Painful pimple on the labia minora. Why do pimples appear on the labia and what to do?

Unpleasant formations

Pimples on the vagina look similar to regular rashes that can appear on other parts of the body. They can be large and small, painful and painless, burning, purulent, and so on. This problem is not uncommon. Rashes of this kind are often symptoms of various pathologies, including oncology.

For every woman, such inconveniences cause severe discomfort. Firstly, from the outside the phenomenon is ugly. Secondly, inflamed pimples cause pain when pressed.

The female body has a complex system of self-regulation. That is why even minor violations can cause rashes and inflammation. The female genital organs are very sensitive to external influences. The infection can “await” everywhere: in a public pool, on the beach, if personal hygiene rules are not followed. It is for this reason that various types of rashes and pimples on the vagina often appear on the mucous membrane. Possible reasons are the development of an infectious disease. However, not always.

Genital herpes

Refers to the most common representative of sexually transmitted diseases. A characteristic feature is the appearance of “bubbles” on the genitals and sometimes on the lips. The lesion occurs very quickly and causes itching and severe burning. Gradually, purulent contents come to the surface, ulcers form, which heal over time. It is impossible to completely cure this disease; it can only be suppressed with antiviral drugs.

READ ALSO: How to cure acne and pimples on the back?

Syphilis is the most serious sexually transmitted disease, which can be “caught” both during sexual intercourse and through everyday life. The danger is that the disease manifests itself only several months after infection. Fever, weakness, sore throat appear, and purulent pimples form on the mucous membranes of the genitals. Treatment is carried out with antibiotics, the course depends on the severity of the disease.

Pimples on the vagina: causes

Rashes and acne can be caused by various factors. Often such changes appear for the following reasons:

If personal hygiene is not observed (especially when using unsuitable detergents and gels).
With frequent cleansing of the vagina (douching disrupts the microflora and causes an inflammatory process).
When wearing tight synthetic underwear. This injures the mucous membrane and causes sweating. The result is the appearance of bacteria and acne.
With the physiological characteristics of thin mucous skin, which causes blockage of the ducts of the sebaceous glands.
If you have an allergic reaction to fabric, shower gel or washing powder.
When hair is removed inaccurately, the hair follicles become inflamed.
In case of hypothermia or overheating of the genital organs.
After childbirth or surgery.

Inflammatory rashes in and around the vagina can be caused by health problems and bacterial infections:

improper diet (with an abundance of fatty and spicy foods);
decreased immunity;
frequent stress, overwork and lack of sleep;
autoimmune diseases;
hormonal imbalance (during puberty, pregnancy or menopause);
various infections that are sexually transmitted: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis;
a pimple may result from staphylococcus entering the vagina;
candidiasis (thrush);
vaginal cyst;
inflammation of the Bartholin gland externally manifests itself as an inflamed pimple.

The specific treatment directly depends on the cause of the appearance of characteristic inflammatory acne on the vagina. Only a doctor can determine the cause and diagnosis.

Fordyce granules

It is not a disease and does not require treatment. Fordyce granules are a feature of the body in which the sebaceous glands are closer to the patient's dermis layer than in other people. In appearance, these are micro acne, when pressed, a white thick substance, subcutaneous fat, is released. This is purely a cosmetic defect. Occurs during puberty in adolescents. It is possible to remove such defects, but it makes no sense. Because in 85% of cases the effect returns. Such rashes do not cause harm. Not transmitted by any type of communication. A proven method of combating, although not 100% effective, is jojoba oil, as well as Vesanoid cream.

Viral diseases

Often the appearance of acne and rashes on the female genital organs is associated with the development of a viral infection. The most common causes of infectious diseases: genital herpes, papilloma virus, molluscum contagiosum. Let's take a closer look at each reason.

The herpes virus enters the body through the mucous membrane and settles on nerve fibers for the rest of life. This virus may never appear, but it is often what causes small pimples to appear on the vagina. Associated symptoms: severe itching, burning and tingling. White pimples on the vagina with transparent pus can appear both on the vagina itself and at the entrance to it: on the labia and perineum. Herpes is transmitted sexually. Treatment of the virus is difficult.

The human papillomavirus occurs in almost every second woman who is sexually active. This virus appears as small flesh-colored pimples with a sharp tip. They are quite difficult to treat. They usually appear at the entrance to the vagina, so they are constantly injured. The papilloma virus can cause the development of cancer.

Molluscum contagiosum is a complex, dangerous viral disease. Purulent acne on the vagina appears in the vagina and labia.

