Classification of rashes
The definition of a pimple varies greatly between the average person and dermatologists. Doctors distinguish different types of rashes, which differ in appearance and content. Patients call most internal rashes pimples or pimples (these types of rashes can be seen in photos on the Internet), but this is not always the case.
- Spot. This is an area of skin that has changed color due to increased blood flow or pigment. Some spots appear due to pinpoint small hemorrhages - they are called petechiae, larger ones are called purpura.
- Blister. Accompanied by acute inflammation, it rises above healthy skin - the size ranges from a few millimeters to 10 cm. It is soft to the touch and has no cavity with contents. After treatment it goes away without a trace. An example of a blister is a hives rash.
- Knot. In dermatology - papule. The nodule rises above the skin, can be dense or soft, varying in depth and size. Large papules over 3 cm are called plaques. The surface of the nodule can be smooth or scaly. There is no cavity inside the papule.
- Tubercle. This is a delimited dense formation. It protrudes above the skin and can vary in color - from pinkish to bluish-purple. An ulcer forms at the apex, which is replaced by connective tissue to form a scar.
- Knot. This is a large “pimple” from 1 to 5 cm in diameter. It spreads to the surface layer of the skin and then reaches the subcutaneous fat. The node may be accompanied by inflammation due to the activity of various microorganisms (syphilis, tuberculosis).
- Bubble. A small bubble protrudes above the surface of the skin, peeling it off a little. Liquid serous or mixed with blood (hemorrhagic) contents collect in the resulting cavity. The value does not exceed 5 mm.
- Bubble. This is a large cavity in the skin up to 5 cm or more, which is filled with serous, hemorrhagic or purulent contents. May appear with dermatitis, pemphigus.
- Pustule. This is a striped element with purulent contents, like blackheads, that best fits the definition of a pimple. May be located around the hair follicle (folliculitis). If the pustules do not affect the follicles, then this is a phlyctena, involving the sebaceous glands in the process - acne.
Acne in the intimate area in women can be painless and not accompanied by discomfort. Some species are characterized by a burning sensation and itching, while others are characterized by severe pain.
Folliculitis
This is one of the most common causes of vaginal rashes and pimples. This infectious skin disease is an infection of the hair follicles and their inflammation. A follicle is a cavity in the skin from which hair grows.
We suggest you familiarize yourself with Pimples on the neck in women and how to deal with them correctly
Folliculitis can occur as a result of:
- improper shaving;
- ingrown hair;
- wearing tight clothing that rubs the skin;
- follicles that become blocked by sweat and other skin secretions;
- when using contaminated massage baths and swimming pools;
- Infected cuts (more often from shaving) spread bacteria to nearby follicles.
Sometimes white pimples appear directly on the vagina. What is this? Look closely at the lesion. If the white pimples are large and inflamed, then it is most likely folliculitis.
Why do small pimples appear on the labia?
Pimples on the vagina are the result of an infectious process and can be painful. Pathogens can belong to different types of microorganisms:
- bacteria;
- viruses;
- mushrooms.
They may be representatives of opportunistic microflora, which inhabit the mucous membrane of the vagina and vulva, and are also present on the surface of the skin. Such pathogens include many bacteria (Escherichia coli, streptococci, bacteroides, enterococci), as well as fungi of the genus Candida.
Pathogenic microbes include the causative agents of syphilis and tuberculosis, which can manifest themselves as skin rashes.
Viruses are not opportunistic pathogens; their appearance is associated with infection from the outside. The genital area is characterized by infection with the following viruses:
- herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1);
- herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2);
- human papilloma virus.
These pathogens have a predominantly sexual transmission mode. HSV-1 most often affects the facial area, but during oral sex with a patient with labial herpes it can cause rashes on the genitals.
The causes of acne on the labia minora and perineal skin may be as follows.
- Lack of hygiene. Hair in the intimate area had a protective function in the absence of underwear. Currently, women do not need this. Therefore, too dense “vegetation” can become a favorable environment for the proliferation of microbes, especially during menstruation and in hot weather. Rare trips to the shower make the situation worse.
- Shaving frequently. Shaving hair deprives germs of a breeding ground. But it also irritates the skin. Therefore, after shaving, small yellow pimples may appear as a result of infection entering the hair follicle. Sometimes young hairs cannot overcome the dense layer of keratinized epidermis, so they begin to grow under the skin. At the same time, they become inflamed, a red spot appears above them, and then an abscess.
- Poor quality linen. Underwear should be made from natural “breathable” materials; cotton is most suitable for these purposes. Synthetic, tight panties do not absorb sweat well and do not allow the skin to breathe. A greenhouse effect is created, which is good for the proliferation of microbes. If additional influencing factors appear, then white pimples on the labia are guaranteed.
