Skin Disorders and Problems > Pimples > Genital Pimples – What Causes Them on the Vagina or Penis and When to visit a Doctor.

Genital Pimples – What Causes Them on the Vagina or Penis and When to visit a Doctor.

Posted in Pimples, Reviewed & Updated on March 30, 2018

Rarely will genital pimples or just a pimple on pubic area not cause alarm, especially in women. They can take all forms of sizes and appearance and bring about all forms of symptoms. While some can be signs of infections, some are completely harmless and will in fact heal on their own.

Pimples are natural and should not get you worried. However, you do want to be certain that they are normal pimples, such as ones occurring on face commonly known as acne. As you may already know, acne can occur on any part of the body, especially the face and back, but also on the genitals.

Information on genital pimples causes

Pimples are generally caused by clogging of the sweat pores. The skin contains special glands that produce a form of oil which keeps the skin from dehydration. Sometimes, the oil gets clogged in sweat pores and result in skin bumps. When bacteria finds a way into the same sweat pores, chemical reactions with the immune system are triggered which results in fat, firm, red and painful pimples.

The following are predisposing factors for genital pimples:

  • Hormone levels – Pimples are common at and after puberty, a period when major changes are experienced in hormonal levels. Also, vaginal pimples can be experienced by women during menstrual periods.
  • Infections – Infections that will manipulate hormonal levels in the body are potential causes of pimples on the genitals. Remember that we are not including diseases such as herpes, which will cause sores and blisters rather than pimples.
  • Hygiene – Habits such as wearing underwear not made from cotton, using abrasive soaps, picking at pimples or even skin tags removal remedies will irritate pimples and encourage new ones to develop.
  • Drugs and diets – If you notice an abrupt appearance of pimples on the genitals, it may be caused by a certain food product you have added to your meal plans or a drug that you have started taking.
  • Age – It is common for teenagers to develop pimples on labia, vagina and penis. This usually reduces with age.
  • Shaving – Poor shaving skills can encourage pimples to develop. However, skin bumps are more likely to occur in this case that are pimples.
  • Foreign materials – The genital area is very sensitive. Being exposed to pollutants, some lubricants, touching and so forth can introduce bacteria which will in turn contribute to the occurrence of pimples of the genitals.

What causes pimple on the vagina

A couple of factors can cause or contribute to the occurrence of a pimple on the vagina. In this article, we will discuss several possible causes.

Genital acne
Just as it is with other body parts, acne can occur on the genital area. This is common during menstrual periods and during puberty. The pimples will be firm small papules. When infected, they can turn red and become painful. They usually go away on their own and are of no health risk in most of the cases.

Rarely will you need to cover a pimple on vagina. They, however, can be treated with topical lotions, oral drugs, creams, and even injections. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are good examples. Isotretinoin is also effective but with some side effects. You doctor will help you make an informed decision on which medication is best.

Vaginal bumps
These are bumps on skin caused by hair strands that curl inwards rather than exiting from the sweat pores. The most common cause is use of poor pubic hair removal methods.

Always ensure that you have used a shaving gel and a sharp razor. The shaving should also be done along the gradient of hair growth.

Vaginal bumps heal on their own after some time. They can however get infected, in which case medical attention should be sought. You can also use over the counter antibiotics or essential oils to treat such bumps.

STDs
Almost all STDs will cause some forms of bumps, sores or pimples on and near the vagina. Such STDs include chancroid, genital herpes, syphilis, genital warts. Any of these can be confused with another. Online images and live pictures from infected patients can help you isolate each of these conditions from the other.

Folliculitis
Here, tiny red or white bumps will form just by the hair follicles. Some fungal and parasitic infections including lack of scabies treatment can contribute to this condition.

Genital eczema
This is a very common cause of pimples on the vagina. It can be caused by heavy sweating, friction, soaps, antiseptics, lubricants and other female care products. Eczema pimples form as red bumps and a rash that mostly appears on the vulva.