Types of rashes

As you know, rashes are different and differ in the content that fills the pimple. Often, acne occurs with pus and water.

Pimples also differ from each other in color. You may notice inflamed pimples that are bright red in color. This suggests that the inflammation process is at its peak. You may notice yellow pimples, the contents of which consist of pus.

It often happens that the skin is accompanied by painful sensations when pressed, but there are no visible changes on the skin. This indicates that the pimple is of a subcutaneous type. This type of acne is painful.

There are seals on the skin, and removing a pimple will require quite a bit of effort. The seal on the skin prevents the contents from coming out, which often turn out to be purulent.

White pimples on the labia

Small white pimples on the labia minora are a common occurrence today.

Among white pimples, there are two types of rashes:

similar in appearance to goose skin;
having a white head with purulent contents.

White pimples, which resemble goose bumps in appearance, can pop up due to a large accumulation of cells that are considered dead. These cells belong directly to the epidermis. The accumulation of cells is often concentrated near the hair follicles or on the inside of the mucous membrane.

Due to the appearance of pimples, the skin becomes rough, hard, and rough. To get rid of pimples, it is enough to ensure the necessary hygiene and also treat the area of rough skin with a washcloth.

Causes:

Frequent shaving. This often happens when the method of hair removal is chosen using a razor. When using a razor, it is very easy to damage not only the skin, but also the hairs on the skin. When damaged, microbes can easily penetrate into the epidermis, which causes the inflammatory process to begin, resulting in a rash of pimples. Due to frequent depilation, hairs become quite thin. This is, of course, an advantage, but still such hair cannot grow outward and grows into the skin. Ingrown hairs also contribute to inevitable inflammatory processes.
Synthetic underwear. Today in lingerie stores you can see a large assortment, which, unfortunately, is offered from non-breathable fabric called synthetics. Synthetic underwear is the first reason why inflammatory processes occur. Due to synthetic fabric, the skin begins to sweat, thereby creating a favorable environment for the development of bacteria.
Hypothermia of the body. In such situations, the immune system is compromised. After all, first of all, the level of immunity decreases, which subsequently causes bacterial activity, accompanied by the formation of pimples.
Venereal and infectious diseases. When diagnosing diseases of an infectious nature, as well as sexually transmitted diseases, processes of inflammation and the appearance of pimples may develop.

Subcutaneous pimples on the labia

Subcutaneous acne is another type of rash that often worries women.
Being under the skin, such pimples accumulate a large amount of pus and are dense. When you press on the place where the pimple has formed under the skin, you may feel pain.

This type of pimple can be identified by compaction in the skin.

Many people try to get rid of this type of acne on their own. This is not worth doing.

Firstly, it is very easy to introduce an infection into an already inflammatory process with your hands. Secondly, it will not be possible to completely remove such a pimple.

It is best to leave the pimple and not touch it yourself. After all, this is also dangerous because this type of pimple can develop into a boil, the removal of which cannot be done without medical intervention. If such a pimple bothers you for a long time and the exacerbation does not go away on its own, then it is better to consult a doctor.

Red pimples

Often, women confuse red pimples and rashes. If a rash appears on the skin, then it does not pose a threat. A red rash can occur due to hormonal changes, as well as during pregnancy, as well as during puberty and menopause.

If red pimples form, this can cause stressful situations. Such rashes, as a rule, go away on their own and do not pose any harm to a woman’s health.

Colds

Due to a cold, acne may also break out. This is due to a reduced level of the immune system. Such rashes do not pose any threat and will disappear on their own as soon as the body returns to its normal state and the level of immunity is restored.

Watery

Watery pimples often occur in women. Many patients do not attach importance to rashes, but in vain. After all, watery-looking pimples can cause genital herpes.

Genital herpes is transmitted from a sexual partner. During the treatment period you should abstain from sexual intercourse. Moreover, diagnosis is necessary, as well as consultation with a doctor.

