Vaginal Pimples: Causes, Treatments & What You Should Know

Pimples are never pleasant, but they’re even more annoying when they show up in unexpected places, such as on your hooha! While you might panic at the first sight of such bumps or lumps in the area, it’s not something you need to worry about. Described as vulvar or vaginal pimples, this is a fairly common skin condition that resolves quickly with simple at-home treatments in most cases. It’s just another good reason to pay more attention to personal hygiene and keep an eye on what’s going on down there. When it comes to self-care, a little knowledge can go a long way, making it helpful to know the normal appearance of your vaginal area. This allows you to detect any changes quickly, so that you can deal with them easily or seek help from an OB-GYN if required.

What are vaginal pimples?

Although described as vaginal pimples, they can include pimples that appear anywhere in the vulvar area, around the vagina, including the vaginal opening, the labia, clitoris, and urethral opening. Pimples that appear in this region can be particularly sensitive or may cause irritation, but they are usually not associated with any serious health conditions. 

For obvious reasons, pimples in the vaginal area are harder to observe, so it would help to use a handheld mirror for closer inspection. There are different types of pimples, but some features that you may notice include whiteheads, isolated red bumps or clusters of tiny hard spots, and higher sensitivity.

Pimple in the vaginal area vs other bumps

Although pimples in the vaginal area are usually mild and don’t require any medical treatment, there are other conditions that can be confused for vaginal pimples. It’s important to understand these differences so that you can treat them appropriately or seek medical help. Other conditions that cause vaginal bumps include:

• Ingrown hair: These bumps develop as a result of pubic hair removal methods such as shaving or waxing, with the new hair follicle growing downward under the skin surface, which results in inflammation and pustule formation. 

• Vulvar cysts: There are many types of cysts that can appear in the vaginal region including Bartholin’s gland cysts, milia, and epidermoid cysts, among others. These are generally benign and can develop because of injury or blockage of glands in the area. 

• Infections: Vaginal bumps and pustules may develop as a result of infections, but it’s important to remember that in most cases these are not sexually transmitted diseases. However, it’s best to take precautions and also get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of vaginal pimples

There are numerous possible causes of vaginal pimples and understanding them can help lower your risk or reduce the frequency of their appearance.

• Blocked glands or pores: Like any other area of the skin, the skin around your vagina is also prone to blockage of sweat glands and hair follicles, which gives rise to pimples. Poor hygiene is therefore a major risk factor for vaginal pimples. 

• Clothing and lifestyle: Excessive sweating, associated with an active lifestyle or warm weather conditions, can greatly increase the risk of pimples in the vaginal area. Tight restrictive clothing and friction to the vaginal skin from rigorous activities like exercising or walking can also produce these pimples. 

• Folliculitis: As the name suggests, folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become inflamed, usually because of an infection caused when shaving or waxing. As you probably know, this is associated with ingrown hair, but the presence of ingrown hair or folliculitis also increases the risk of pimples. 

• Skin products: Body washes, shower gels, shampoos, and soaps can all contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that irritate the skin, triggering outbreaks of pimples. The vaginal region is particularly sensitive as changes in the skin pH can leave you vulnerable to acne outbreaks and infections. 

• Genes and hormones: Yes, they’re involved in almost every health condition, including your predisposition to pimples. Health conditions and medications that alter hormone levels can also contribute to or trigger vaginal pimple outbreaks.

Vaginal pimples treatment options

The most effective vaginal pimples treatment will always depend on the underlying cause, but there are some factors that must always be addressed such as hygiene. Keeping the area clean and dry is regarded as essential for healing, and it will also lower the risk of recurrence. In most cases, vaginal pimples will clear within a few days, without the need for further treatment.

If a pimple is particularly bothersome and doesn’t clear within a few days, you should check with your doctor. Doctors can diagnose the precise cause, providing targeted treatments that may include vaginal pimple creams and ointments, or oral medications. 

Home remedies for vaginal pimples

No matter the cause, home remedies for vaginal pimples​ are usually adequate for reducing discomfort and may be used in addition to improved hygiene practices:

• Warm or cool compresses: Depending on the type of pimple, both warm and cool compresses can provide relief. Warm compresses work best for ingrown hair bumps, while cool compresses soothe itchy pimples.

• Use thin cotton underwear: Loose-fitting, breathable underwear allows for better airflow, reducing the buildup of heat and moisture. This lowers the risk of vaginal pimples and also allows healing. Just make sure to change your underwear anytime you get too sweaty. 

• Improved hair removal practices: Always cleanse the skin thoroughly before shaving or waxing, use a suitable shaving cream or foam to protect the skin, and gently exfoliate afterwards to prevent ingrown hairs and maintain smoothness.

What not to do to a vaginal pimple

When it comes to pimples in the vaginal area, there are some things that you just shouldn’t do. This is perhaps more important than treatment, given that pimples resolve within a few days and doing these things can prolong your discomfort:

• Don’t pop vaginal pimples, or you risk causing infections and more breakouts.

• Avoid using any pimple creams in the vaginal area, unless specifically recommended by your doctor.

• Don’t apply talcum powder to the vaginal region as they can irritate the skin and cause additional problems.

• Never use menstrual products beyond the recommended duration.

In summary 

While pimples on the vaginal or vulvar area can be uncomfortable and even alarming at first, they are usually harmless and treatable with basic self-care. Being aware of your body and practising good hygiene can go a long way in preventing such issues. Remember, if a bump doesn’t go away, becomes painful, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s always wise to consult a healthcare provider. Trust your instincts, stay informed, and don’t hesitate to seek help when something doesn’t feel right.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How long do vaginal pimples last?

Like most pimples, vaginal pimples also resolve within one to two weeks without any treatment. Pimples that last longer or cause significant discomfort require medical attention.

2. Will cleaning with baby wipes or wet wipes help?

No. The use of any wet wipes should be avoided as they usually contain alcohol-based cleansers and fragrances that can cause skin irritation and alter the vaginal pH balance, increasing the risk of infections. 

3. Are vaginal pimples contagious?

Usually, vaginal pimples are not contagious and may not even be caused by infections. However, it’s best to be cautious and use barrier protection when engaging in any sexual activity.