Vaginal Boil: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Dealing with a painful bump in your genital area can make it difficult to go about your day. Although these bumps, known as vaginal boils, are usually not serious, they can disrupt your daily routine. 

Knowing what causes vaginal boils, recognising their symptoms, as well as knowing how to manage them, can help you to recover quickly and get back to your normal routine.

What is a vaginal boil?

A vaginal boil, also called a vulvar boil or just a boil, is a pus-filled, swollen lump or pimple that forms on the skin of your outer genital area (the vulva). It occurs when a hair follicle or an oil gland in the area becomes infected.

A vaginal boil typically has four stages:

• Initial stage:

  • It starts forming as a small, pinkish-red bump that may cause itching similar to a pimple or razor burn. 

• Growth:

  • After several days, pus starts filling up the boil to the size of a pea or walnut, making it more painful and swollen.

• Pus development: 

  • As the pus starts growing, the boil becomes more visible, with a white or yellow “head”.

• Drainage and healing:

  • When your boil has lived out its life, it will eventually drain and heal on its own. After recovery, it may leave a scab or scar on the affected area. 

What are the symptoms of a vaginal boil?

Despite its given name, the vaginal boil actually develops on the vulva or the surrounding areas. The primary symptom of a boil is the development of an inflamed, pus-filled bump that feels warm and painful to the touch. It usually grows from an itchy, small bump to a swollen, visible infection that can naturally fade away. 

Besides these primary symptoms, you may also notice:

• Pain while sitting or walking:

  • The swelling and inflammation of a boil can make the affected area more sensitive, bringing discomfort to your normal daily activities and movements. 

• Painful intercourse:

  • The boil can be sensitive to direct contact, so friction from sexual activity may cause pain or discomfort.

• Fever and swollen lymph nodes:

  • If multiple boils form or the infection spreads, you may develop a carbuncle – a cluster of boils that can be accompanied by fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes.

You should see a doctor for a vaginal boil if the boil:

• Becomes extremely painful

• Gets larger, or larger than five centimeters 

• Doesn’t improve after one to two weeks of home care

You should also seek medical attention if you experience signs of a spreading infection, such as fever, chills, or the formation of a red streak leading away from the boil. 

If you notice any painful bumps or swelling in your vulva, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical. Early care can help ease discomfort and prevent the boil from worsening.

What causes a boil to form near my vagina?

A boil near your vagina is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection, often from Staphylococcus aureus (staph). While these bacteria normally live harmlessly on the skin, they can enter a hair follicle or oil gland through a small cut or break in the skin, leading to an infection.

Here are some common causes:

• Ingrown hairs:

  • When hair follicles get stuck under the skin, which can happen with improper hair removal in the pubic area, they can become infected and develop into boils.

• Friction:

  • Tight clothing or repetitive movement (like during sexual activity) can irritate the skin in the vulvar area, creating small cuts where bacteria can enter.

• Blocked sweat glands:

  • Heat and sweat trapped by tight clothing during exercise can create a perfect environment for bacterial growth.

• Poor hygiene:

  • Wearing the same underwear for a long time or not washing them often enough can cause bacteria to grow, which makes infection more likely.

• Minor skin trauma:

  • Small cuts or injuries from shaving, insect bites, or acne can break the skin and allow the bacteria to come in. 

• Hidradenitis suppurativa:

  • When skin rubs together for a long time, such as in armpits or groin, the chronic inflammatory condition hidradenitis suppurativa can occur as painful, boil-like lumps under the skin. 

• Bartholin's cyst or abscess: 

  • When the Bartholin’s glands on each side of the vaginal opening become blocked, a pus-filled cyst may form. 

  • If bacteria enter the cyst, it can develop into a painful abscess that resembles a boil.

What STD can cause boils?

Boils and some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as genital herpes or genital warts, can have the same symptoms, including painful lesions or bumps. Despite this similarity, the causes of the two are different. While STIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi, vaginal boils are commonly caused by a Staphylococcus aureus bacterial infection.

If you’re unsure whether it’s a boil or something else, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical, so you can receive further assessment and a peace of mind.

How is a vaginal boil diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis

Your doctor can usually diagnose a vaginal boil by examining its size, tenderness, and other characteristics. You may also need to undergo other tests in certain circumstances.

• Lab culture:

  • If the boil keeps coming back and doesn’t work well with the treatment, your doctor will take a sample of the pus to identify the specific bacteria. 

