Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Can Cause Vagina Pimples?

Synthia L. Rose
Synthia L. Rose

Molluscum contagiosum, sexually transmitted diseases, ingrown hairs, or a cyst in the sebaceous gland can cause vagina pimples. These pimples can appear on the inner or outer lips of the vagina as well as the vulva; occasionally they can appear on the clitoris or underneath its hood. Some vagina pimples can be filled with pus and fester into an open, oozing sore.

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes are the two main sexually transmitted diseases known for causing reddish, itchy vagina pimples. Herpes pimples can be painful and frequently turn into ulcers. The pimple-like eruptions caused by HPV are really warts and can mushroom into a floret pattern if multiple warts grow in close proximity and swell. Usually, HPV pimples are accompanied by an odiferous discharge and may have to be surgically removed.

Vagina pimples may be the result of shaving.
Vagina pimples may be the result of shaving.

Caused by a pox virus, molluscum contagiosum results in a rash of tiny pimples on the genitalia. Unlike HPV-linked genital warts, for which they are often mistaken, these bumps do not itch and remain the same size throughout the outbreak. Molluscum pimples do not turn red, but instead remain the color of the flesh; their texture is generally smooth and soft. Contagious and likely to spread, these pimples can erupt beyond the genital area, infecting the anus and stomach. If spread by contact with hands, molluscum pimples can also appear on the face or lip.

An STD may cause vagina pimples.
An STD may cause vagina pimples.

Sebaceous pimples or cysts that form when oil clogs the sebaceous gland can form on the vulva area. These pimples are harmless and may disappear without treatment. Applying a warm towel to the pimple to open the pores can cause the inflammation to go down. Irritating the cyst by scratching, however, can worsen the condition and cause the gland to be infected with bacteria.

Some vagina pimple are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Some vagina pimple are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Shaving the vulva can led to vagina pimples either from ingrown hairs or due to bacteria introduced into the area by the razor. Ingrown hairs are often caused by shaving too closely and in the opposite direction of hair growth. Pimples linked to a bacterial infection can result from bacteria on the blade itself or from the vaginal area once a shave causes abrasions or cuts, allowing any bacteria present to enter.

An allergic reaction to a latex condom might cause vaginal pimples.
An allergic reaction to a latex condom might cause vaginal pimples.

To have vagina pimples diagnosed to determine cause and whether the bumps need immediate treatment, a woman can generally visit her primary care physician or gynecologist. Many health clinics also offer free and reduced screenings for genital abnormalities. Keeping a journal of changes to the size, shape and location of the vagina pimples can help with proper diagnosis.

Discussion Comments

SimpleUser

The whitish stuff isn't there anymore. All that's left is a small lump about the size of a bug bite and something that almost looks like a blister on where this "follicle" was. The only thing that came out was small portions of blood where an ingrown hair would grow back. It only stings when pressed, but if it's not then it doesn't even feel like its there over half the time.

As for the neosporin antibiotic stuff, I'll make an attempt to put some on. I hope it works. I informed my mom about the details on what it was before I went to bed last night and she only gave me a strange, puzzled look which made me feel really uncomfortable. She didn't question it but didn't give me a response either.

amypollick

@SimpleUser: It sounds to me like you have an infected hair follicle from shaving. It's common. Pubic hair is coarse and wiry, so you're more apt to get an infected follicle from shaving there than you are from shaving your legs or underarms.

The brown matter, I'm betting, is just old, dried blood. This is common, too. The pus is just that -- pus. It's an infected follicle.

This is not a big deal, in all likelihood. My advice would be to get some antibiotic ointment like Neosporin or something, and apply it to the bump two or three times a day for say, three days. If you don't see improvement after that, you probably need to tell your mom.

In about six to 10 days, when you start to itch like crazy, don't worry. It's just the hair growing back in. The bikini area is delicate, and really, best left to a professional if you want to wax or shave. Or at least consult with a professional on how to do it right.

By the way, Neosporin or a generic, is available at any drugstore, grocery store, or anywhere they sell first aid supplies. You will not need a prescription.

SimpleUser

Personally, like most females talking about these things, I find it somewhat embarrassing. I need to know, but I’m too shy to talk to my mom about it, and if it is serious, I’ll have to tell her eventually.

I am 20 years old. A few days ago, I decided to carefully shave what most females call the “bikini area.” The razor was new, and after cleaning up in the shower, washing thoroughly and then shaving, I stayed in the shower for about another 10 minutes, making sure any excess pubic hair was washed away.

I got out and dried off with a towel that I got out of the dryer and put on clean PJ’s since it was night time. I went to bed, woke up the next day and nothing seemed out of the ordinary so I went about on my usual routine after getting into clean clothes. After I finished that, I washed up with soap and hot water to remove the germs, mud, etc. that might’ve gotten on my hands and face. I finished my housework after eating a small lunch, and the hours went by quickly. I went to bed that night with different PJ’s on. Then a couple of days later, I got up out of bed and felt a strange sting, but it was only for a moment. I went to the bathroom first and cleaned up and took a look. Even though I didn’t want to, I had to see what caused that moment of stinging. Whatever “it” is at first looked like where an ingrown hair would form, so I figured that’s what it was. I finished up in the bathroom, and went about my daily activities.

A few hours later -- some time that afternoon -- I felt the sting again. So I went back to the bathroom again. This time, I realized it was a bit red and slightly swollen. This wasn’t down at the pubic area. Not starting from behind, just before the two female parts, up towards the front and just a bit higher from the middle. I didn’t see any ingrown hair so I let it be again, since there was no cut or anything. On the third day, I wasn’t even worrying about it since I didn’t really feel anything, but I knew it was still there. Later that evening on the third day, I was curious, so I gently pressed it, and it stung, but after I stopped, the pain faded. As I continued to press a few more times, I had some discharge from it. At first it looked like pus from a pimple, but there was a small amount of what almost looked like brown stuff that came out with it when I got some of it out. The really tiny holes it came out of looked like where ingrown hairs would try to surface. What is this stuff that is white like pus, yet has a brownish mix with it? The bump hasn’t changed, and pressing that little area, I can see the white pus in it, if that’s what it is.

If there is any more info I can put in, let me know. Hopefully someone might know what this problem is.

anon297012

I have had vaginal cysts in the past and my dermatologist recommended Panoxyl as a vaginal wash. I have since had no problems. CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart and other stores have discontinued carrying Panoxyl and I cannot buy it on line. I found Derma Topix, also a 10 percent benzoyl peroxide wash. The inactive ingredients found in Derma Topix are so different from Panoxyl that I am hesitant to use this product. Can I use Derma Topix safely as a vaginal wash?

anon290948

I was having these horrible little breakouts with tinny pimples and a lot of clogged pores that where not inflamed. Nothing would get rid of these little clogged pores. They made my skin bumpy and it looked clear inside but terrible in sunlight because of the texture.

I tried the Grapefruit Glycolic Wash from the Made From Earth brand, and within a week they are 95 percent gone. My skin is smooth and the color is evening out. I use it once each night before bed. The price seems high, but the bottle is huge and lasts quite a while. I will definitely be buying this again!

pleonasm

Have a look online if you want to try and figure out what kind of pimple you have. But, if you are pretty sure they are outright pimples caused by blocked pores or razor bumps and not an STD or infection, then there are several things you can do to stop them occurring.

First, don't use harsh chemicals to wash your vulva. That might seem like a good idea, but pimples are caused by a blocked oil gland and oil glands will overproduce sebum if they are mistreated and dried out by harsh chemicals. Try to use a gentle soap, but wash thoroughly.

Second, don't re-wear trousers. It might seem like it's not a big deal to wear a pair of jeans twice in a row, but even if they don't smell, the bacteria might have built up. Alternatively, you might want to use panty liners.

And finally, try not to get too upset over them. It's a delicate area that's subjected to a lot of friction, things are bound to go wrong occasionally. And pimples down there are very common, everyone gets them at some point.

lluviaporos
@browncoat - On the other hand, if you are pretty sure what the sore is, then you might not need to worry. I mean, if you think it's just a blocked pore, because it's not open or weeping or anything, then going into the doctor is a waste of money and time both for you and the doctor.

If you are pretty sure it's not a problem, but you think there's a chance you're wrong, maybe take yourself into the family planning clinic nearest to you, as they will probably be able to assign you a nurse and then let you know if you need a doctor.

It's much cheaper as well. STD help one of the many things that Family Planning does for the community that gets lost when everyone is up in arms over the abortion issue.

browncoat

Something that needs to be emphasized is that if you have a sore or pimple on your vagina, you need to go into the doctor right away. This is not because it's particularly deadly or urgent in terms of how bad the infection may or may not be. If you leave it too long, the sore may clear but, but the underlying disease may not.

Herpes, for example, often lies dormant for years, or even for good in women after an initial infection, but can still be transmitted.

If you leave it to see if it clears up on its own, your doctor will miss the best chance to diagnose you. It's much more difficult to diagnose a half healed pimple or sore than one which is still open.

And, there's always the chance that it will get worse as well. Better not to take the risk and just go to the doctor.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Vagina pimples may be the result of shaving.
      By: stefanolunardi
      Vagina pimples may be the result of shaving.
    • An STD may cause vagina pimples.
      By: mocker_bat
      An STD may cause vagina pimples.
    • Some vagina pimple are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted disease (STD).
      By: Syda Productions
      Some vagina pimple are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted disease (STD).
    • An allergic reaction to a latex condom might cause vaginal pimples.
      By: Gajus
      An allergic reaction to a latex condom might cause vaginal pimples.
    • Gynecologists can give advice on how to handle vaginal pimples.
      By: Dmitriy Melnikov
      Gynecologists can give advice on how to handle vaginal pimples.