No matter how much we would like to deny it, everyone is susceptible to patches of acne in the most inconvenient places – on our faces, on our backs, on our chest and even on our butts.
But there is one place where it is totally normal to get acne that people never want to talk about – in the vaginal area.
The truth is that, women who get vaginal acne have nothing to be ashamed of because it can happen to anyone and has nothing to do with cleanliness.
“Vaginal acne isn’t as common as acne on the face, back, chest, and underarms,” Kyrin Dunston, MD, board-certified ob/gyn at Signature Functional Medicine in Georgia told Prevention.com. “But it’s not rare, either.”
Just like facial acne, a pimple that appears in the vaginal region is simply an irritated area of skin that is full of pus due to the over-activity of an oil gland. Whether be it from bacteria overgrowth, detergents or hormonal fluctuations, vaginal acne is generally harmless and can be treated just like acne on any other part of the body.
Do not try to pop any pimples near your vagina, as this may lead to further infections. Instead, opt to hold a warm washcloth on the affected areas to decompress the inflammation, particularly in areas where whiteheads can be seen.
Dr. Michele Farber of Schweiger Dermatology recently advised Teen Vogue readers to use medicated body washes with benzoyl peroxide on affected areas, both as a means of treatment and prevention.
In general, trying to keep the vaginal region as clean and dry as possible is helpful to preventing acne down there. This might include changing out of any moist or sweaty clothes (think bathing suits or gym shorts) as soon as possible and making sure to steer clear of products with potentially irritating ingredients such as harsh sulfates, glycerin, parabens, phthalates, gluten, soy or dairy.
If none of the at-home remedies seem to be working to get rid of your vaginal acne, it’s time to schedule a visit with a professional.
A gynecologist will be able to evaluate whether the bumps in the vaginal area are ingrown hairs or the result of an STI or whether they are just stubborn pimples that need a little TLC in order to disappear.
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