Causes:

Transitional age. During puberty, every girl faces the problem of pimples. Pimples can appear not only on the face, but also on the genitals. There is an explanation for everything - puberty. Due to hormonal changes, pimples appear in the body. The most important thing is not to remove the rash yourself. This can make the condition worse.
Inflammation. Inflammatory processes are also one of the reasons why pimples appear. The thing is that inflammatory processes manifest themselves quite simply and easily. Inflammations can be due to lack of hygiene, synthetic underwear, excessive sweating, as well as stressful situations and a lowered immune system.
Uncomfortable underwear. Uncomfortable underwear means wearing synthetic underwear. Due to the non-breathable material of the underwear, the skin under the underwear begins to sweat. In this case, favorable conditions are created for the development of bacteria, which subsequently cause inflammatory processes and the eruption of pimples. It is recommended that women choose cotton underwear.
Lack of hygiene. Failure to comply with hygiene rules also leads to the appearance of rashes and pimples. To avoid such problems, it is recommended to wash your face twice a day – morning and evening. It is also necessary to select a gel for intimate hygiene and exclude laundry soap.
STD. This type of rash is the most dangerous of all existing ones. As a rule, with STDs, condylomas, genital herpes, and syphilis can appear. In case of such diseases, you must immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis and complete and effective treatment. With such diseases, pimples appear multiple times and contain water. The big disadvantage of these diseases is their instant spread throughout the genitals.
Papillomas . Papillomas, like condylomas, can begin to spread throughout the entire genital organ. Papillomas look the same as pimples. It is also better to diagnose such rashes by a doctor and achieve effective treatment.

Folliculitis

This is one of the most common causes of vaginal rashes and pimples. This infectious skin disease is an infection of the hair follicles and their inflammation. A follicle is a cavity in the skin from which hair grows.

Folliculitis can occur as a result of:

improper shaving;
ingrown hair;
wearing tight clothing that rubs the skin;
follicles that become blocked by sweat and other skin secretions;
when using contaminated massage baths and swimming pools;
Infected cuts (more often from shaving) spread bacteria to nearby follicles.

Sometimes white pimples appear directly on the vagina. What is this? Look closely at the lesion. If the white pimples are large and inflamed, then it is most likely folliculitis.

Hypothermia

As a result of temperature changes, acne may appear on the vagina. Small pimples are the most harmless consequence of hypothermia. Usually, hypothermia can cause disruption of blood flow to the mucous membrane. Accordingly, it provokes a weakening of the immune system.

As a rule, cold acne goes away on its own, unless it is due to an infection in the vagina. Otherwise, blood poisoning cannot be avoided. It is for this reason that grandmothers complain about their granddaughters for wearing short jackets. Warm underwear and a long jacket are protection against female diseases.

What not to do

Pimples on the genitals should not be squeezed or punctured. But some women do this when a white, purulent pimple pops up. After mechanical impact, the inflamed area swells greatly. As a result, it is impossible to move painlessly.

New growths on the labia with watery contents are the first sign of genital herpes. After squeezing, the number of bubbles on the lips major and minor increases. The woman begins to feel an unbearable tugging pain in the affected area.

Contact dermatitis

This is a disease that is caused by skin contact with external allergens or irritants. Often the appearance of acne on the vagina is due to this very disease. The affected area is the external part of the female genital organs.

Allergens and irritants that provoke the appearance of acne on the vagina:

syringe;
lotions, powders and other feminine hygiene products;
deodorants;
flavored malo or personal care product;
washing powder;
medical gel;
intimate spermicides;
condom;
antiperspirant;
sanitary pad, tampon (especially scented ones);
sperm;
urine.

Contact dermatitis acne is the same type of rash that appears on other parts of the body.

Symptoms

Don't panic right away if a pimple appears on your vagina. It often goes away on its own and does not cause pain. However, there are those rashes that cause pain:

If acne is localized near the vagina. In this case, they are subject to constant injury from underwear or during sexual intercourse. So, an infection penetrates into the wound, thereby causing an inflammatory process.
Pimples, which are located between the anus and vagina, become irritated by the use of harsh toilet paper and also become inflamed.

The main symptoms include burning, itching, and pain. These signs indicate the development of an infectious disease.

For example, herpes is characterized by tingling, itching and painful sensations when touched. Additional symptoms may include a rise in temperature and nagging pain in the vaginal area.

It's time to sound the alarm!

Even a small pimple in the vagina can indicate the development of serious pathologies in the body. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner for examination. It is recommended to pay special attention to the following situations:

pimples on the vagina do not go away within seven days;
swelling and itching appeared;
peeling of the skin occurs;
pimples have watery contents;
the appearance of acne after sexual intercourse;
general health worsens, temperature rises, lymph nodes enlarge;
non-healing ulcers form.

If such signs appear, you should immediately visit a gynecologist, as serious complications may develop.

