between two sexual partners without either party realizing it.
Females may develop agenital herpes rashon the vulva, inside the vagina, or on the cervix.
Sores tend to be small, clear, filled with fluid, and surrounded by red, irritated skin.
You should also be tested if youve had sex with someone with genital herpes.
A test may also be helpful if youve had multiple sex partners and would like a completeSTI exam.
Fox-Fordyce Disease
Fox-Fordyce disease is an uncommon disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the apocrine sweat glands.
During a flare-up, the apocrine glands become enlarged and inflamed with intensely itchy papules.
Females with this condition often develop multiple, small, firm, and flesh-colored papules on their labia.
Scratching them can result in asecondary infectionof the hair follicles.
Over 90% of those with Fox-Fordyce disease are women.
Researchers arent sure what causes the condition.
However, its clear that hormones and genetics play a role in its development.
Research also suggests that laser hair removal may trigger the condition in some people.
Diagnosis
To diagnose vaginal pimples, your healthcare provider will probably want to examine them.
The provider may be able to diagnose them based on their appearance.
Most diagnoses can be made based on the history and physical exam.
Mostly, it’s important to focus on good hygiene and keeping your skin clean.
Pimples in the genital region typically heal in a few days but can be uncomfortable.
If a pimple doesnt show signs of clearing up in a few days, call your healthcare provider.
This might be anantibiotic, anantihistamine, or even an acne medication.
Understanding the nature of your condition is critical for treating it properly.
For example, using antibiotics kills the skins good bacteria in addition to the bad.
For this reason, only apply topical antibiotic treatments when your healthcare provider advises you to do so.
Topical treatments for MC often include such ingredients ascantharidin, potassium hydroxide, imiquimod, iodine, andsalicylic acid.
Forwarts, Antimitotics (podofilox) is a solution or gel applied topically.
Imiquimod (3.7%) cream is another topical treatment option.
You apply it at bedtime for up to eight weeks.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before using an over-the-counter acne medication to treat vaginal pimples.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two topical agents for the treatment of MC.
Ycanth (cantharidin) is a topical treatment for people aged 2 years and older.
It is applied by a healthcare provider every three weeks until the affected area is cleared.
Warm or Cool Compress
Warm compresses are useful for soothing painful ingrown hairs or cysts.
Cool compresses are better for itchiness.
Just double-check to dry the skin afterward.
Skin Care
When an ingrown hair develops, the first thing you should do is stop shaving.
Usually, this will fix the irritation within a few days.
The symptoms often look similar to other pimples and are treated similarly.
Folliculitis can also be resulting from tight clothing or sweat irritation.
Medical Procedures
For some causes, your healthcare provider may recommend a medical procedure.
Larger cysts, for example, may require surgical drainage.
Only time can resolve HPV entirely.
Discuss the risks involved and come up with a plan together to have safer sex.
Be sure to keep your healthcare provider in the loop about your condition.
Summary
Vaginal bumps could be pimples or could be triggered by another medical condition.
Vaginal pimples occur when the pores in your vulva get clogged.
Your healthcare provider can usually diagnose whether a bump is a pimple or something else based on its appearance.
To help prevent pimples, practice good hygiene and avoid tight clothing.
Prevent bumps triggered by STIs by using condoms and getting regular Pap smears and HPV tests.
Planned Parenthood.Whats that bump?!
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