How To Get Rid Of Pimples In The Labia? Tips To Remove Vaginal Acne

Pimples are one of the most common issues faced by humans, especially women. You might have heard about pimples on the face or body, but have you ever heard of pimples in the labia? A few areas of our body are quite sensitive like genitals, and pimples in such places can be worrisome for everyone. But in most cases, it’s not a worry, just like any other pimples on the body, they disappear on their own. 

Pimples On The Labia: How To Treat Them?

These vaginal or labia pimples are not signs of any serious condition, they are most probably a problem in your day-to-day life. If you are having pimples in the labia, you are not alone. Many people across the globe can face the issue of labia pimples.

Pimples are some red bumps that grow on the skin due to various reasons, more or less due to irritation. We use a lot of products every day, some suit our skin while some don’t, which can cause pimples. If you have labia pimples, this guide will help you.

The complete guide on pimples on labia will help you understand everything you need to know. 

What Are Labial Pimples? 

The external part of the genitals includes the inner and outer lips. The inner lips are called Labia Minor and the lips are Labia Majora.

The pimples or red bumps are formed on the vulva or labia. It is also called vagina acne which can be caused due to irritation or chemicals.

Most of the time they are red bumps that are termed pimples. These are similar in appearance to those that occur in other parts of the body.

However, the way the other parts of your body have different characteristics of pimples, the labia pimples can be the same.

Sometimes they are just small red bumps while sometimes they are red bumps with pus. They can be a painless, painful, flesh-colored, cluster, and vary in size.

Depending on the cause, the pimple’s appearance may vary. 

What Causes Labia Pimples? 

Here is the list of the most common reasons that might cause pimples in the labia: 

1. Folliculitis:

The external portion or part of the genitals includes the outer lips called labia majora and inner lips called labia minora.

Folliculitis is one of the most common issues to cause pimples on the outer lips or labia majora. It is mainly caused due to bacteria that enter into the pubic hair follicles on the labia. When hair curls back into the skin due to growth from these follicles.

Shaving pubic hair increases the risk of folliculitis. Moreover, if you wear tight undergarments, it causes sweating which can increase the vulnerability and chances of pimples due to folliculitis.

In some cases, after shaving, hair can also grow inward. In addition, the roughness of the razor on the sensitive skin of the labia can also cause razor burns, blisters, bumps, pimples, etc.

The majority of folliculitis occurs due to shaving hair. So, make sure you shave in the same direction of hair growth and avoid wearing tight underwear. 

2. Contact Dermatitis:

Contact Dermatitis as the name suggests is a type of issue or eczema that is caused by skin contact. This can be caused by many chemicals that are found in some products that come in contact with your labia.

Products like scented pads, tampons, laundry detergents, condoms, and bubble baths. Sometimes if labia come in contact with feminine products like powder, deodorant, lotions, etc. As well as urine, semen, vaginal discharge, perspiration, etc.

The chemicals released by these things/products can irritate labia and cause a reaction. This leads to bumps on the labia that look like pimples.

So, if you have labia, there are chances you are using some product that caused this reaction, it would be better if you stop using it.

If you get rid of the products, most of the time these bumps go away on their own, if not then you can contact a healthcare provider. 

3. Molluscum Contagiosum:

Molluscum Contagiosum is a condition that is mainly caused due to a virus called “Molluscum contagiosum”. The virus can cause bumps anywhere on your body including the labia.

The growth-like bumps called Mollusca to appear as white-fleshed colored small bumps that have a small dimple in the center.

Molluscum contagiosum is usually caused by casual or sexual contact with someone or any object carrying an infection that can cause this issue.

Generally, these bumps due to Molluscum contagiosum can clear on their own after 6 or 12 months. However, medications or laser therapy can remove these bumps. 

4. Hidradenitis Suppurativa:

Hidradenitis Suppurativa can cause bumps, it’s a long-term problem that leads to pimples. In this condition, bumps grow near hair roots near sweat glands.

The condition is either caused by inflammation in sweat glands or blockage in follicles or secondary infection in sweat glands.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa can be characterized by spots that contain pus.