Types of acne

Various types of acne can form on the genitals of women. The following characteristic rashes appear in and near the vagina:

Small white pimples on the vagina. They usually appear singly or as a rash.
Purulent pimple on the vagina. It usually causes pain.
Large pimples on the vagina. These are reflections of a serious infectious disease (for example, folliculitis).
Small red pimples appear as large rashes and itch.
Small, flesh-colored bumps are subcutaneous pimples; they can be diagnosed by palpation.

Pimples near the vagina are usually not painful.

White pimples in the vagina

Small pimples may contain purulent contents. When the contents are removed, the acne goes away.

White pimples in the vagina can appear for several reasons:

Epilation in the bikini area often leads to skin irritation. Inflammation forms at the site of hair growth, and pimples appear that are filled with a cloudy liquid.
Synthetic underwear. This material does not allow air to pass through, the skin sweats, and irritation appears.
Hypothermia or overheating of the body. This leads to circulatory disorders, local immunity decreases, which facilitates the penetration of bacteria that provoke the development of acne.
STD. Typically, acne due to sexually transmitted diseases is localized near the mucous epithelium. This may be caused by papillomavirus. This phenomenon is dangerous, as in some cases it leads to the development of a cancerous tumor.

HPV manifests itself in the form of warts, papillomas and condylomas, which female representatives often confuse with acne. They are denser to the touch, have an uneven surface, and can be either white or dark in color. Such formations often grow over a short period of time.

4% of people worldwide are diagnosed with hidradenitis, which is a chronic skin condition affecting the sweat glands in the genital and breast areas. With this disease, pimples and spots appear, which over time develop into ulcers with purulent contents. They do not heal for a long time and leave scars behind.

Diagnostics

The manifestation of a serious disease in the vagina can be diagnosed only by examination by a gynecologist. Also, during an external examination, he will be able to determine the type of acne.

However, in some cases it is not possible to immediately determine the cause. In this case, the doctor will test for infections:

vaginal smear, which shows the presence of pathogenic microflora;
blood and urine tests if necessary.

Self-medication and self-diagnosis cannot be practiced.

Bartholinitis

A disease caused by inflammation of the Bartholin gland, which is located at the entrance to the vagina. This gland is responsible for secretion, that is, hydration of the vagina. During moments of inflammation, the ducts of the gland first swell, then, if the secretion cannot be discharged, suppuration begins. With this diagnosis, a woman feels a thickening in the labia area, usually on one side. In some cases, self-rupture of suppuration occurs with the flow of a yellow-green substance with an unpleasant odor of pus.

The disease is diagnosed by a gynecologist after taking a smear from the vagina and cervical canal, a general examination and palpation of the Bartholin gland. In advanced cases, the tumor can exceed five centimeters and be accompanied by pain when walking, sexual intercourse and other physical activities. The causes of bartholinitis are a number of infectious agents:

Microtraumas, a general weakening of the immune system, vitamin deficiencies, inflammation caused by hypothermia, hormonal imbalances leading to inhibition of the function of the gland and, as a consequence, excessive vaginal dryness with the subsequent occurrence of cracks contribute to the entry of infection into the gland.

This disease is treated in an advanced form in a hospital. The abscess is opened surgically, injections of broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed, a course of boosting immunity is also carried out by taking vitamins, physiotherapy, and a course of UHF are prescribed. The treatment process lasts 10 days.

When should you go to the doctor?

Often a woman is lost if she discovers that she has acne or rashes on her vagina. Many people try to get rid of acne on their own. In some cases, this is permitted, especially when the acne does not cause pain.

However, you need to know specific cases when you need to literally run to the doctor:

if the rash does not go away for a week, it intensifies and becomes painful;
if a large painful pimple appears after an intimate relationship;
if the rash is characterized by swelling of the genitals and severe itching;
if typical ulcers, red spots form and the skin begins to peel off;
if your health worsens (high temperature rises, lymph nodes swell);
when vaginal discharge appears.

This is a list of reasons when you need to urgently contact a gynecologist. Otherwise, serious complications cannot be avoided.

How to get rid

Any medications, creams or ointments will be good, but after prior consultation with a dermatologist. The fact is that self-treatment of pimples on the genitals that hurt and itch is pointless. Without preliminary testing, self-medication can only do harm. Any advice from friends and acquaintances will not replace diagnostic measures for an infectious disease existing in the body. Genital acne has many varieties, and the necessary treatment will be more effective after a preliminary examination and a doctor’s opinion.

The doctor’s competence may include advice on adjusting nutrition and using vitamins. In a word, everything that can help get rid of acne on the body.

