Vaginal Boils: Causes, Risk Factors and Treatment - Verywell Health

Vaginal boils are a form of infected skin sore that appears in the vagina or vulva (the external genitalia). Boils appear due to a bacterial infection in a hair follicle.

You may not be able to prevent a vaginal boil every time, but you can take steps to reduce your risk. Practicing good genital hygiene and strengthening your immune system with a healthy diet can help.

Learn more about boils in the vagina or vulva, symptoms, causes, risk factors, treatment, and prevention strategies.

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What Is a Vaginal Boil?

A vaginal boil is an infected sore located in the genital area. A boil, also referred to as a furuncle, is a sore on the skin that appears due to an infection in a hair follicle. In the genital area, hair follicles are typically numerous on the labia around the vaginal opening.

A boil may appear in a number of places on the body, including:

• Back of the neck
• Face
• Armpits
• Back
• Backside
• Thighs
• Groin

In some cases, boils will combine into a larger sore, referred to as a carbuncle.

What Does a Vaginal Boil Look Like?

A vaginal boil may take the appearance of a sore that is:

• Sized from a pea up to a golf ball
• Pink to red
• Tender
• Swollen
• Firm

As time passes, it may feel as if the boil is filled with water, like a water balloon. As the boil fills with pus, it will be accompanied by pain.

Other features of boils include:

• Fast growth
• Pustules (appear as white or yellow in the center of the boil)
• Crusting
• Oozing
• Weeping
• Red skin surrounding the boil

In some cases, boils may be accompanied by other symptoms like:

• Fatigue
• Feeling unwell
• Fever
• Itching

A boil may also spread to areas of the skin nearby, or connect with other boils to form a carbuncle.

What Causes Vaginal Boils?

Boils are caused by a bacterium called Staphylococcus 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 aureus is often found in the armpits, nostrils, between the buttocks, and between the legs. In some cases, the bacterium can be spread to other parts of the body, from the fingernails or nostrils.

A graze or small cut on the skin can cause bacteria to enter the hair follicle. This then creates an infection and a boil.

Risk Factors for Vaginal Boils

Some people are more prone to developing boils, as well as other infections of the skin follicles like folliculitis.

You are more likely to develop a boil if you have:

• A weakened immune system
• Diabetes
• A history of skin infections
• Been receiving medicine through an intravenous line (IV)
• An injury to the skin like a cut, scrape, or insect bite
• Been in a poorly maintained hot tub or spa

How to Get Rid of Vaginal Boils

In some cases, a boil will heal on its own. 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. Never attempt to pop or cut a boil on your own, as this can cause the infection to spread.

It is important to keep the area around the boil clean as well. In order to keep the area clean:

• Clean the boil often.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching the boil.
• Dispose of any dressing that has touched the boil in a sealed bag so infection isn't spread to others.
• Do not share towels, washcloths, or other items that have touched the infected area.
• Wash all sheets, towels, and items in hot water that have been in contact with the infected boil area.
  

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Boils may go away on their own, but if they don't heal within a week, make an appointment with a healthcare provider.

You should also make an appointment with a healthcare provider if:

• The skin surrounding the boil feels hot or painful.
• Boils keep occurring.
• Boils have formed a carbuncle.
• You have a boil and also feel hot (feverish).
• You have a boil and also have the chills.
• You have a boil on your face.
• You have a long-term condition like diabetes.

Boils should only be lanced (cut) and drained by a healthcare provider. 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. They include:

• Keep wounds and other skin injuries clean and protected with a sterile bandage.
• Wash your hands frequently with mild antibacterial soap.
• Keep your nails cut short and clean.
• Keep your face clean.
• Bathe often; wash your vaginal area every day.
• Keep razors clean and change them regularly.
• Wear breathable underwear, especially cotton.
• Only use well-treated and maintained spas or hot tubs.
• Avoid contact with others who have active skin sores.

Keep in mind that having a weakened immune system makes it harder for your body to fight off infection, thus increasing your risk of boils. 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 caused by a bacterium called Staphylococcus 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.

The risk of vaginal boils may be reduced through good hygiene, including washing your hands and genital area often with mild soap, and caring for other wounds on your body appropriately.

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