A boil is a painful, pus-filled lump that forms beneath the skin, resulting from a bacterial infection of a hair follicle. They can develop anywhere hair follicles are present, but are common in areas prone to friction, sweat, or minor skin injuries. Boils vary in size and severity, often resolving on their own, though some may require medical intervention.
Identifying a Vaginal Boil
A vaginal boil, often more accurately termed a vulvar boil, usually begins as a small, red, tender bump on the external genital area, such as the labia or pubic region. Initially, it might resemble a common pimple or a razor bump, but it grows larger and becomes more noticeable. As the infection progresses, the lump becomes firm and deep within the skin, with the surrounding skin appearing red or purplish and inflamed.
The boil develops a white or yellow center as pus collects beneath the surface, indicating it is maturing. This pus-filled tip may eventually rupture, allowing the pus to drain. Boils can vary in size, starting as small as a pea and potentially growing as large as a walnut or even a golf ball.
Beyond its visual characteristics, a vaginal boil is accompanied by physical sensations. It is painful and tender to the touch, with the pain intensifying as the boil enlarges and fills with pus. The affected area may also feel warm. Some individuals might experience a throbbing sensation or general discomfort that can affect daily activities like walking or sitting.
Distinguishing Boils from Other Conditions
Differentiating a vaginal boil from other skin conditions in the genital area is important, as several conditions can present with similar-looking bumps. Ingrown hairs are a common cause of bumps and can sometimes become infected, resembling a boil. Ingrown hairs result from hair curling back into the skin after shaving or waxing. While painful and red, they remain smaller and may show a visible hair trapped beneath the surface, unlike the deeper, pus-filled nature of a mature boil.
Cysts, such as Bartholin’s cysts or sebaceous cysts, can also appear as lumps in the vaginal area. A sebaceous cyst forms when an oil gland becomes blocked, leading to a hard bump that might be white. Bartholin’s cysts occur when one of the Bartholin’s glands near the vaginal opening becomes blocked. While painless, they can become infected and painful, similar to a boil. However, cysts are fluid-filled sacs rather than pus-filled infections of a hair follicle, and they may not come to a head or drain pus like a boil.
Folliculitis refers to an inflammation or infection of one or more hair follicles. While a boil is a type of deep folliculitis, folliculitis presents as multiple smaller, pimple-like bumps or spots, rather than a single, larger, deeply rooted lump characteristic of a boil. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause various lesions in the genital area, but boils are bacterial infections of hair follicles, and their appearance is distinct from most STI lesions, such as the blisters seen with genital herpes or the growths of genital warts.
Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Vaginal boils result from bacterial infections of hair follicles, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium found on the skin. These bacteria can enter the skin through minor cuts or abrasions from shaving, waxing, or other hair removal methods. Friction from tight clothing can also create small tears in the skin, making the area susceptible to infection. Blocked hair follicles by sweat, dead skin cells, or dirt create an environment conducive to bacterial growth.
While many vaginal boils resolve with at-home care, certain signs indicate the need for medical attention. Consult a healthcare provider if the boil becomes very large or rapidly increases in size. Severe or worsening pain, especially if it interferes with daily activities, requires medical evaluation. The presence of a fever or chills, or if redness and swelling spread beyond the immediate area of the boil, suggests a more serious infection.
Seek medical advice if the boil does not improve with home treatment after a few days, or if it persists for more than two weeks. Recurrent boils or the development of multiple boils (a carbuncle) should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional. Individuals with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system, are prone to infections and should seek medical attention for boils to prevent complications.