Seeing a sore lump in your private part might be quite a scare. However, such swollen lumps are mostly pretty frequent or common. You see, more often than not, those uneasy little bumps turn out to be just vaginal boils.
The good news? Most small boils clear up quickly with basic home care.
In this blog, I will talk about:
- What causes them,
- How to handle them safely at home,
- When it’s time to call a doctor.
Therefore, keep reading!
What Exactly Are Vaginal Boils?
Before I begin to explain what vaginal boils are, let me clarify something. Most people often use vulva and vagina interchangeably, as Flo rightly mentions. In reality, vaginal is actually inside the body.
So, most of the time, the boils that happen on the labia are actually on the vulva – the outer part that is visible. Which is why it would be ideal to call it vulvovaginal boils.
Now, what are these boils?
Usually, boils are characterized by a swollen, red area on the skin that is filled with pus. Bacteria usually cause such an infection after getting into the hair follicle or oil gland. Most of the time, these are found on the labia or in the pubic area. [Source: Cleveland Clinic]
A vaginal boil typically starts as a small, firm, red spot. Over a few days, it swells and grows larger. It’s usually quite tender or painful if you touch it.
As your immune system fights the infection, it sends white blood cells to the area. This process is what fills the bump with pus.
Eventually, the boil gets softer and bigger. A yellow or white tip – often called a “head” – will form on top. Finally, the boil pops, drains, and starts healing on its own.
The Stages Of A Vaginal Boil
Here’s what the different stages of vaginal boils look like:
- 1st Stage: Bacteria sneak into the skin through a tiny cut or a hair follicle.
- 2nd Stage: A small, hard, red bump appears and starts to throb or ache.
- 3rd Stage: Pus collects inside, making the bump feel softer and look more swollen.
- 4th Stage: A clear white or yellow head forms at the peak.
- 5th Stage: The boil bursts, the fluid drains out, and the skin repairs itself.
Vaginal Boils Vs. Other Bumps
The skin near the vagina is incredibly sensitive. So, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with. Here is how to tell a boil apart from other issues:
Ingrown Hair:
These are small pimples caused by trapped hairs. They stay tiny and close to the surface. A boil, on the other hand, is deeper, gets much bigger, and hurts way more.
Bartholin’s Cysts:
These are smooth sacs that form near the vaginal opening when a fluid gland gets blocked. Unlike boils, they usually don’t hurt unless they actually get infected.
STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections):
Herpes often looks like a cluster of tiny, watery blisters that turn into shallow sores and sting when you pee. Warts look like small, skin-colored bumps that don’t fill with pus or “come to a head.”
What Are The Common Causes Of Vaginal Boils?
Boils happen when ordinary skin bacteria end up where they don’t belong. Here are the usual culprits:
1. Staph Bacteria
First, a germ called Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is behind most boils. This bacterium lives on almost everyone’s skin without an issue. But if it slips through a break in the skin, it can trigger a nasty infection.
2. Shaving And Waxing
Secondly, grooming your pubic hair is actually the most common cause. Yes, you read that right! Using a dull razor or shaving dry creates micro-cuts you can’t even see. Bacteria use these tiny doors to enter your hair follicles.
3. Friction And Sweat
Finally, the groin area is naturally warm and damp. Tight leggings or synthetic fabrics such as nylon can trap sweat against your skin.
When those clothes rub against the wetness, the friction can expose the skin barrier. This is something that causes new vaginal boils to form.
How To Treat Vaginal Boils At Home?
If the boil is small and you don’t have a fever, you can usually manage it yourself.
| Treatment | How Often | Why It Helps |
| Warm Compress | 3 to 4 times a day for 10 – 15 mins | Brings blood to the area, eases pain, and helps the boil drain. |
| Sitz Bath | 1 to 2 times a day for 15 minutes | Soothes the skin and cleans the area gently. |
| Pain Relievers | Follow package instructions | Reduces swelling and stops the throbbing pain when you walk. |
| Loose Underwear | All day and night | Stops clothing friction and keeps the area dry. |
Step-by-Step Care Guide For Vaginal Boils
Here are a few things that you should do to take care of vaginal boils:
1. Wash Your Hands:
First and foremost, do not take any chances with hygiene.
Regularly wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after you touch the area. By doing this, you actively prevent transferring the infection to other parts of your body.
2. Use A Warm Cloth:
Next, prepare your compress. Take a clean washcloth, dip it in warm water, and wring it out very well.
Once prepared, hold it gently against the boil to ease the pain. Additionally, make sure you use a fresh, clean cloth every single time to avoid spreading germs.
3. Clean Gently:
Along with using compresses, you must keep the skin pristine. Wash the area with warm water and a very mild, fragrance-free soap once daily.
Afterward, use a clean towel to dry that part of your body. However, remember not to rub the skin. Instead, just pat it gently to prevent extra irritation.
4. Let It Drain:
Finally, monitor the bump for changes. If the boil ruptures naturally, do not just look at it. Instead, immediately clean the pus up with a fresh tissue.
Immediately following this, wash the area with a gentle soap, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment if you prefer, and then cover the wound lightly with a new gauze pad.
Crucial Warning: What NOT To Do While Treating Vaginal Boils At Home?
The skin on your vulva is thin and delicate. Making a mistake here can turn a minor bump into a major medical emergency.
Never Squeeze Or Pop The Boil:
Don’t go at it with your fingernails or a needle. You’ll likely push the infection deeper into your tissue or even your bloodstream. This can lead to serious skin infections or life-threatening blood poisoning (sepsis).
Do Not Use Acne Products:
Keep your face creams, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide away from your vagina. These chemicals will cause painful chemical burns on intimate skin.
Stop All Hair Removal:
Put the razor away and skip the wax appointment. If you shave over a boil, you’ll likely spread the bacteria to other follicles and end up with a cluster of them.
When To See A Doctor For Vaginal Boils?
Most minor boils will run their course and heal within one or two weeks. Yet, if any of this happens, you should contact your doctor immediately:
- No improvement.
- Spreading redness.
- Feeling sick.
- Severe pain.
- They keep coming back.
At the clinic, a doctor will typically relieve the pain by using a local anesthetic and then drain the pus by making a very small sterile incision. They might also prescribe antibiotics to completely eradicate the infection.
How To Prevent Future Vaginal Boils?
Here are a few things that you can do to prevent vaginal boils in the future:
- Change Your Shaving Routine: If you need to shave, do so with a new, sharp single-blade razor. Use a lot of gel and shave in the direction of hair growth. Yet, using electric trimmers is a great alternative.
- Wear cotton underwear: Always go for 100% cotton. It is good for the skin as it is breathable and prevents sweat from sitting on your skin.
- Remove wet clothes: Stop wearing sweaty gym clothes or a wet swimsuit. Take a shower right after working out and put on dry, clean clothes.
At the end of the day, a vaginal boil is just a common skin infection. It will usually go away if you keep it clean, use heat, and – most importantly – leave it alone.
Don’t try to be your own surgeon, and see a professional if things look like they’re getting worse.
