September is Sexual Health Awareness Month, which means it's a good time to make sure we know the difference between sexually transmitted infections (STI) and other conditions that could affect the sex organs. One common mix-up in that regard is a little-known issue called vaginal acne. Many women are unaware that pimples can arise in this region, and they sometimes mistake these small dots for an ingrown hair or an STI. Some simple insights could help to distinguish each—thereby avoiding unnecessary panic.
"Vaginal acne is actually more a form of folliculitis, or an infection of the follicle, rather than true acne," Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the director of the Cosmetic and Clinical Research Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, tells Newsweek. "Because of the high density of hair follicles, combined with hair removal, the hair follicles in that area of skin is at risk for bacterial infections."
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Vaginal acne commonly arises as individual pus pimples surrounding a hair. They can be caused by procedures like waxing or shaving, and tight clothing like workout gear. (Facial acne, by contrast, is not an infection. These pimples result when oil becomes trapped inside hair follicles due to bacteria living within them.)
Any woman could develop vaginal acne, but certain populations are more susceptible than others. Postmenopausal women, overweight women and smokers are more prone to vaginal acne, according to Margarita Lolis, a dermatologist based in New York and New Jersey. "Anytime there is hormonal fluctuations, excessive rubbing or perspiration in skin folds, plus circulatory issues, vaginal breakouts may occur," Lolis tells Newsweek.
Knowing the Difference
Determining whether a red bump is a pimple, an ingrown hair or due to an STI can be tricky. To make matters more complicated, sometimes these spots may occur for no apparent reason and resolve on their own. A few considerations may help.
Related: The Four Worst Home Acne Cures
"Acne lesions tend to center on a hair follicle and are not painful," Dr. Maral Skelsey, an associate professor of dermatology at Georgetown University, tells Newsweek. A virus called Molluscum contagiosum can mimic acne, says Skelsey, but the painless lesions usually have a central depression.
Both vaginal acne and ingrown hairs can be caused by waxing or shaving, says Skelsey. But, there is a key distinction between these two: vaginal acne will always have pus, but ingrown hairs may not, at least not initially. With ingrown hairs, says Zeichner, "the free edge of the hair does not clear the edge of the skin and gets trapped underneath and curls on itself leading to inflammation." As a result, ingrown hairs may first appear as red, tender bumps, but pus only accumulates if the area becomes infected.
Some STIs, such as herpes, cause clusters of small, painful round bumps on the vulva and labia, as well as inside the vagina. Herpes sores or blisters are filled with a clear fluid that oozes out of the sores before they heal on their own, according to the Mayo Clinic. Herpes ulcers are more likely to appear as a group or cluster, whereas a pimple will usually stand alone with a pus-filled head.
"Other [STIs] can also mimic acne, and persistent lesions should be evaluated by dermatologist or gynecologist," says Skelsey.
Treatments for vaginal acne
Treating vaginal acne is not the same as treating facial acne. Retinoids, often prescribed for breakouts, are too harsh for sensitive vaginal skin. A warm compress, antibiotics or lancet prescribed by a dermatologist could help, says Lolis.
However, she cautions against taking things into one's own hands too much. "If the pimple is deep and painful, it's best to see the dermatologist than to self-treat with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which can excessively dry skin and irritate it even more," says Lolis. An anti-inflammatory topical cream with azelaic acid, which is a natural organic compound with antibacterial properties, may also provide some relief, says Lolis.
And, of course, addressing vaginal acne should also be accompanied by some relief that it's a minor, harmless and treatable problem.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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