- Decreased immunity. Diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, long-term treatment with antibiotics, radiation therapy, the use of cytostatics and glucocorticoids lead to a decrease in immune defense. In this case, bacterial and fungal infections may worsen, and herpes rashes may appear.
- Hypothermia and overheating (colds). For the body, both of these conditions are stress, which requires the tension of protective forces. Therefore, after being in the cold, sitting on cold ground, acne may appear.
- Allergy. Acute urticaria manifests itself as a rash in the form of blisters. It may appear as a response to cosmetic or hygiene products. Scented pads, soap, and various sprays richly flavored with fragrances and dyes may be to blame for this. Against the background of an allergic reaction and a decrease in local immunity, a white coating may appear on the rash - a trace of the proliferation of the Candida fungus.
- Chemical burn. The use of harsh chemicals and particularly sensitive skin can lead to the appearance of painful pimples on the labia.
Certain conditions are required for infection to develop. Just contact between the skin and the pathogen is not enough.
Hypothermia
As a result of temperature changes, acne may appear on the vagina. Small pimples are the most harmless consequence of hypothermia. Usually, hypothermia can cause disruption of blood flow to the mucous membrane. Accordingly, it provokes a weakening of the immune system.
As a rule, cold acne goes away on its own, unless it is due to an infection in the vagina. Otherwise, blood poisoning cannot be avoided. It is for this reason that grandmothers complain about their granddaughters for wearing short jackets. Warm underwear and a long jacket are protection against female diseases.
Diagnosis and treatment
You can treat acne on the pussy on your own, but there is no guarantee that self-diagnosis will be carried out correctly. You should not turn to a friend or neighbor with an intimate problem; only a doctor can correctly assess the symptoms and carry out additional diagnostics, in this case a gynecologist or dermatovenerologist.
Red spots or blisters
Before treatment, you need to examine the rash yourself. If it pops up in the form of spots and itch, then the cause may be sexually transmitted skin parasites - scabies mites, pubic lice. Itchy spots or blisters appear at the site of their bites. The tick is very small and difficult to notice, but lice can be seen. With long-term head lice, dark spots may appear - traces of lice activity.
For treatment, hair is shaved and special medications are used. Traditional methods include the use of vinegar. But it can sting and burn at the bite sites, and you will have to wait longer for the effect.
An allergic reaction manifests itself in a similar way. Here you can see a connection with the use of a new cosmetic product or reuse of a pad. Some women are allergic to latex, so symptoms will appear after sexual intercourse using a condom. Hypersensitivity may also occur when using spermicidal contraceptives.
Treatment for allergies involves eliminating the allergen and using antihistamines. Tablets “Cetrin”, “Fenkarol”, “Suprastin” are prescribed. Fenistil ointment can be applied topically. The use of hormonal ointments is not recommended. They weaken local protection, which leads to the development of candidiasis.
Small red spots all over the body, including on the labia, can be a symptom of syphilis. These pimples are painless, but can become a source of infection for another person. Another manifestation of syphilis are ulcers at the site of introduction of the pathogen. Such pimples often appear in the vagina and on the cervix - without a special examination by a doctor, they are invisible.
Treatment of syphilis should only be done by a venereologist and necessarily at the same time for all sexual partners.
Yellow pustules
The cause of purulent pimples on the labia is a bacterial infection. It affects the hair follicles and folliculitis develops. For treatment, it is enough to maintain hygiene and treat them with antiseptic solutions. When the infection spreads to the subcutaneous tissue, a boil forms. It looks like a large pimple on the labia, accompanied by severe pain and a disturbance in general well-being. The pain can radiate to the groin area and rectum.
A dense formation at the entrance to the vagina, which hurts and interferes with walking, is called bartholinitis - inflammation of the vestibule gland. For boils and bartholinitis, only surgical treatment is provided. The doctor must open the abscess and remove its contents, and rinse the cavity with an antiseptic. Treatment is supplemented with antibiotics and immunomodulators.
Is it possible to squeeze pimples on the labia? The clear answer is no. This will lead to the spread of infection deeper. Or a more serious inflammation will appear at the site of a small pimple.
Bubbles
The appearance of burning and itching, then a small compaction, which is replaced by a bubble with watery (serous) contents - symptoms of herpes. They often appear when the immune system is weakened:
- after a long illness;
- after or before menstruation;
- with hypothermia.
Such a pimple can be on the mucous membrane of the labia or on the skin of the perineum. The rash may be accompanied by general weakness, malaise, and fever. When a pimple bursts, an ulcer forms in its place, which gradually dries out and becomes crusty. After healing, no traces remain.
Treatment of herpes is carried out with local and systemic means. Acyclovir ointment is used locally. Acyclovir tablets are taken internally, without which effective treatment is impossible (the ointment only eliminates the manifestation of herpes, and the tablets suppress its reproduction). In case of frequent relapses, treatment is carried out with an antiherpetic vaccine.
