Pimples on Labia: Causes, How to Prevent & Treatment of Vaginal Pimples
Your genital area is one of the most sensitive ones in your body and so it is very easy to notice any discomfort down there even when you don’t see it on a regular basis. Pimples on your labia can resemble normal pimples but can be more uncomfortable than usual. And even though they are usually not a sign of anything serious, you may want to identify the cause and get it treated as soon as possible.
What are the probable causes of pimples on your labia?
The bumps are technically not pimples but are often referred to as so because of how they look. There can be a few main reasons why you see them pop up around this area and they can include:
- Contact dermatitis - Sometimes, chemicals from hygiene products like soaps, pads, tampons, detergents, bubble baths, condoms or even your own urine, perspiration or discharge can cause contact dermatitis, which causes itchy or painful bumps on your labia.
- 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 - You should never try to pop the pimples as this can further irritate your condition and spread the bacteria around, causing your pimples to grow in number. Instead, wait for them to shrink on their own or visit a doctor if it bothers you too much.
- 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?
Usually, the bumps are a result of your lifestyle choices like tight underwear, shaving, using chemical-laden products, etc. In order to prevent them, you should keep your underwear cotton, loose, comfortable and dry. You should shave in the direction of hair growth to prevent razor bumps and always refrain from using products on your genital area that have soap or scents. Also, avoid showering right after you sweat a lot.
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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