Are Vaginal Pimples Dangerous?

Are Vaginal Pimples Dangerous?

Pimples and zits are usually just an annoyance. However, when small pustules appear on the pubic region, it’s natural for individuals to feel some concern and wonder if pimples appearing around the penis or vagina are dangerous. However, many people experience some form of genital acne. And in short, no, vaginal pimples are not dangerous. The problem is that genital acne can appear similar to a number of other conditions –– some of which do present more serious health issues. We’ll explain further below:

What Causes Vaginal Pimples?

Acne that occurs on the pubic region doesn’t differ from acne found anywhere else on the body. Pimples form when follicles become clogged with oil or dead skin cells; as a result, the follicles may become infected.

As noted above, though, vaginal pimples may not be “pimples” at all, but rather symptoms of another condition. For instance, ingrown hairs are quite common for individuals who shave their pubic region. In addition, women may experience a variety of cysts or varicosities on or near the vagina. Many of these conditions are benign, but if you notice a lump or mass within the vagina, it could be a sign of vaginal cancer. Note, vaginal cancer is a very rare disease.

Lastly, pustules on or around the vagina may be a sign of STDs. Which leads us to our next point . . .

Pimples vs STDs

Several STDs can cause symptoms that look similar to acne. Herpes is perhaps the “easiest” sexually transmitted infection to confuse with acne. That’s because genital herpes causes small red-and-white bumps to appear on the pubic region, genitals, or anus. These bumps are also usually filled with fluid and may “crust over” when ruptured. Herpes symptoms tend to fade with time, but just because the bumps have gone away, it doesn’t mean you’re STD-free. Herpes is a viral infection and cannot be cured.

HPV (human papillomavirus –– also known as genital warts) may also lead to small bumps appearing on the pubic region. Some strands of HPV are harmless, but others –– like high-risk HPV –– can cause cervical cancer. That’s why it’s important for women to get vaccinated for HPV before they become sexually active.

In rare instances, a person may confuse a syphilis chancre for acne. A syphilis chancre will form where the infection entered the body. For women, this means it could appear somewhere within the vagina. As such, many women with syphilis never notice the chancre at all. What’s more, chancres don’t bear a strong resemblance to zits or pimples. They appear more like sores.  

Trying to determine whether a bump on the pubic region is a zit, pimple, cyst, ingrown hair, herpes bump, or a genital wart just by looking at it is a near impossible task. The fact of the matter is that the only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to get tested for them.