Vaginal Pimple: What It Is, Treatment Options, and Prevention

Finding a pimple on your vaginal area can be worrying, especially if you're unsure whether it's harmless or a sign of something like a sexually transmitted infection (STI). You may also worry about whether it will keep returning or if touching it will make it worse. To help you understand this condition better, let's look at what causes it, when to see a doctor and how to safely manage and prevent it.

What is a vaginal pimple?

Vaginal pimples, also known as vaginal acne, are similar to the pimples that usually appear on your face or body. These small, flesh-coloured bumps form when hair follicles or pores become clogged with oil, sweat, dead skin cells or bacteria. If pus is present, a visible white or yellow centre can be seen.

Although the term “vaginal pimple” is commonly used, these bumps are usually not inside the vaginal canal itself but on the surrounding skin (known as the vulva or vaginal lips). While most are harmless and temporary, their unusual location and the discomfort they cause during everyday activities can make them worrying.

What are the symptoms of a vaginal pimple?

Vaginal acne may cause mild discomfort, itching, or tenderness, especially if they’re irritated by friction from clothing during exercise or daily movement. Some pimples may be tender or painful to the touch, especially if they are inflamed. While these pimples may cause irritation, they generally do not lead to severe pain or symptoms like fever.

However, if you experience widespread redness, intense pain, unusual vaginal discharge, or a fever, it may indicate a viral infection or a more serious condition. Recognising these symptoms helps to differentiate harmless vaginal pimples from issues like genital herpes that require professional care.

Are you concerned about a persistent vaginal pimple? Our women's health specialists can evaluate your condition, prevent complications, and provide personalised recommendations. Schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical today.

What causes pimples to form near the vaginal lips?

There are various reasons why pimples may occur in this area. These include:

• Shaving or waxing irritates hair follicles, leading to ingrown hairs or folliculitis, which resembles acne.

• Sweat and friction from tight clothing that clogs pores and leads to pimples forming.

• Hormonal changes, especially around menstruation, which can increase oil production in the skin and create an environment conducive to pimple formation.

• Less commonly, bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus can infect hair follicles through small cuts or irritated skin. This results in a painful condition called folliculitis, which is characterised by red, swollen bumps.

Conditions that resemble vaginal pimples

Other than the causes mentioned above, what appears to be a vaginal pimple can sometimes develop into a cyst, such as a Bartholin gland cyst, which forms when the Bartholin gland is blocked. Unlike vaginal acne, Bartholin's cysts manifest as deeper lumps near the vaginal opening.

Additionally, ingrown hairs and viral infections, such as genital warts or herpes sores, can sometimes resemble pimples due to their appearance.

STIs can also cause bumps that resemble pimples. For instance, herpes begins as small, red bumps or blisters that may be mistaken for acne but soon become painful open sores. Syphilis can cause a single firm, painless sore, while genital warts may resemble tiny cauliflower-like growths.

However, unlike vaginal acne, bumps related to STIs often appear in clusters, recur, and are sometimes accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain during urination, unusual discharge, or flu-like symptoms.

How is vaginal acne diagnosed and treated?

Your doctor will begin the diagnosis of vaginal acne with a physical examination. They will assess the appearance of the bump and discuss your symptoms, as well as any recent irritation, hair removal practices, or friction.

In most cases, vaginal pimples can be identified based on their appearance and your medical history. If there is concern about an infection or sexually transmitted infection (STI), swabs or laboratory tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment varies depending on the cause. Simple vaginal pimples often resolve with good hygiene practices and by avoiding tight or irritating clothing. Applying warm compresses can help reduce swelling and speed up healing.

For infected or particularly painful pimples, your doctor may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics. For ingrown hairs, gentle exfoliation can promote healing; however, picking or squeezing the bump should be avoided, as this may lead to further infection or scarring. Overall, seeking professional guidance ensures an appropriate diagnosis and safe treatment.

At-home remedies for vaginal pimples

Use preservative-free emollients, such as plain petroleum jelly, to protect the skin barrier. Avoid irritants, such as perfumes, dyes, and harsh soaps, by cleansing with water only. Warm compresses can soothe the area and help pimples heal naturally.

For inflamed pimples, it is recommended to apply topical clindamycin 1% ointment twice daily, though prolonged antibiotic use carries a risk of bacterial resistance and potential irritation. Other topical treatments, such as azelaic acid or metronidazole, may be helpful, but they should be used with caution due to limited data on their safety for vulvar skin. Prioritise gentle, non-irritating care to support healing and prevent further skin damage.

If you are experiencing any unusual vaginal bumps, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. Schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical for an evaluation and personalised care plan tailored to your needs.

How to prevent vaginal pimples?

Preventing vaginal pimples is as simple as adopting simple lifestyle changes and maintaining good personal hygiene. Here are some practical tips to help keep vaginal pimples away:

• Reduce irritation and maintain good hygiene without excessive washing of the genital area.

• Wear breathable cotton underwear to allow the skin to breathe.

• Avoid tight clothing that traps sweat and causes friction.

• Change out of sweaty workout clothes promptly to keep the pubic area dry.

• Use clean razors if shaving or waxing, and shave in the direction of hair growth.

• Apply soothing, non-comedogenic products after hair removal to minimise ingrown hairs and irritation.

• Avoid harsh soaps and synthetic fragrances in hygiene products.

• Clean the vaginal area gently to protect delicate skin and sebaceous glands.

• Regularly change menstrual products to maintain freshness.

• Consider hair removal alternatives like laser hair removal to reduce irritation.

Although practising good hygiene and avoiding irritation can help to reduce the risk of infection, medical treatment may be necessary if an infection develops to prevent it from worsening and promote healing.

When should you see a doctor?

You should consult a doctor if you have a painful vaginal pimple that is growing rapidly, or if it is accompanied by symptoms such as fever or swollen lymph nodes. You should also seek medical advice if the bump persists for more than two weeks, keeps recurring or you suspect it might be a sign of an STI.

You should also see a doctor if you notice any unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding, or if you are unsure about the nature of the bump.

Vaginal pimple assessment at Thomson Medical

At Thomson Medical, our O&G specialists and dermatologists work together to provide thorough care for vaginal and vulvar skin concerns. Whether your symptoms are related to skin irritation, hormonal changes or potential infections, our specialists will evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment.

What to expect during your consultation:

• Private and confidential environment:

  • All consultations are conducted discreetly in a judgement-free setting.

• Thorough physical examination:

  • Our doctor will examine the affected area to determine whether the bump is vaginal acne, a cyst, an ingrown hair or a sign of infection.

• Diagnostic testing if necessary:

  • If there is any concern about an STI or bacterial infection, our specialists can carry out swab tests and laboratory analysis to confirm the diagnosis.

• Personalised treatment plan:

  • Based on your diagnosis, we will recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include topical medications, antibiotics, or minor procedures for cyst drainage if necessary.

• Follow-up care and prevention advice:

  • Our specialists will provide guidance on preventing future occurrences, including advice on hygiene practices and lifestyle adjustments.

FAQ

How do you get rid of a vaginal pimple?

Should I pop or squeeze a vaginal pimple?

How long do vaginal pimples last?

Is a pimple on the vagina normal?

Are vaginal pimples contagious?

No, those caused by clogged pores or ingrown hairs are not contagious through sexual contact or physical touch. However, bumps caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as herpes or genital warts, can be contagious. It is important to differentiate between a harmless pimple and an STI-related lesion, so consult a doctor if you are in any doubt.

Can vaginal pimples be a sign of an allergy or skin reaction?

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 conditions, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical today.