Acne in the vagina: causes and how to treat it

Genital skin problems, including vaginal acne, are common. Even so, this condition can certainly cause itching and pain which is quite disturbing and quite worrying. Recognize the causes and ways to deal with acne in the female area.

Causes of acne in the vagina

In general, acne is caused by clogged pores. This condition can occur due to several things, including hormonal changes. Not only that, there are other factors that can trigger acne in the female genital area, such as:

• not maintaining the cleanliness of the feminine area properly,
• irritation from lubricants or other body fluids, and
• severe stress.

Acne in the vagina, to be precise in the vulva area, which is the outer part of the genitals that can be seen by the naked eye can also occur due to ingrown hair.

When shaving, plucking, or waxing pubic hair, you may be at risk for ingrown hairs (ingrown hair). This condition can cause small pimple-like bumps that are itchy and painful.

There are times when the lump is filled with pus or is called a pustular pimple. This makes the skin around your vagina possibly darker.

Apart from some of the factors already mentioned, vaginal acne can also be associated with folliculitis. Folliculitis is an infection and swelling of the hair follicles caused by several things, such as:

• shave or waxing,
• use tight underwear, as well
• skin irritation due to skin care products, such as feminine soaps.

Other causes of vaginal acne that need attention

Apart from ingrown hairs and folliculitis, there are various other skin diseases that can actually cause vaginal acne. In fact, some of these skin problems need attention.

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a venereal disease caused by a viral infection characterized by the appearance of boils like pimples. These boils can occur in any area of ​​the body, including the vaginal area.

Unlike regular acne, Mollusca's pimples are smaller, but more prominent and flesh-colored. In addition, these pimples can also be shaped like pearls and have a dimple at the center.

Inverse acne

Apart from molluscum contagiosum, acne inversa can also be a cause of acne in the vagina. Chronic skin inflammation affecting the sweat glands in the groin and under the breasts is not a common condition.

Vaginal acne can be a sign that you have acne inversa, especially when it occurs repeatedly and is filled with pus. Unlike regular acne, acne inversa does not heal easily and can leave acne scars.

The difference between boils and pimples in the vaginal area

Sometimes people find it difficult to distinguish between boils and pimples because they are both lumps. What's more, boils and pimples that occur in the vaginal area get less attention because they don't often look like pimples on the body and face.

You see, boils are a type of skin infection, whereas acne is a condition when the skin becomes inflamed due to bacteria. In addition, boils can usually be filled with pus and are large in size, causing symptoms such as fever and pain.

Both also have different causes. Causes of boils include blocked or infected hair follicles, bacteria, open wounds, and skin gland problems. Meanwhile, acne is caused by clogged pores or excess oil production.

If you can't tell the difference between the two, it's best to check with your doctor. The reason is, boils and pimples have different treatments, so you need to be sure what your skin is going through.

How to treat acne in this section

Vaginal acne is generally harmless and can be treated like acne anywhere on the body. Just like acne on the face, try not to squeeze the pimples that appear on the genitals or vulva.

Squeezing pimples will only make the infection worse. Instead, try compressing the problem area with a cloth dipped in warm water. This aims to relieve inflamed pimples.

In addition to compressing with warm water, you can also soak with warm water 1-2 times a day. Don't forget to pat the skin with a soft towel when the vaginal area is wet.

Is it safe to use acne medication in the vagina?

If you have seen a doctor, he or she may recommend using ointments or creams to get rid of acne that is experienced. These ointments or creams can be antibiotics, antihistamines, or anti-acne medications.

Even so, you should avoid using over-the-counter acne medications to treat vaginal acne without a doctor's prescription. For example, acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide should be used in low doses and only be applied to the outer skin.

Vaginal acne is usually not a serious problem. However, be careful when the numbers are large enough and occur repeatedly. The best step that needs to be done is to consult with a dermatologist and genital or gynecologist regarding this problem.

That way, the doctor can determine whether the lump in the vaginal area is a boil due to venereal disease or a common type of acne.

How to prevent pimples from appearing in the vagina

How to prevent acne from appearing in the vagina may be a little different from acne prevention in general. Here are some things you need to do or avoid if you don't want pimples in your female area.

• Avoid shaving dry or not shaving at all.
• Use a shaving gel or cream and shave in the direction of hair growth.
• Use a razor with a new blade to prevent skin infections.
• Always keep your feminine area clean and make sure the vulva area is always dry.
• Change underwear with new ones, especially after exercising and doing activities all day.
• Use cotton underwear that is comfortable and soft.

If you are in doubt and feel worried about lumps around the feminine area, consult a doctor. This is even more so if you are sexually active because you fear this is a sign of a sexually transmitted disease.