STDs that cause pimples on the vagina

STDs that cause pimples on the vagina

It is normal to have pimples on your vagina because, in most cases, they are not severe, but they can cause discomfort and irritation. Vaginal pimples have the same appearance as those occurring in other parts of the body though they may have slightly different in their properties:

• They can either be painful or painless
• They can occur in clusters or alone
• Itchy
• Vary in size
• Pus-filled
• Burning
• Flesh-colored or red

There are many causes of vaginal pimples; some are STD infections, and others are non-STD infections. STDs like genital warts usually have a pimples-like appearance, which is why it is important to know the difference between genital warts vs. pimples.

This article discusses the STDs that can cause pimples on the vagina, their symptoms and treatment, and other causes of vaginal pimples.

What are vaginal pimples?

These are raised bumps in the genital areas, specifically the vagina area that can appear in clusters or single. They can appear on the vaginal lips and can be painful. In most cases, pimples are due to ingrown hairs, but they can also be due to certain sexually transmitted infections.

Causes of vaginal pimples like ingrown hairs are no big deal, but if it is due to underlying conditions like STDs, you take quick action to avoid further complications.

What are STDs that cause vaginal pimples?

Sexually transmitted diseases are common, and many but not all of them can lead to vaginal pimples. These STDs majorly affect the genital areas, but under certain circumstances, they can occur in the mouth or anus through oral or anal sex.

To understand the differences between genital warts vs. pimples, read on.

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects most people who are sexually active. Herpes simplex virus type 2 is the primary cause of genital herpes, though, under rare cases, herpes simplex virus type 1 can cause it.

The primary transmission of genital herpes is through skin-to-skin contact with the vaginal, semen, or saliva during vaginal, oral, or anal sexual intercourse. Like most STDs, genital herpes rarely shows symptoms but once infected; you can pass it even without symptoms. This explains why it is common, as most people transmit it without knowing.

The only sure way to avoid transmitting and contracting genital herpes is by getting STD testing and engaging in safe sex.

Though it rarely shows symptoms, when it does, it can cause bumps-like pimples that are painful. These bumps-like pimples turn into blisters after a few days, rapture, and oozing blood that causes pain while urinating.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterium infection that goes through four stages, with the first one being highly contagious and forming firm and round, painless bumps similar to pimples. Sometimes, those having simples confuse these bumps with normal pimples.

Treponema pallidum is the bacteria that causes syphilis and primarily spreads through direct contact with an infected person having a sore or rush during vaginal, oral, or anal sexual activity.

Leaving syphilis untreated can lead to severe health complications like brain damage or blindness, and therefore it is important to regularly go for STD testing for early detection and treatments.

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a sexually transmitted viral skin infection that affects both children and adults, and one can spread it through skin-to-skin contact during sexual intercourse. You can also spread the infection to your other body parts by scratching. Sometimes, you can spread the Molluscum contagiosum by bathing in contaminated pool water and touching contaminated objects like towels, bedding, and clothing.

Molluscum contagiosum causes small bumps on the thighs, genitals, and abdominal area, which are painless but itchy. Molluscum contagiosum does not affect other parts of the body.

Human papillomavirus

Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted viral disease in the United States, as it has many strains like cancers, genital warts, etc. And for this reason, those who are sexually active are at high risk of developing this infection. Genital warts pose more danger to women because this infection can affect the vulva, leading to cancer of the vulva and cervix.

Human papillomavirus causes low-risk strain like genital warts, which causes soft growths on the genitals that appear like pimples. This is why it is important to know the difference between genital warts vs. pimples, so you don’t ignore severe conditions like genital warts by thinking it’s just normal pimples.

Genital warts vs. pimples

Genital warts and pimples may be difficult to differentiate because they present similar symptoms. However, some differences can help differentiate them but before we look at that, let’s look at their common symptoms.

Genital warts vs. pimples: Common symptoms

The bumps from genital warts and pimples can be challenging to differentiate because they present similar symptoms like:

• Bumps that are painful to the touch
• Bumps that show up anywhere in the genitals
• Itchy bumps

Genital warts vs. pimples: Differences in symptoms

These two conditions may have similar symptoms, but they are some differences that can help you identify them individually. The specific symptoms of genital warts include:

• Softness to the touch
• Flesh-colored
• Cauliflower-like bumps

On the other hand, genital pimples are similar to those appearing on the face; raised, red, and sometimes form pus with whiteheads. They are painful, but when it is extremely inflamed, your pimples are infected and require treatment.

Pimples usually go away on their own after a few days, and if yours don’t, then they may be conditions presenting similar symptoms to pimples.

Non-STDs causing pimples in the genitals

Many things can lead to pimples in the genital areas that may resemble pimples due to STDs, and they include:

Poor hygiene

Pimples are primarily due to clogging of the pores making the air curve inwards instead of upwards, which can be due to shaving, but poor hygiene can also be the cause. If you don’t regularly and properly clean your genital area, the pores around this area may clog, causing pimples.

Also, the moisture in your genital area that may be due to poor hygiene can provide a suitable environment for the growth of bloodborne pathogens like bacteria which may cause genital pimples.

But, if you properly wash and clean your genitals, this may go away after a few days.

Allergic reaction

Another common cause of genital pimples is allergies due to scented products like latex condoms, detergents, perfumed soaps, etc. Certain foods may also cause allergic reactions leading to rashes and pimples in your genitals.

Pimples due to allergies are simple to eliminate as you only need to know what you suspect is causing the allergy.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a condition arising from the infection of the hair follicles by bacteria causing inflammation. A follicle is a tissue where hair grows, each growing out of its follicle.

Shaving of the pubic hair is one of the causes of folliculitis, and it occurs when hair starts to grow but instead of growing out, it curls back into the skin, irritating. This can lead to pimples, bumps, or razor burns in your genital area.

You can get rid of pimples due to folliculitis with proper hygiene.

Sebaceous cyst

Cysts are noncancerous pimple-like bumps that can occur anywhere on your body though they are common on the neck and face. Sebaceous cysts are those forming around the sebaceous glands- glands producing sebum, the oils lubricating hair and skin.

Sebaceous cysts aren’t a cause of worry because they are harmless, but sometimes they can be itchy and uncomfortable.

Razor burn

Razor burns are pimple-like bumps appearing on the vagina and its surrounding after shaving, which can be due to ingrown hairs or infection.

Hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa, or acne inversa, is a skin condition affecting the sweat glands in the groin that causes pimple-like bumps in the vulvar area. These pimple-like bumps contain pus, may take time to heal and can cause scarring.

Vaginal cysts

These cysts result from injury to the vaginal walls due to surgery or childbirth. Sometimes, they can develop due to clogging of the gland in the vaginal lining. They form small and firm but painless bumps on the vagina lining.

Treatments of pimples caused by STDs

To treat and manage the pimples or bumps due to certain STDs, treating the underlying condition will get rid of the bumps. For example, if the pimples are due to the herpes virus or human papillomavirus, antiviral medications will be in handy to suppress the viruses and treat the symptoms.

If the pimples are due to syphilis, you’ll need antibiotics to treat the pimples.

Prevention of pimples caused by STDs

Preventing STDs is the only way you can avoid these pimples. To avoid these STDs; ensure the following:

• Abstain from any sexual activities
• Practice safe sex
• Be in an honest and monogamous relationship with someone you know about their STD status. 

Conclusion

Pimples are normal and should not cause worry, but you should know the cause of your pimples because some conditions present pimple-like symptoms.