Vaginal boils: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

[Esther Amadi]

VAGINAL BOILS 

The region around the vagina might grow all kinds of strange lumps and patches. Bacteria thrive in the moist environment, and irritation or ingrown hairs are likely to occur in the hair follicles.

It can be very painful to have a boil in the vaginal area. Although benign and rarely dangerous, these pus-filled lumps can get rather big. In a matter of days, what first appears to be a pimple can transform into an uncomfortable bulge.

 

WHAT IS A VAGINAL AREA BOIL?

Boils in the vaginal area are pus-filled, swollen pimples that develop beneath the skin there. These lumps can appear on the labia, the pubic region, the skin folds of the groin, or the exterior of the vagina.

Infected and affected hair follicles are a common reason, although there are other possibilities.

Herpes can be mistaken for boils around the vagina. At first glance, both varieties of bumps may resemble pimples and both may have a yellow discharge. But unlike boils, herpes lesions usually stay tiny and form in clusters.

 

Boils in the vaginal area are rarely a cause for alarm. In a few weeks, the most of these will resolve on their own. Some may require medical attention. Treatment can help reduce the discomfort and get rid of the infection.

If the situation is extreme, your doctor might lance or cut the boil to get rid of the infection.

Make an appointment to see your doctor or gynecologist if you have a spot on your vagina and are unsure if it is a boil or the result of something else, like a sexually transmitted infection.

 

CAUSES OF VAGINAL BOILS

The majority of the time, an infection results from an affected hair follicle that causes a vaginal area boil. This is called folliculitis.

These boils may also be caused by other things, like:

 

Staph contamination. Staphylococcus aureus, sometimes referred to as staph, naturally dwells in the nostril entrance and on the outside of your body. An infection may arise if the bacterium penetrates the hair’s roots (the hair follicles).

 

An injury to the skin. Small cuts from shaving or an injury might allow staph and other bacteria to penetrate the skin surrounding the vagina. Once germs have entered the body, an infection may result.

 

Irritation. Small tears in the skin around the vagina can be brought on by friction from tight clothing, which also increases the risk of infection. Also, some persons may have skin folds that rub and produce friction and irritation.

 

Close proximity. You might be more susceptible to getting a boil if you shared clothes with someone who has one, reused a towel, or were in close proximity to them.

 

An ingrown hair. Although ingrown hairs don’t usually turn into boils, they might enlarge and become pus-filled if the hair follicle becomes infected.

 

Insect bites. Insect bites or other wounds, such razor cuts, can expose the skin to bacteria.

 

Blocked the cysts in Bartholin’s gland. Pea-sized glands known as Bartholin’s glands are located close to the vaginal entrance. These glands may develop into cysts if they become blocked, and the cysts themselves may become infectious. Boils in the vagina can result from this infection.

 

TREATMENT OF VAGINAL BOILS 

The majority of boils disappear on their own in a few days or a week or two. By doing the following, you can quicken the procedure and ease the symptoms:

 

Use a hot compress. For 10 to 15 minutes, place a clean, warm, wet washcloth over the boiling water. Till the boil is gone, repeat this procedure three or four times daily. White blood cells can combat the residual infection thanks to increased blood circulation caused by the compress’s heat.

 

Wear loose under wear. While it heals, put on loose-fitting bottoms. Wear loose underwear and garments while reducing friction in the area up until the boil goes away. Change into fresh, dry underwear after exercising.

 

Protect and clean. If the boil ruptures, carefully clean the area and apply an antibiotic cream such as bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B. (Neosporin). Then, cover with a sterile gauze or adhesive bandage. Change the dressing every day and keep the area tidy.

 

Try not to pop or puncture. A boil should not be picked or punctured. By releasing the bacteria from the boil, the infection may spread. Furthermore, you run the risk of escalating the discomfort.

 

Consider taking OTC painkillers. To reduce the discomfort and irritation the boil creates, over-the-counter pain medication may be required. As directed on the label, take ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

 

Wash/Sanitize your hands. Use antibacterial soap and warm water to wash your hands before touching the boil or the area around it. This will assist in preventing the addition of fresh bacteria to the boil. Additionally, wash your hands after touching the boil to avoid transferring the virus to other parts of your body.

 

Make an appointment with your gynecologist or doctor if these over-the-counter medicines don’t work or the boil doesn’t go away in three weeks.

 

PREVENTION OF VAGINAL BOILS

Although it’s not always possible to prevent boils, following these recommendations could lower your risk of developing them again:

 

Trim your pubic region. Ingrown hairs are less likely if you trim your pubic area rather than shave it with clean, sharp scissors.

 

Razors should be changed frequently. If you decide to shave, a dull razor can make ingrown hairs more likely. Every three to four weeks, replace your razor or blades.

 

Don’t exchange private items. If you share razors, towels, washcloths, and other private objects, the bacterium that causes boils is easily spread. Don’t share these items with anyone else and keep them hidden away.

 

Shave while bathing or showering. Never dry shave your pubic region. Make your skin even more moisturized and less frictional by using a shaving cream or lotion.

 

Shave along the growing direction of your hair. Shaving in the direction that your hair grows can help lessen the chance of ingrown hairs.

 

Exfoliate gently. You can get rid of dead skin cells and lessen the possibility of ingrown hairs by gently exfoliating the region around your vagina.

 

Take all of the antibiotics. If your doctor prescribes oral antibiotics to treat your infection, complete the entire prescription, even if the boil starts improving. Re-infection may result if you stop taking the antibiotics before you’ve finished the entire course.

 

Staph should be treated. A bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus, which is frequently found on the skin, can lead to recurrent boils as well as other infections. Your doctor can offer specialized treatment if this bacterium is to blame.

 

Wash your hands. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap both before and after touching your genitalia. This may aid in halting the spread of bacteria that cause infections.

 

NOTE: Most vaginal region boils respond to home remedies and will reduce and disappear in a few weeks.

However, some boils are resistant to home remedies. It’s crucial to consult a doctor if you find that a vaginal boil hasn’t healed, is growing worse, or exhibits signs of infection.

Larger, more severe, or infected vaginal boils will probably need to be lanced and drained, as well as maybe receiving antibiotic treatment.

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