Things To Know About Pimples On Private Parts Female Treatment

Perhaps you’re familiar with non-facial acne (hello, bacne), but have you ever encountered pimples on your vagina? An occasional acne breakout down there is to be expected, what with sweaty yoga trousers, wet bathing suits, harsh bikini waxes, and friction-inducing clothing.

According to Chicago-based OB/GYN and women’s health specialist Dr Jessica Shepherd, “bumps in the vaginal area can sometimes be normal if they’ve been there for a relatively long time and haven’t been painful, grown in size, or spread over the area.” 

“Abnormal bumps are those that are recent, painful, or have pus or some type of discharge after a sexual encounter or with a new partner,” says WebMD. 

If yours don’t resemble the ones described above, they may be common zits. However, those can be just as annoying, so we polled experts to gather their thoughts and advice on eliminating vaginal acne. 

Keep reading to discover what triggers, cures, and prevents vaginal acne.

How Can a Case of Vaginal Acne Appear?

Pimples on the vagina make it uncomfortable to look directly into their eyes. You can do a better job of inspecting the situation if you use a mirror. There are numerous varieties of acne and the same holds for zits. 

Some of them will have white heads, which are tempting to pop. There will be some that seem like angry red lumps under your skin. Small, many, complex, irritated bumps are what you may expect from the rest of the acne. Vaginal acne can be particularly distressing since it appears on a portion of your body that is usually covered and rarely exposed to fresh air. 

Don’t freak out if you have a huge, red, tender pimple in a private area; instead, prioritise hygiene.

Acne in the Genital Area Shouldn’t Be Taken Lightly

Let’s start with this first: a zit on your derriere is nothing to worry about. Acne in that area of your body is entirely natural. Just like any other part of the body, “[the vaginal area] has sweat glands and hair follicles that are prone to buildup,” says She-ology author and gynecologist Sherry Ross, M.D. It’s normal to have the occasional zit.

Learn What Triggers Your Vaginal Acne

Vulva acne is the correct term for this condition (though vaginal acne has a certain ring) and can arise from various causes. 

Genetics and Hormones

Vulvar hidradenitis suppurativa is a rare dermatological condition characterized by deep, painful lesions filled with pus that resemble blackheads. Dr. Goodstein says, “Obesity seems to be a risk factor, and there seems to be a genetic predisposition to these lesions.” 

The improvement shown in patients treated with birth control pills lends credence to the idea that “there’s also believed to be a hormonal component.”

Make an appointment with your OB/GYN if you suspect you have hidradenitis suppurativa, which can be treated with antibiotics or steroids.

Folliculitis 

Folliculitis is an infection of a hair follicle, which may seem alarming (and it may be if left untreated or gets worse). Shaving is the most common source of this problem, although there are others. An ingrown hair is the consequence of a coat that has grown back and curled toward the skin. Although folliculitis is not the same as vaginal acne, it is a common cause of breakouts in the area.

Sweat 

The propensity may be higher for those who enjoy physical activity. Dr. Catherine Goodstein of Carnegie Hill OB/GYN in New York City says she sees vulvar acne most often in women who engage in vigorous exercise where there may be increased friction on the vulva, such as in spinning courses. “Excessive sweating, increased sebum production, and close-fitting workout apparel can lead to acne.”

Certain Products 

Dr Shepherd warns against using “harsh ingredients” and “the wrong pH” when shopping for a body wash. “Be mindful of the shower products you use, as many aren’t pH-balanced and contain ingredients that can irritate the skin.” 

The optimal vaginal pH range is between 3.8 and 4.5. Therefore, products that fall within that range are your best bet. Alkaline bar soaps can kill off good bacteria, warns Stacy Marie Chimento, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Florida. The most effective cleaning products are fragrance-free soaps and wipes made from water. 

The natural vaginal flora, which includes beneficial acidic bacteria (lactobacilli), might be disrupted using alkaline goods with a pH greater than 7. Dr. Chimento warns that an unnatural pH level can promote yeast growth and other pathogens.

Tips for Managing and Avoiding Vaginal Acne

Having lumps on your vagina is not as apparent as having them on your face, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of them. “A healthy vagina requires the same hygienic attention as any other part of your body, similar to the way we care for our face,” explains Dr. Shepherd. Luckily, there are a few options for avoiding vaginal breakouts and soothing any pain caused by existing lumps.

Use Caution When Waxing or Plucking

It is crucial to remove pubic hair properly if you decide to do so. Dr Michele Farber of Schweiger Dermatology advises that getting rid of hair-causing ingrowns in the bikini line is helpful since these ingrowns can lead to unpleasant pimples. She recommends mild shaving methods, such as using shaving cream rather than plain soap and water or even laser hair removal, for those who suffer from chronic vulvar acne. 

As dermatologist, Dr Chimento puts it, “By reducing the number of hair follicles, you reduce the risk of ingrown hairs, which can lead to inflammatory acne.” Clean the area well before waxing, and exfoliate afterwards to prevent ingrown hairs. 

What about one more general principle? “Any tool used on your body daily needs to be cleaned regularly,” says Dr. Ross. To prevent the spread of bacteria, cleaning or replacing bathroom objects every week is essential.

It’s Important to Maintain a Dry Vaginal Environment

After a strenuous workout, it’s essential to change out of your sweaty clothes. (This also works for damp bathing suits.)

Instead of Applying Creams, Try a Warm Compress

Dr. Goodstein suggests applying warm compresses to the vulvar area to reduce inflammation, discomfort, and acne. In contrast to acne on the face, “most vulvar acne doesn’t recur”, she says. Creams wouldn’t be as effective because they’d transfer to fabric. 

Applying warm soaks and waiting for them to disappear is your best bet. Large, cystic, painful suckers may also benefit from warm compresses. Dr. Ross recommends trying to soak or apply heat to a growing vaginal pimple for a couple of days first. 

If it persists or the pimple worsens, you may consult a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you experience new symptoms like a rash, fever, or pain.

Benzoyl Peroxide Might Help

Benzoyl peroxide can be applied topically to the bikini area to treat pimples. Dr. Farber recommends using a medicated body wash containing benzoyl peroxide to treat bumps once they have appeared. Use products with benzoyl peroxide concentrations of 5% or less if you have sensitive skin. These washes are also helpful for pre-shaving maintenance. Please keep it on the skin’s surface and away from the vulva until your doctor gives the OK.

Put on Some Breathable Underwear

Vaginal acne (as well as period pimples down below) can be avoided in this simple approach. Acne breakouts are expected because the vaginal area doesn’t get as much air as the face or other body parts. 

It’s usually a good idea to wear underwear that allows for free air circulation. Try to find something that is made entirely of cotton. Organic cotton is preferable, although regular cotton or silk would do in a pinch. If your cotton underwear becomes wet, you should change out of it immediately to prevent problems like yeast infections. 

Wear underwear that wicks sweat away from your body as you exercise. Buying new underwear can even be entertaining. Avoid rayon or viscose, as these fabrics trap heat and prevent air from circulating.

Try a Shot of Cortisone

In the same way, cortisone injections can help with severe acne on the face; they can also help with acne around the bikini line. Dr. Farber recommends seeing a dermatologist for a cortisone injection if the lesion is large enough for the medication to be effective.

Never Squeeze a Zit That Is Close to Your Genitalia

The same guideline of prudence that applies when dealing with facial acne also applies when dealing with vaginal blemishes. Dr Shepherd warns against popping vaginal pimples due to the risk of spreading infection.