Vaginal boils can be such a pain for females. These lumps or bumps may form out of nowhere and can make daily activities such as walking and sitting difficult. All thanks to their location. While doctor’s advice is just a call or visit away, many women prefer to fix this problem on their own. 

To address this discreet concern, we have curated this blog post, where we talk about what vaginal boils are, their causes and symptoms, plus, how you can treat them at home.

What Are Vaginal Boils, and How Do They Look Like?

Vaginal boils are small, pimple-like bumps that form in and around the vaginal area. They are filled with pus and appear red or swollen. They are usually caused when bacteria find their way into sweat glands or hair follicles, causing an infection at the site. 

Most vaginal boils remain small and get better in a few weeks. However, some may grow large enough to match the size of a walnut and may require medical attention.

What Are the Symptoms of Vaginal Boils?

Vaginal boils come along with the following symptoms:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Warm or tender to touch
• Yellow or white pus-filled centre
• Fluid oozing out of the bump
• Crust formation

Causes of Vaginal Boils

Vaginal boils can be caused due to several reasons. These include:

• Impaction of the hair follicle
• Infection due to Staphylococcus aureus bacteria
• Blockage in Bartholin glands
• Skin cut or injury
• Skin irritation due to tight-fitting clothes
• Poor hygiene
• Being obese
• Sharing items with people who have boils

Diagnostic Tests

A simple physical exam is usually necessary to diagnose a vaginal boil. Your doctor will check the problem area and determine if what you are dealing with is a vaginal boil or not. He or she will then advise a proper treatment plan to fix the infection and provide relief from pain and discomfort.

However, if you are someone dealing with recurrent boils, you may be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to rule out their possibility or find out if you have an underlying condition. In addition, your doctor may also collect a sample of the drainage to learn which bacteria are causing repetitive infections.

Home Remedies for Treating Vaginal Boils

Following are some home remedies for boils on private area females can try to heal themselves:

Apply a Warm Compress

A warm compress is one of the most effective home remedies for boils on private area for females. Just take a clean, fresh cloth and dip it in warm water. Remove excess water and apply the warm cloth to the vaginal boil. Keep it for 10–15 minutes and let the area air dry. Repeat this a couple of times daily (3–4 times) to promote blood circulation and speed up healing.

Soak in a Sitz Bath

A sitz bath is another home remedy you can use to treat vaginal boils. Fill a bathtub with warm water, enough to soak the affected area. Add half a cup of Epsom salt to around 4 litres of water and mix until dissolved. Now soak in this bath to facilitate drainage and soothe pain and inflammation.

Apply Turmeric Paste

Turmeric is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. It can also be used for vaginal boils. All you need to do is make a paste of turmeric powder and water and apply it to the affected area 2-3 times daily until the boil has healed.

Use Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is known for its soothing and healing properties. Cut an aloe vera leaf and scrape out its gel. Soak a cotton ball in this gel and apply it on the boil. If you don’t have an aloe vera plant at home, you can buy a packaged gel available at stores. They are also effective and can help soothe the boil.

Put on Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar

The next remedy you can try is apple cider vinegar. You can use this remedy for any boil on vulva as well. Known for its antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar can prevent the growth of bacteria and promote healing of the boil. So, dilute some apple cider vinegar with water and apply the liquid on the boil using a cotton swab or cotton ball.

Use OTC Medications

Paracetamol or ibuprofen are two OTC medications that you can use to ease the pain and discomfort associated with a vaginal boil. If the pain is mild and you can carry on with your daily activities without difficulty, you may skip OTC medications and focus on other home remedies for boils on private area. However, if you are uncomfortable, you may take pain relievers for the same.

Other Tips to Heal Vaginal Boils

Some additional tips to ease your discomfort are:

• Wear loose bottoms to avoid irritating the boil and the skin around it.
• Do not cut or squeeze the vaginal boil on your own.
• Use mild soap and water to keep the area clean.
• Wash your hands before and after touching the boil and surrounding area.

When to See a Doctor for Vaginal Boils?

Certain situations call for a doctor's attention and require appropriate vaginal boil treatment. See your doctor:

• If the vaginal boil doesn’t get better within 3 weeks
• You have chills and fever along with a boil.
• The bump is large.
• You are in extreme pain.
• You notice rapid growth in the boil.

Depending on your condition, your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics for vaginal boil to help you find relief. They may even drain the boil by making a small incision so that pus comes out of the boil and it begins to heal.

Preventing Vaginal Boils

Here are some quick tips for preventing vaginal boils:

• Do not share your personal items like towels and razors with anyone.
• Maintain good intimate hygiene.
• Prefer trimming over shaving.
• If not, use a clean razor every time you shave.
• Stay in a healthy weight range.

Final Thoughts

Vaginal boils are common in females and usually clear up without medications. Though they may linger for a few days or 1-2 weeks, most get better on their own. Until then, you may try the home remedies given in this write-up to speed up the healing process. 

If you feel the boil isn’t getting any better or you have other symptoms as well, visit your doctor for an evaluation.

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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/vaginal-boils#home-remedies

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320641

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