This condition needs to be treated, so you can consult your healthcare provider to provide medication to reduce symptoms, and prescribe antibiotic creams or antiseptic washes to help you. 

These are some of the most common and major causes of pimples on labia. In many cases, they clear on their own, but in long-term conditions like Hidradenitis Suppurativa, you will need treatment. 

Should I See A Doctor? 

Though most of the time labia pimples disappear, so you would not need to consult a doctor. However, if the causes of pimples are unknown and they persist for a long time.

You need to contact your doctor if you feel pain and cannot find any cause. For instance, you have not shaved or used any product that might cause pimples.

If you are not able to find the cause and have been facing the same issue for a long time, it’s high time you consult your doctor.

As there are other issues that might cause labia pimples as symptoms. 

How To Diagnose Labial Pimples? 

To diagnose labia pimples, when you consult your healthcare provider, they might want to examine it. Based on their appearance, they will be able to find out the cause of pimples.

Apart from these, they would like to know a few things such as when you first saw these pimples to know how long they persisted, if these pimples produced any discharge, whether they are itchy or painful, if the pimple outbreak has changed over time, they might ask you sexual contact recently in case they do not appear as pimples.

The majority of the time, the diagnosis is based on a physical test. 

Are Pimples In The Labia Painful?

They may or may not be painful as labia skin is sensitive and you will face discomfort about this issue.

The Bacteria can spread or the pimples might burst, so you can face pain in these pimples.

These pimples will cause discomfort in some way. But if you take precautions and ways it can help you. 

Is It Contagious? 

Yes, it can be contagious. Sometimes when you come in contact with someone who causes issues like the Molluscum Contagiosum virus or any object that has this virus or chemicals can cause pimples.

Even if someone has this issue, and you have sexual or casual contact with them, there is a high risk you will get the same issue. 

Can There Be Any Other Reason For Labia Pimples? 

Yes, labia pimples might disappear with time, if they don’t there are chances that bumps are caused by some serious condition. In such cases, you need immediate medication attention. These causes can include: 

1. Genital Herpes:

One of the Sexually Transmitted Infections is caused by HSV(Herpes Simplex Virus). The bumps due to Genital Herpes can be itchy as well as painful.

Once you have genital herpes, the virus cannot be removed. Even if there are no visible bumps or sores, genital herpes is contagious.

With medications, you can only reduce the impact of symptoms and the risk of transmission to your sexual partner.

If your partner has genital herpes, using condoms can help you reduce the risk of contact. 

2. Genital Warts:

These are flesh-colored small lumps that have a cauliflower-like appearance. Genital Warts are more common among women than men, they are caused due to HPV(Human Papillomavirus).

Genital warts are not uncomfortable and do not need necessary treatment. However, if you want you can use medications and surgery to handle the outbreak. But just like Genital herpes, the virus cannot be removed from the body.

So, even if you have surgery, there are chances you can have an outbreak again. A woman can take the HPV vaccine to prevent genital warts before getting sexually active. 

3. Skin Tags:

These are small flaps or the growth of excess tissue on the skin. They are harmless on the skin and typically resemble pimples.

Sometimes they can cause irritation in the area, so doctors can remove skin tags with surgery. 

4. Bartholin’s Cysts: Bartholin’s glands are present on both sides of the vagina. Sometimes these glands can be blocked leading to the formation of cysts.

These cysts can occur on either side of the vaginal opening and can become painful.

If they do not disappear on their own, you can consult your doctor and get Bartholin’s cysts drained professionally. 

How Are Labia Pimples Treated? 

Pimples that are caused due to some irritation or use of products, would disappear on their own.

However, if they do not disappear and are extremely painful, you need to consult a doctor. Here are some treatments that are used for labia pimples: 

– Medications:

When you consult your doctor, they will identify the root cause and provide you with medications.

The medications include acne medicines that will reduce inflammation or reduce the amount of oil produced by the skin.

Antiviral medications if the pimples are caused due to viral infections. Imiquimod cream can quiet the immune system’s response to molluscum contagiosum and genital warts.

Antihistamines are used to treat other sources of inflammation or allergies. Antibiotics and antiseptics are other medications that doctors might prescribe if the problem persists. 