• Testing for other conditions:

  • If the boil is suspected to be a symptom of other conditions such as an STI, you should take relevant tests such as STI screening to identify the exact cause. 

Treatment

Treatment approaches depend on the boil's severity, with many minor boils healing on their own with proper home care. 

Home remedies

You can often treat small boils at home by following these steps:

• Warm compresses: 

  • Putting a warm, wet washcloth on the area for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times a day, can help ease the pain and let the boil drain on its own.

• Good hygiene: 

  • Keep the area clean by washing it gently with antibacterial soap and water. Always wash your hands before and after touching the boil.

• Loose clothing: 

  • Wear loose, breathable clothing and cotton underwear to prevent friction and irritation.

• Pain relief:

  • Over-the-counter pain medication, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can help manage discomfort. 

Medical treatment

Your doctor may recommend more intensive treatment if the boil is large, painful, persistent, or accompanied by a fever. These include:

• Incision and drainage: 

  • Minor surgery may get involved to extract the pus from a large or highly inflamed boil. 

• Antibiotics: 

  • For severe and recurrent cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear the infection.

How can I prevent vaginal boils?

To prevent vaginal boils, focus on proper hygiene, managing moisture, and safe hair removal. 

Hygiene and cleansing

Keeping the genital area clean can help prevent irritation, infections, and recurrence of vaginal boils. Here are some simple ways to take care of yourself:

• Wash regularly:

  • Bathe or shower daily, and especially after exercise, using a mild, unscented soap and warm water.

• Keep the area dry:

  • After washing, pat the pubic area completely dry with a clean, soft cloth as trapped moisture and heat can cause bacterial growth.

• Avoid harsh or scented products:

  • Avoid using harsh, perfumed soaps, douches, or lotions, as the skin in the vulvar area is sensitive. 

• Don't share personal items:

  • Since boils are contagious, avoid sharing razors, towels, and washcloths to prevent spreading the bacteria. 

Clothing and laundry

The clothes you wear and how you care for them can make a difference in reducing the risk of irritation or infection.

• Wear loose, breathable clothing:

  • Tight-fitting clothes can cause friction and trap moisture, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria. 

  • Opt for loose-fitting bottoms and allow the area to breathe.

• Choose cotton underwear: 

  • Change to cotton, as it is a breathable fabric that wicks away moisture. 

  • If you get sweaty, change into clean, dry underwear.

• Avoid certain laundry products: 

  • Fragrances and dyes in detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets can cause skin irritation.

  • Use non-irritating products instead.

• Wash linens frequently: 

  • If you have a boil, regularly wash towels, bedding, and underwear in hot water to kill bacteria. 

Hair removal

Along with keeping the area clean and wearing comfortable clothing, being careful when removing hair can also make a difference.

• Avoid shaving:

  • Be cautious with shaving the pubic area because it can cause tiny cuts and ingrown hairs, increasing the risk of infection.

• Use proper technique:

  • If you do shave, use a clean, sharp razor with a fresh blade and a hydrating shaving cream. 

  • Shave in the direction of hair growth to minimise ingrown hairs.

• Exfoliate gently:

  • Gently exfoliating your pubic and vulvar area can help remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs.

Boils themselves are not highly contagious, but the bacteria that cause them (Staphylococcus aureus) can spread through direct skin contact or shared personal items. Practising good hygiene helps prevent both boils and bacterial transmission.

FAQ

Should I pop or squeeze a vaginal boil?

Never pop or compress a vaginal boil. Doing so can spread the infection, make the pain worse, and cause more serious problems like cellulitis. Instead, use a warm compress on it many times a day to help it drain on its own. If the boil gets worse or doesn't get better, consult a doctor.  

How long do vaginal boils last?

A vaginal boil usually goes away on its own within one to three weeks. It may burst and drain naturally or shrink and be reabsorbed by the body. In some cases, your doctor may need to drain the boil, which usually helps it heal faster and reduces discomfort.

Is a boil on the vagina normal?

A vulvar boil (located on the external part of the genitals, not the vagina) is common but not normal. It’s caused by a bacterial infection. A boil is a painful mass filled with pus that forms when a hair follicle or oil gland gets infected. Most of them go away on their own, but some may need medical help. 

Are vaginal boils contagious?

Vaginal boils are not contagious, but the bacteria that cause them can spread through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing personal items, like towels and clothing. The bacteria can also be transmitted to other parts of the body or to another person if hygiene practices are not followed.  

Who is more likely to get them?

What’s the difference between a vaginal boil and a Bartholin’s cyst?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situations, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.