Vaginal Boil: Steps to Identify and Safely Treat Boils in the Pubic Area

Vaginal boils can be horrifying, especially after noticing that they're swollen, red, and filled with pus. However, there are steps for identifying and treating vaginas boils, also known as vulvar boils or furuncles. A vaginal boil is a deep and infected lump in the skin near your vagina.

These boils are often caused by bacterial invasion of a hair follicle or blocked gland. They can mimic a pimple but are much more painful, firm, and grow quickly. This article will explore how you can prevent and treat a vaginal boil, so that you don’t have to go through a painful ordeal.

A vaginal boil is a pus-filled infection under the skin of the vulva or labia. It usually starts out as a small red bump and gets bigger as the pus accumulates, resulting in a sore, swollen area with a white or yellow rim of pus.

The culprit is a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus, which then infects a hair follicle or a gland, causing folliculitis or an infected gland cyst.

Other possible causes for a vaginal boil include cuts, shaving, tight clothing, friction, ingrown hair, wax irritation, or blocked Bartholin's glands.

1. Sharp irritation from shaving or waxing can tear the skin or harbour bacteria from hair follicles.
2. Hair removal creams or creams with irritants can weaken skin and allow bacterial entry, causing these painful vaginal boils.
3. Tight, sweaty, or non‑ventilated clothing can cause friction, resulting in skin breakdown and infection.
4. Blocked Bartholin’s gland: When a duct is blocked, it may be infected and appear as a boil.

1. Sore or red swollen bump: They'll be tender, and warm to the touch, usually extremely painful.
2. Has a pus-filled centre: It may have a yellow or white head filled with pus.
3. Rapid growth: Boils can grow from pea size to walnut size in a matter of a few days.
4. Skin crusting or oozing fluid: As the boil prepares to drain, the surrounding skin starts to crust, and the fluid oozes out.
5. Redness and swelling: Skin surrounding the boil may appear to be red or swollen.
6. Systemic symptoms: Fever, extreme fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes may develop with some boils in some severe cases.

These features can help you identify when it is a boil and not other conditions like a cyst (which tends to be painless without infection), or a pimple (which is smaller and shallower), or lesions from herpes or other diseases.

Contact a doctor if:

1. The boil remains present for more than two weeks and has not healed.
2. You develop fever, chills, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes.
3. There are multiple boils or spreading infection (carbuncle, cellulitis)
4. You have underlying conditions such as diabetes, immunosuppression, or recurrent boils (possible hidradenitis suppurativa)
5. If you’re pregnant or have any doubts, always contact your doctor for sensitive cases.

If you have mild boils, you can try some safe remedies at home, such as:

1. Warm compress: Take a clean cloth, soak it in warm water, and apply it over the boil for 10 minutes, up to four times a day. This can help the boil come to a head and drain naturally.
2. Warm baths: Sit in a warm bath to soak the area, relieve discomfort, and facilitate drainage. This works for Bartholin cysts as well.
3. Keep the area clean and dry: Use a mild antibacterial soap to wash, and pat dry and don’t rub to avoid spreading the infection.
4. Apply gauze or dressing: Cover the boil lightly as it drains with gauze or dressing, as the gauze can absorb some pus and the dressing can help decrease friction.
5. Pain relief: You can use over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, according to the package instructions, to reduce inflammation and pain.

Pro tip: Do not try to squeeze, pop, or pick at the boil as it risks spreading or leaving a scar.

1. Choose gentler hair removal methods. Don’t shave too close or wax too frequently.
2. Never apply chemically harsh creams near sensitive skin areas.
3. Do a patch test on the sensitive skin before you use any shaving or hair removal creams.
4. Use breathable cotton underwear that’s not tight.
5. Shower daily, especially after sweating or swimming.
6. Remember: Don’t share grooming items like razors or towels with anyone.
7. Moisturise and avoid excess exfoliation to reduce the chances of getting ingrown hair.

Lancing (opening) a boil is only advised when all home treatments have failed, or if the boil is too big, infected, painful, or persistent. The vaginal boil will be lanced in a sterile environment, which will allow the pus to drain out easily.

Doctors may also use a drawing salve, or even antibiotics if the bacteria are spreading or the patient has systemic symptoms. Lancing should only be done by professionals to avoid complications or sepsis.

Topical antibacterial cream or ointment may help with mild infections on the surface.

If the boil is bigger, recurring, or if you’re dealing with MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) or if the infection is spreading, then your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics like doxycycline, azithromycin and cephalexin.

Sometimes hospital treatment might be unavoidable, especially for immunocompromised individuals or in cases where the infection is more severe.

Neomycin eye ointment is not recommended for intravaginal or intravulvar use. If you're prescribed a dermatologically approved topical antibiotic, you must follow the directions. Eye formulations can be irritants to mucosal skin, such as the vagina or vulva, and therefore should not be used.

Choose products that are fragrance-free, gentle, and suitable for intimate washes and mild shaving creams, specifically designed for sensitive skin. Avoid harsh soaps and perfumed products that disrupt your skin's natural barrier and pH, as this may increase your risk of infection.

Boils in the pubic area are a common and usually treatable condition. By understanding the key signs—a painful, red lump that may have a white or yellow centre—you can take the right steps toward a safe and effective recovery.

Remember to prioritise hygiene, avoid squeezing or popping the boil, and use warm compresses to encourage drainage. If the boil is large, extremely painful, or doesn't improve with home care, consult a doctor. Taking these proactive measures can help you manage the condition, alleviate symptoms, and maintain your overall well-being.

Q. What causes vaginal boils?

Most boils occur if a bacterium has entered a hair follicle or a blocked gland due to a minor injury or skin abrasion.

Q. How can I tell if I have a vaginal boil?

A. Boils usually start as painful red bumps that rapidly grow in size, are filled with pus, and drain, but not in the way that cysts and pimples do.

Q. Are vaginal boils contagious?

A. Yes, boils caused by bacteria are contagious, but only through skin-to-skin contact or through shared personal hygiene items.

Q. How do I treat a vaginal boil at home?

A. Use warm compresses, soak in baths, keep the area clean, and avoid touching the area. If there’s pain, then using painkillers may be helpful.

Q. When should I see a doctor for a vaginal boil?

A. If the boil lasts for more than 2 weeks, keeps coming back, spreads, or if you develop fever and chills, then go to the doctor immediately.

Q. Can hair removal creams cause vaginal boils?

A. Yes, hair removal creams can irritate the hair follicles, which can create an opportunity for staph bacteria to enter the follicles and cause infection.

Q. What does it mean if a boil is lanced?

A. It’s a medical term used to describe a procedure where a doctor makes a small incision to allow the pus to drain from the boil.

Q. Is it safe to use neomycin ointment on a vaginal boil?

A. No, it's not. Neomycin ointment is not safe for sensitive mucosal areas like the vagina and can result in irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals.