Vaginal Acne

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Pimples around the female genital area are a common condition caused by a variety of factors. These bumps may be uncomfortable and irritating, but they are not serious in most cases. For example, they may be painful or painless, burning, flesh-colored or red, pus-filled, in clusters or alone, itchy, or various sizes.

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Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema caused by skin contact with an allergen or an irritant. Many cases of vaginal pimples are contact dermatitis in the genital area.

A follicle is a small skin cavity from which hair grows, each hair on the body growing out of its own follicle.

Also called hidradenitis suppurativa, acne inversa is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects the sweat glands in the groin and under the breasts.

How To Get Rid Of Vaginal Acne, According To Mds

The growths, called Mollusca, are usually small, raised, and white or flesh-colored. They can be pearly in appearance and have a dimple at their center.

Keep a note of the occurrence of vaginal pimples and any products, activities, or other factors which may affect the genital area, including shaving and hot tub usage.

It can also be helpful to avoid all products that are in contact with the genital area, including laundry detergents, for a period of time. Once symptoms subside, slowly reintroduce these products, one at a time, and note any adverse reactions experienced.

Pimple On Vagina: How To Treat Bumps On Your Vagina

For example, if this is shaving, reduce irritation by using a new blade and shaving in the direction of the hair growth. Never dry shave. Reusable razors are available to purchase online.

It is important to keep hot tubs clean, and only use properly treated pools and to shower afterward. Also, avoid using oils on the skin as these can trap bacteria in the follicles.

Wash the area daily with warm water and mild, unperfumed soap. Avoid using harsh cleaning products inside the vagina, as these can affect the pH balance, which can lead to infection.

Vaginal Pimples: Causes, Treatment, And Prevention

Choose cotton underwear and avoid fabrics that trap heat and moisture. Opt for loose, comfortable clothing that allows the skin to breathe, and always change clothing after working out.

Regularly change tampons or sanitary towels during menstruation. Menstrual cups are a convenient and hygienic alternative to tampons, and are avilable to purchase online.

Squeezing or popping vaginal pimples can cause further pain and irritation. The risk of spreading bacteria and causing infection increases, and the pimples may grow in number and severity. Wait for a pimple to rupture naturally or seek medical treatment.

Yes, That's Acne On Your Vagina. Here's How To Treat It.

Simply soak a small towel in warm water and squeeze out before placing on the skin. This treatment can be repeated several times daily.

If contact dermatitis is the root cause, topical medications or antihistamines may be recommended. Infections can be treated with topical or oral antibiotics.

These cysts are usually painless and do not require treatment. However, if infected, they become inflamed and pus-filled and should be treated with medical interventions, such as antibiotics. If cysts are reoccurring, talk to a doctor about home remedies.

Vagina Pimples: Causes And Treatments For Vaginal Acne

Skin tags are small growths or flaps of excess tissue on the skin. While not dangerous, some people may wish to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or because they cause irritation.

These are bumps, usually blue in color, that can occur as women age. They appear around the vulva and the vagina. They are swollen veins, much as hemorrhoids are around the anus, and they may be tender or bleed. Cool compresses can reduce the discomfort.

A woman should talk to her doctor about treatment, if this is needed, or surgical or laser removal, if embarrassment is a factor. The bumps may go away on their own, as well.

This Is How To Treat And Prevent Vaginal Acne

A person should seek medical advice and treatment, if the cause of the vaginal pimples is unknown, if they persist, or they get worse. Pimples that are very painful, large, or pus-filled can be drained by a doctor.

Most cases of vaginal pimples will clear up on their own or with self-administered treatment. Making lifestyle changes and alterations to personal hygiene routines may prevent future outbreaks.

Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.No matter how diligent you are about keeping your skin squeaky clean and your pores clear, acne has a way of showing up at the worst possible times—and sometimes, in the worst possible places. Like on your vagina. Don't freak out, though: Vaginal acne is totally normal.

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Vaginal acne isn't as common as acne on the face, back, chest, and underarms, but it's not rare, either, says Kyrin Dunston, MD, board-certified ob/gyn at Signature Functional Medicine in Georgia. While a zit-related incident down there is totally normal, she says, it's rarely a persistent problem.

Acne down there strikes for similar reasons to facial acne—namely, it's secondary to an excessive production of sebum (oil) within a narrowed hair follicle, says Kecia Gaither, MD, double board-certified ob/gyn in New York. Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation can also cause vaginal acne, along with bacterial overgrowth in the pores, dead skin cell accumulation, ingrown hairs in the genital area, and, not surprisingly, stress. (Here's how to safely remove an ingrown hair in 3 steps.)

Fortunately, it's not hard to distinguish vaginal acne from other types of bumps. If it looks just like a pimple on your face, you'll know that's what it is, says Dunston. Pimples may also cause slightly more discomfort than ingrown hairs because they typically contain more fluids. (Make sure you can recognize these 5 kinds of vaginal bumps every woman should know about.)

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Vaginal acne is usually no biggie—however, if they're numerous or recurrent or persistent, then you'll want to check in with your gyno. Some STDs will present with bumps similar to acne, but they're usually numerous and don't resolve on their own, says Dunston. If a lesion persists for more than a week, or it's associated with vaginal itching, odor, or discharge, it's best to get checked out right away.

If you do spot vaginal acne, there are plenty of ways to send it packing. Below, Dunson and Gaither share their favorite products to help get rid of acne down yonder. No matter which product you choose, though, use it carefully on the keratinized skin only (the thicker part with the hair), and steer clear of the mucosal skin (the soft wet part inside the lips), advises Dunston.

Found in certain grains like wheat, rye, and barley, azelaic acid is a natural organic compound that decreases inflammation, removes dead skin cells, and has antibacterial properties, says Gaither. Formulations with at least 20%, like Rodial, have been noted to be an affective acne treatment, she adds.

From 'vacne' To Infections

Try using unscented soaps that contain natural antibacterials, such as oregano oil, which can help ward off harmful bacteria and prevent vaginal acne from forming, suggests Dunston.

Lotions containing at least 2% green tea extract can significantly decrease acne breakouts, says Gaither. (One study found by almost 60%!) The GTS 2.4 serum by ClearClinic contains 2.4% EGEC—the active ingredient in green tea—and cucumber extract to help soothe the skin. (Love drinking green tea? Here are 6 ways to actually get health benefits from it.)

Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties (for bacteria and fungi) and effectively cleans pores. It also helps to maintain the natural moisture of the skin, providing soothing relief while also balancing oil secretions from the sebaceous glands, says Gaither.

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Undiluted tea tree oil can be irritating, so make sure to dilute with water and test on your forearm before using in v-town. (Do these 11 things to keep your vagina happy and healthy.)

This lotion contains quite a few ingredients your skin will love—aloe, witch hazel, jojoba oil, and tamanu oil to moisturize and calm the skin, along with tea tree oil to fight breakouts. It also contains salicylic acid, which works by sloughing dead skin cells that can clog pores while decreasing redness and swelling, says Gaither.

The best way to prevent vaginal acne is to establish healthy habits down below. For starters, keep the vaginal area clean and dry, and wear cotton-crotched panties for breathability and to decrease moisture accumulation. (Bacteria love dark, damp places, says Gaither, so no hanging out in your gym duds.) Also, consider setting a limit on how often you shave the pubic area, which increases the odds of infected hair follicles, she adds. And if you do find a pimple, don't pop, pick, or manipulate it. This will only make your vagina angry—or worse, give you a skin infection called cellulitis. (Ouch.)

Yes, That's Acne On Your Vagina. Here's How To Treat It. • Aerolase

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