Vaginal Boils - Home Remedies, Risk Factors and Prevention

What Is a Vaginal Boil?

Boils on the vagina are known as vaginal boils. These are pus-filled, swollen bumps that form under the skin of the vagina. These bumps can form outside the vagina, in the pubic area, or develop on the labia. Vaginal boils usually develop when a hair follicle becomes impacted or if an infection develops in the follicle. Vaginal boils not only cause pain and discomfort in women, but they also cause embarrassment in front of their partners. The article discusses women who usually hesitate to talk and suffer in silence.

Why Do Women Get Boils in the Vaginal Area?

Vaginal boils can occur due to the following reasons:

• Sebum: Excessive sebum production can plug the oil glands. When the bacteria gets trapped in these glands, it can get infected and cause boils. Women with thick pubic hair and oily skin are more prone to vaginal abscesses.

• Ingrown Hair: These vaginal bumps can occur when the hair inside the follicle curls or grows sideways. Ingrown hair bumps can develop on the pubic area, vulva, and labia. An ingrown hair boil on the vagina can show up after shaving the pubic hair using improper shaving techniques.

• Body Toxins: Pollution, eating unhealthy foods, and stress can build toxins in the body. These toxins can accumulate in the body and cause boils or pimples in several parts of the body, including the vagina.

• Bruises and Cuts: The tight underwear can cause cuts, bruises, and rashes on the intimate area, which, when infected by the bacteria present on the skin, can form boils.

• Harmful Bacteria: Harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Chlamydia trachomatis are responsible for the growth of vaginal boils and infections.

• Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD): Sexually transmitted infections can be an important reason for vaginal boils. Genital piercings can also cause vaginal boils.

• Cysts: Bartholin gland cysts can be another cause of vaginal boils. The Bartholin gland, which is present under the skin close to the vaginal opening, can lead to a hard round bump or a cyst. If untreated, it can cause infection, and finally, a boil will form.

How Does A Vaginal Boil Look Like?

Symptoms of genital boils include red, pus-filled lumps, which are tender and painful. The center of the lump will turn yellow or white when it is ready to drain. People with multiple boils may develop a fever and swollen lymph nodes.

How Long Can a Vaginal Boil Last?

Usually, a boil will clear up on its own in a week or two. Some boils will shrink and disappear, while others will burst and drain first. If the boil bursts, clean the site thoroughly and apply a sterile gauze or adhesive bandage. Try to keep the site clean and change the dressing every day. Washing hands before and after changing the bandages is a must. Having one boil does not mean an individual will likely get another.

However, the risk factors that can make an individual get another boil are:

• Friction or rubbing from tight clothes.

• Ingrown hairs from shaving.

• Staphylococcal infection.

If multiple boils develop, make an appointment with the doctor because an underlying factor could be contributing to the boils. Therefore, treating the root cause can help prevent future bumps.

How Are Vaginal Boils Diagnosed?

The steps involved in the diagnosis of boils on the vagina are as follows:

• Clinical Assessment: The healthcare provider may start by asking for medical history and the symptoms the patient is experiencing, such as pain, tenderness, presence of pus, and redness on the affected area.

• Physical Examination: The healthcare provider may physically inspect the affected area and check for the size and characteristics of the boil.

• Swab or Culture: The healthcare provider may take a sterile swab, take a sample from the affected area, and send it to the laboratory to check for the causative bacteria. This will help in selecting appropriate treatment.

• Blood Tests: The healthcare provider may order blood tests in case of systemic infection. This is ordered if some infectious medical condition contributes to the development of vaginal boils.

What Are the Home Remedies to Manage Boils in Private Areas for Females?

The home remedies for boils in the private part include:

• Applying a warm compress to the area for at least 20 to 30 minutes is very helpful in reducing vaginal boils. People can purchase warm compress with the supervision of a physician.

• Maintaining good hygiene in the private area by cleaning with fragrance free soap.

• Wear loose-fit clothes.

• Avoid popping the boil.

• Raw onion.

• Fresh garlic.

• Tea tree oil can be mixed with coconut oil and applied to the affected area.

• Turmeric and ginger.

• Castor oil extract.

• Tridax daisy essential oil.

• Neem essential oil.

• Goatweed essential oil.

• Soak in warm water with Epsom salt. This will help promote healing.

What Is the Treatment for Vaginal Boils?

The healthcare provider may prescribe some medications to treat vaginal boils, as follows:

• To ease the inflammation and mild pain caused by vaginal boils, over-the-counter pain medications are advised. The two recommended OTC painkillers are Advil (Ibuprofen) and Tylenol (Acetaminophen).

• Applying petroleum jelly ointment can cure the boil. The application of the balm will help to prevent friction.

• Antibiotic ointments or creams like combined Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B can help prevent further infection.

What Is the Treatment for Large Vaginal Boils?

If the boil is too severe, the doctor may advise two treatment options:

• Incision and Drainage: The healthcare provider may perform a small surgical procedure by taking a small needle and scalpel. The doctor may incise the boil, and the accumulated pus is removed. This will help promote healing. The procedure should be done under proper sterile conditions. Ensure that the patient does not self-drain the vaginal boil. Otherwise, it may lead to complications. Experienced healthcare professionals should perform this.

• Antibiotic Therapy: The doctor may prescribe antibiotics against bacterial infection. It is only recommended if the vaginal boil is associated with signs of infection.

• Pain Relief Medications: Over-the-counter pain relief medications can be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation.

• Topical Antibiotics: The healthcare provider may prescribe topical antibiotics. This can be applied directly to the affected area.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, vaginal boils can cause pain and discomfort. There is a need for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to manage the condition. Small-size vaginal boils can be managed at home with warm compresses and hygiene practices. Large-size vaginal boils can be managed by a healthcare professional, which includes incision, drainage of pus, antibiotic therapy, and pain management. An individual should not self-drain the pus from the vaginal boil because it may lead to complications. Follow-up care is necessary to monitor the healing process.