It is worth knowing that it is not recommended to squeeze out pimples in an intimate place, because there is a reason to introduce an additional infection into the skin. Inflammatory skin disease in the groin area can be cured after complete elimination of the concomitant infection. The only correct recommendation from any doctor when getting rid of acne on the genitals is compliance with hygiene rules and basic cleanliness standards.

Treatment options

Often women try to find out on their own what and how to treat rashes. However, prescribing treatment on your own is extremely dangerous. The specific type of therapy depends on the characteristics of the woman’s body and the type of disease. Therefore, if acne appears on the vagina, treatment can only be prescribed by a doctor after diagnosis. Typically, therapy is complex.

The most commonly prescribed internal medications are:

antihistamines, antibiotics;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and antifungal drugs;
complex of vitamins and immunostimulants;
sedatives: valerian, motherwort, decoction of mint and lemon balm.

The main method of treatment is local. It involves the use of ointments and irrigation solutions.

If the pimple is internal and located inside the vagina, then suppositories and douching are prescribed as treatment:

to relieve itching - hormonal agents;
for washing - antiseptic solutions.

Purulent formations are treated with Vishnevsky ointment or antibacterial ointments. Herpes must be treated with the antiviral drug Acyclovir. In some advanced cases, surgery is required to remove the pus. Molluscum contagiosum and papilloma are treated only with laser therapy or liquid nitrogen.

Molluscum contagiosum

Contagious disease. Occurs in children and adults. In adults it is transmitted sexually and is localized mainly in the intimate area. But formations throughout the body are also possible.

It looks like a papule with a dot in the center; when squeezed out, the mollusk itself comes off, ranging in size from one millimeter to one centimeter.

A very effective method of fighting is cryotherapy, it leaves no marks or scars, and completely solves the problem.

Laser therapy is also very good at eliminating such phenomena. But it is worth noting that in some cases the mollusk goes away on its own. If the mollusk does not disappear for a long time, you should not continue to wait, you need to contact a dermatologist-venereologist. Transmitted through personal items such as sheets and towels. Distributed in persons with a generally weakened immune system.

Since molluscum contagiosum is sexually transmitted, both sexual partners should be treated.

Prevention

The most important preventative method is personal hygiene. It is necessary to wash the genitals daily, using special products for intimate hygiene. It is highly not recommended to use a syringe. This method disrupts the vaginal microflora, causing acne and rashes.

Be sure to purchase comfortable underwear made from natural fabrics. Try not to wear thongs. It is this type of underwear that most often causes infection of the genital organs. When using pads, change them every 3-4 hours. If you experience discomfort or itching in the vagina, consult a doctor immediately. Remember that your health is in your hands. It is much easier to cure a disease at an early stage of its development. Otherwise, untimely treatment causes a number of complex consequences.

Methods for preventing acne in intimate areas

First of all, personal hygiene should be observed. Take a shower regularly and use special products to cleanse intimate areas. Change your underwear daily, choose only high-quality products made from natural materials. If you bought new underwear, be sure to wash it before trying it on. Avoid casual sex. And under no circumstances squeeze pimples.

Self-treatment is only permissible if you are firmly convinced that the pimple is “harmless”. Wash the inflamed area thoroughly with warm water and soap. Twice a day, treat the skin with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, apply Levomekol or Vishnevsky ointment. If after self-treatment for a week you do not notice any results, this is a sure signal that you need to immediately consult a specialist.

We also recommend reading:

Heavy sweating: the causes of this disease Bend of the gallbladder: symptoms and treatment of this disease Celiac disease in children and adults: symptoms and treatment of the disease Causes of flatulence and how to get rid of it?

Hi all! I also got acne in my groin area. At first it was very itchy. Then it turned red on both sides. And I started cauterizing with iodine. The pain was terrible. And one day I couldn’t stand it and went to a private clinic. The doctor examined me and recommended ointment. It's called PIMAFUCORT. After using this ointment the next day, everything began to go away. And on the 3rd day almost everything went away. I thought after such cauterization there would be a red tint left, but this cream miraculously didn’t even have any tints left. Light skin though. Well, in general I can advise. First, burn with iodine for a couple of days, then stop and apply this ointment. I wish everyone a speedy recovery!

Hello, I have pimples on my private parts, well, you can say, but they are not red or white, they are the same color as my skin, but they itch a lot and then sting. What is this? What am I supposed to do? I’m very worried, I’m a 14-year-old teenager, maybe it’s because of my age or not, I don’t know, please help!