Vaginal cysts
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop under the skin. They are not painful and will move around a bit when pressured. Vaginal cysts can form when gland ducts are blocked. If left untreated, they can cause a foul smell in vaginal discharge.

Other possible causes of pimples on the vagina include:

  • Vaginal abscess
  • Molluscum Contagiosum
  • Cancer of the vulva and cervix
  • Angioma
  • Skin tags, moles and warts
  • Scabies
  • Allergy
  • Boils
  • Yeast infections
  • Sweating

You can see why it is easy to confuse a certain cause with another. It is very important that you be certain of what exactly is causing vaginal pimples and bumps. You may want to have a doctor check them for certainty.

Pimple on the penis causes and images

A pimple on the penis is a common phenomenon. They can result from STDs or naturally occur. Below are the common causes of pimples on the penis:

Folliculitis
When hair follicles clog and become infected, they form red or yellowish bumps that may or may not be painful. Pimples resulting from Folliculitis will mostly go away on their own and occur solely.

Penis pimples
These are similar to the acne that occurs on face or other body parts such as the back. They are filled with pus and can be painful when infected. Penis pimples are not harmful but should be treated with antibiotics.

Razor/skin bumps
These are common when shaving is not done correctly. They result from hair strands that curl inwards. They are very common and usually pose no health risk.

Penile papules
These are spiny shaped papules that take on the color of the skin. They appear on the ring of the penis, the area between the glans and the shaft. They are not harmful and usually disappear.

Staph bacteria
These bacteria causes boils to form on or near the penis. Cuts sustained when shaving act as entry points for the bacteria. Pimples on the penis caused by staph bacteria is a rare condition. It can be simply treated with antibiotics.

Whatever the cause of pimples on the penis is, the pimples should not be picked at or irritated with soaps and chemicals. You can try some home remedies or just get medical attention. In fact, don’t treat such pimples at home if you suspect the cause being an STD or other bacterial infections. Online images, information and pictures can help you tell one condition from another. In fact, you can even watch a full video illustration on this online.

Pimple on labia causes and treatment information

Labia minora is a common body part that gets infected with pimples especially in early stages of development. They are not usually harmful health-wise but can cause both discomfort and pain.

You will need to ensure that a pimple on the labia is not resulting from an STD or a related type of infection. In such cases, medical help will be necessary.

For common acne, pimples on the labia usually occur due to the presence of a couple of oil glands on the vaginal lips. These glands have to keep producing high quantities of oil to keep the vagina from drying.

Vaginal lips are also predisposed to friction and accumulation of moisture. Such conditions are potential breeding grounds for a couple of bacteria strains.

From time to time, glandular ducts will become blocked by trapped debris and clogged oils on the labia. This will form skin bumps. If bacteria are to find way into the trapped oil and secretions, a chemical reaction with body immune system will result in an irritated and probably painful pimple on labia.

Avoid picking at pimples on the labia or scratching them. Also, maintain proper hygiene and correct shaving techniques. Underwear made from cotton materials are recommended. They absorb most of the sweat produced on and around the vaginal area.

Differences between genital pimples and herpes sores from images

Images, photos and video illustrations can help you tell the difference between a genital pimple and a herpes sore. Generally, these are their main differences:

  • A genital pimple is a firm, hard skin lesion. If you are to look closely, you will notice some whitish substance filling the pimple. The substance is known as sebum. With time, the sebum may turn into pus making the pimple soft to touch and painful.
  • A clear fluid fills herpes sores. They are very soft and firm. Unlike pimples, these sores appear in groups and form blisters with oozing fluid with time.
  • Pimples can even appear overnight without any warning symptom. For herpes sores, symptoms such as itching and tingling will precede.
  • Pimples can occur on any part of the body but prefer the face, back and neck. Herpes sores mainly occur on lips, mouth and genital area.
  • Apart from pain and discomfort, pimples are usually tolerable. Herpes sores on the other hand cause an itchy sensation and a burning effect.

Your doctor will advise you on the best way to treat either herpes sores or pimples. In fact, you may also want to remove a scar left behind by these skin conditions.

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