Painless and tight
Sometimes condylomas and papillomas are mistaken for acne. They are the result of infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Some of its types lead to the appearance of skin growths, others exhibit oncogenic properties and cause cervical cancer.
Papillomas come in different types, sometimes they are single formations, cauliflower-type growths or dense ones with a subcutaneous part. To eliminate them, surgical methods are used:
- cryodestruction;
- electrocoagulation;
- laser treatment.
Uninstalling does not fix the problem. To completely get rid of the virus, treatment with special antiviral drugs and immunostimulants is required.
Small, dense and painless formations in the form of black pimples are nevi. These are benign formations, which are commonly called moles. Sometimes dark acne changes:
- by color;
- form;
- size.
They get injured during shaving and begin to bleed. In this case, the help of an oncologist is necessary. It is possible that melanoma forms at the site of the nevus. This is one of the most dangerous tumors, which grows quickly and gives multiple metastases early. Treatment in this case is complex, including surgical removal, chemotherapy and radiation.
A lump-shaped pimple can be a painless and safe wen that does not require special treatment. If the seal becomes inflamed and purulent discharge appears, sometimes with an odor, you should immediately consult a doctor.
With a white coating
Red pimples on the labia, on the surface of which a white cheesy coating appears, are a consequence of candidiasis. This is a fungal infection that is an opportunistic flora. Symptoms often appear in diabetic patients due to decreased skin immunity, as well as in HIV-infected people.
Additional symptoms are skin itching and dysuric disorders. Treatment is carried out with antifungal agents. Creams containing nystatin or clotrimazole may be used. When the vagina is involved in the process, suppositories “Pimafucin”, “Clotrimazole” or the combined drug “Polygynax” are used, since a microbial association is often present. In some cases, it is necessary to take the drug fluconazole (Diflucan, Flucostat, Difluzol) orally.
How does genital herpes manifest itself?
In addition to multiple blisters filled with liquid, the woman is worried about pain. There is a connection with unprotected sexual intercourse.
Predisposing factors to genital herpes are the following conditions:
• a large number of sexual partners; • taking hormones; • failure of the immune system.
In addition, some patients note an increase in regional lymph nodes. If a herpetic infection is left unattended, frequent relapses will be a complication, and there is a possibility of further spread of the pathology.
The following drugs are used for treatment:
• Acyclovir; • Valaciclovir; • Famacyclovir; • Penciclovir.
In some cases, immunomodulators and vitamins are prescribed.
Special Cautions
There are many reasons for the appearance of rashes on the genitals. But it is difficult for a non-specialist to differentiate between different conditions and choose the right treatment. Allergies, psoriasis and eczema at a certain stage can be very similar to each other, but require completely different treatments. Therefore, if the following symptoms appear, it is better to consult a doctor.
- Time. Self-treatment does not bring effect within a week. The rash intensifies, causing severe itching and swelling. Peeling may occur, and the redness from the pimple will spread over a larger area.
- General state. Against the background of the rash, the condition gradually worsens and the temperature rises.
- Ulcers. Pimples give way to ulcers that take a long time to heal. There is one ulcer that is gradually increasing in size. Additionally, the lymph nodes in the groin may swell.
- Sexual contact. If pimples appear after unprotected sex or with a new sexual partner, you should immediately consult a doctor.
The appearance of rashes on the genitals is sometimes an indicator of the general state of the immune system. If such manifestations often bother you, then specific diagnostics are needed. In addition to determining the pathogen that causes acne on the pubis and labia, an immunogram may be required to identify abnormalities in protection.
Prevention
The most important preventative method is personal hygiene. It is necessary to wash the genitals daily, using special products for intimate hygiene. It is highly not recommended to use a syringe. This method disrupts the vaginal microflora, causing acne and rashes.
Be sure to purchase comfortable underwear made from natural fabrics. Try not to wear thongs. It is this type of underwear that most often causes infection of the genital organs. When using pads, change them every 3-4 hours. If you experience discomfort or itching in the vagina, consult a doctor immediately.
There is a whole range of measures that, if followed, can help prevent the appearance of acne in the vagina.
For these purposes, experts recommend:
- Carefully observe the rules of personal hygiene, wash your face twice a day, but without using soap (it dries out the mucous membranes).
- Do not douche without a doctor's prescription.
- Choose to wear underwear made from natural fabrics.
- Refuse to wear thongs.
- Monitor the general condition of the body.
- Avoid hypothermia.
- Contact a gynecologist immediately if symptoms of infectious diseases appear.
- Support the immune system.
- Give up bad habits.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with Pimples in the groin in men: causes and symptoms, classification and treatment
To maintain women's health, experts recommend contacting specialists twice a year for preventive examinations.