Pimples on Labia: Causes, How to Prevent & Treatment of Vaginal Pimples
Your genital area is one of the most sensitive parts of your body, making any discomfort immediately noticeable. A pimple on vulva or labia can resemble regular pimples but tends to be more uncomfortable. Whether you notice a pimple inside labia or a whitehead on the outer area, these bumps are usually not a sign of anything serious. However, understanding what causes pimples on vagina can help you identify the issue and get it treated as soon as possible.
What are the probable causes of pimples on your labia?
The bumps on your vulva or labia are technically not pimples but are commonly called that because of their appearance. Understanding what causes pimples on vagina helps you address them effectively. Several factors can cause these bumps, including:
- Contact dermatitis - Chemicals from hygiene products like soaps, pads, tampons, detergents, bubble baths, or condoms can trigger contact dermatitis. Even your own urine, perspiration, or discharge can cause this reaction, leading to itchy or painful bumps that may appear as a whitehead labia or inflamed pimple on vulva.
- Molluscum contagiosum - This is a viral infection caused by sexual or non-sexual contact with an affected person or from anything they used. The growths from molluscum contagiosum are called Mollusca and are usually small, raised and white or the color of your flesh. Sometimes, there can be a pearly appearance with a dimple in the centre and the condition can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to disappear.
- Folliculitis - Often a result of shaving, folliculitis is caused by the hair follicle getting infected as bacteria enters into them, making the hair curl back into the skin, causing irritation and a bump. Other than shaving, this can also be caused by wearing tight underwear or showering right after sweating a lot.
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Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) - Also known as acne inversa, hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin condition that affects the sweat glands and causes bumps from inflammation under the breasts and on the groin. The sores are often filled with pus and they don’t heal easily and leave behind scars.
How do you cure labia pimples?
Usually, if the pimples are caused by minor reasons, then they usually clear up on their own in some time. But if they don’t, you can try a few of the following treatments or visit a doctor if it becomes chronic.
- Avoid irritants - If you notice a particular product or products that are causing irritation and bumps down there, stop using them immediately. Sometimes, synthetic pads or scents in the pads will cause painful rashes and bumps. In those cases, switch to natural pads like the Carmesi Sensitive Sanitary Pads to avoid the issue. Also, if you want to keep your genitals clean but soap irritates your skin, you can switch to Carmesi Intimate Cleanser for a natural and safe wash that causes no irritation.
- Maintain good hygiene - When heat and moisture get trapped in your underwear, it makes it a favorable environment for bacteria to proliferate. Make sure to wash the area with water and a soap-free cleanser every day to keep it clean. Also, try and wear cotton underwear that is not too tight to avoid sweating and irritation.
- Refrain from popping the pimples - Never attempt to pop a pimple inside labia or whitehead on vulva lip, as this can worsen irritation and spread bacteria, causing more bumps to appear. Allow vaginal pimples to heal naturally, or consult a doctor if the discomfort becomes significant.
- Use heat therapy - You can try wet or dry heat compress on the area to soothe the irritation and help the pimples to go down on their own. If you are using a wet compress, make sure to dry the area to avoid further bacterial growth.
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Visit a doctor - If you suspect that your bumps are a result of some skin condition or are becoming chronic, you should visit a doctor to get proper guidance in how to deal with them.
Is there any way to prevent them?
Most cases of pimple on vulva or whitehead labia result from lifestyle factors like tight underwear, improper shaving technique, or chemical-laden products. To prevent a pimple inside labia or other vaginal bumps, wear cotton underwear that's loose, comfortable, and dry. Shave in the direction of hair growth to avoid razor bumps, and never use scented or soap-based products on your genital area. Waiting to shower after excessive sweating also helps prevent pimples on labia.
Can there be other reasons for these bumps?
Sometimes, the bumps can be caused by other serious conditions that require medical attention and these can include:
- Genital warts - A result of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted disease, genital warts can appear singly or in a cluster. It can be easily treated but the bumps can often be mistaken for labia pimples.
- Genital herpes - Another STI, the lesions from genital herpes can often resemble pimples. This disease symptoms can be treated and managed, but never fully cured.
- Bartholin’s cysts - These cysts often occur on one side of the vaginal opening where the Bartholin’s glands are located. The glands can become blocked, giving rise to cysts and can become painful. You should see a doctor if they don’t clear on their own and get them drained professionally.
- Skin tags - Small flaps of tissue can grow harmlessly on the skin and sometimes resemble pimples. They can become irritating in the genital area and can be removed by a doctor.
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