– Laser treatment:

Laser treatment or also called labiaplasty is the latest treatment doctors might use to treat your condition.

However, laser treatment is not very popular and is not much used as most of the time pimples disappear on their own or through medications.

– Heat Therapy:

To reduce itching or pain in labia pimples try to treat the area with warm water or compress.

Simply soak a towel in warm water, squeeze excess water and place it on your skin.

You can use this treatment every day, and let it dry before using any medication. 

Doctors’ Tips To Prevent Pimples In Labia

Here is a list of things that you can do to prevent labia pimples: 

• Maintain good hygiene: Genitals are sensitive parts of our body that can cause issues if not taken care of. You can prevent labia pimples or other vaginal problems if you maintain good hygiene. When moisture and heat get trapped in your undergarments, it creates a favorable environment for bacteria to grow. The bacteria in the vagina can cause many skin issues. That’s why it’s important to maintain hygiene. Make sure you wash and clean the area with water. Wear clean and dry cotton underwear. 

• Do not pop pimples: Doctors often say do not pop pimples on your face, same goes for labia pimples as they might spread bacteria and can irritate your skin resulting in more pimples. Either wait for them to shrink and disappear on their own or consult a doctor to provide you medication if they are bothering you too much, but do not pop pimples. 

• Avoid harsh products: Some people believe they need products to clean the area or sensitive skin, but that’s not the case. Water is enough to clean and maintain hygiene. Sometimes these products are the reason to cause pimples they might fail to notice. So, if you are using the product and have pimples, do not use them for some time. See if there is any change, you might get to know the reason.

• Do not wear tight underwear: Some people have a habit of wearing tight-fitting underwear that causes irritation and develops bacteria. To prevent labia pimples from occurring, it’s better you avoid tight undergarments, it will not only provide relief and comfort but also reduce the chances of such infection. 

• Do not touch: Do not touch or squeeze pimples again and again. It causes irritation, you might come in contact with chemicals or bacteria that can worsen the condition. If you feel pain or cannot handle more consult your doctor, but do not touch them again and again. 

• Trim hair: There might be chances that shaving is the reason for your labia pimples. You can avoid labia pimples by either shaving in the direction of hair or even better avoiding shaving. Rather than shaving, you can trim your pubic hair. It will avoid any issues of reducing the risk of labia pimples. 

• Switch pads/tampons regularly: When you are on your period, make sure you switch your pads or tampons regularly. Don’t wear the same pad or tampon for too long or more than the recommended time. 

• Wear breathable material: Use breathable material like cotton for your undergarments and change them if they are sweaty. The more you maintain hygiene, the more you will prevent such issues. 

Expert Advice 

Labia Pimples are common among women just like pimples on other parts of the body. These pimples can be caused due to simple issues like lack of hygiene, using products that do not suit skin, shaving pubic hair, etc.

Most of the time, these pimples stay for some time and disappear on their own and may or may not be painful. Using some tips can help you prevent these pimples from occurring in the first place. 

However, if these pimples are extremely painful, itchy, or have persisted for a long time, then you need to consult your doctor immediately. As in these cases, pimples can be the reason for some serious conditions. You can take care of these things, and if needed consult a doctor. 

FAQ 

• Why do I keep getting Vagina pimples? 

Often these pimples are caused due to formation of bacteria due to trapped moisture and heat, lack of hygiene, etc. 

• Are labia pimples harmful? 

Most of the time they disappear and are not harmful, but if they persist for long, then you need to consult your doctor. Painful and long persisting pimples can be symptoms of a serious condition. 

• How long do labia pimples last? 

Generally, Labia pimples can last up to 3 weeks, they will disappear on their own within this time. However, there is no fixed time, sometimes they might take some more time to disappear. 

• Are labia pimples normal? 

Yes, they are extremely normal, many women face such problems. Most of the time it is caused due to common reasons like the use of chemical products, etc. In such cases they will disappear, but if they stay for a long time and are extremely painful, consult your doctor. 

• Can hormones be the reason for labia pimples? 

Yes,  hormonal changes can cause acne in the vaginal area apart from the neck, shoulders, and face.