Vaginal boils are a form of infected skin sore that appears in thevaginaorvulva(the external genitalia).
Boils appear due to a bacterial infection in ahair follicle.
Practicing good genital hygiene and strengthening your immune system with a healthy diet can help.
nortonrsx / Getty Images
nortonrsx / Getty Images
What Is a Vaginal Boil?
A vaginal boil is an infected sore located in the genital area.
In the genital area, hair follicles are typically numerous on the labia around the vaginal opening.
What Does a Vaginal Boil Look Like?
As the boil fills with pus, it will be accompanied by pain.
What Causes Vaginal Boils?
Boils are triggered by a bacterium calledStaphylococcus aureus.
Some people carry this form of bacteria on their skin.
The reason for this has not been established.
But it is believed that about 20% of adults are carriers of this bacterium.
Staphylococcus aureusis often found in the armpits, nostrils, between thebuttocks, and between the legs.
A graze or small cut on the skin can cause bacteria to enter the hair follicle.
This then creates an infection and a boil.
But more often the pain will increase as pus continues to build up inside the boil.
To encourage healing, apply a warm, moist compress to the boil multiple times a day.
This will help speed up the draining and healing process.
Once the boil is open, continue to apply the compress to promote healing.
It is important to keep the area around the boil clean as well.
In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend oral antibiotics or an antibiotic injection to promote healing.
How to Prevent Vaginal Boils
It’s not always possible to prevent boils.
But there are some strategies to reduce your risk of developing one.
Give your immune system a boost by eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly.
Summary
A vaginal boil is an infected hair follicle that occurs in the pubic area.
It is due to a bacterium calledStaphylococcus aureus.
This bacterium may be carried on the skin in some people.
A boil may be red or pink, pus filled, and painful.
It may also be accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue or fever.
In some cases, boils will heal on their own.
At other times, a healthcare provider may need to drain them or prescribe antibiotics.
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