Acne

Pimples in the genital area

No matter how much you take care of your face, pimples cannot be avoided. When they occur, the question arises: should you express them or not? Here you can find out how to deal with pimples properly, what helps against them and how they develop.

Are pimples in the genital area normal?

It is not uncommon to have pimples in the genital area. These can be caused by various factors such as friction, ingrown hairs, excessive sweating, hormonal changes, infections or skin irritations. In most cases, pimples in the genital area are harmless and go away on their own. Itching and redness in the intimate area are already extremely unpleasant. If skin blemishes and pimples then appear, those affected often feel very uncomfortable.

Pimples in the genital area – causes

Pimples in the genital area (for example in the vaginal area, outer labia or bikini line) can occur in both women and men. Unlike acne and facial pimples, however, pimples in the genital area are less often caused by hormones. The development of pimples in the genital area is mainly due to the blockage of sebaceous glands and not pores, which means that blackheads are less common. Factors such as friction, sweat or intimate shaving play a more significant role here.

A pimple in the intimate area can basically be caused by excessive sebum production, similar to other parts of the body. This leads to clogging of the skin pores. Friction, heat and sweat also contribute to the formation of sebaceous pimples and boils. If, in addition to sebum and dirt, bacteria also accumulate in the pores, the pimple can become inflamed. These pus-filled pimples can be particularly painful in the sensitive genital area.

White pimples in the genital area – no need to worry

As already mentioned, skin conditions such as acne rarely manifest themselves in the genital area. Instead, hard, white pimples in the pubic area are usually harmless sebaceous pimples – a small, non-inflammatory accumulation of sebum. Regular cleaning of the intimate area is often sufficient to eliminate them. Warm water and a mild washing lotion are perfectly adequate. It is important to make sure that no washing lotion gets into the vagina so as not to irritate the sensitive area.

Types of genital pimples

Genital pimples can take various forms, from small raised bumps to larger inflamed lesions. Here are some types of genital pimples:

  1. Sebaceous gland hyperplasia: These small, white or yellowish pimples can occur in the genital area and are caused by an overproduction of sebum in the sebaceous glands.
  2. Razor bumps: After shaving in the genital area, small red bumps or pustules can form due to ingrown hairs or irritation.
  3. Genital warts: These are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and often appear as small, wart-like growths in the genital area.
  4. Fordyce spots: These harmless, yellowish-white or skin-colored spots are enlarged sebaceous glands and can occur in the genital area.
  5. Skin rashes: Allergic reactions or infections can lead to skin rashes, which may appear as red spots or pimples in the genital area.
  6. Acne inversa: This severe form of acne can manifest itself in the genital area and often appears as deep, inflamed lumps or abscesses.

How can I prevent pimples in the genital area?

  1. Regular cleansing: Clean the intimate area regularly with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free washing lotion that is especially suitable for the intimate area. Avoid aggressive soaps or detergents that can irritate the skin.
  2. Hygiene after sexual intercourse: After sexual intercourse, it is important to clean yourself thoroughly to remove bacteria and dirt that can lead to skin irritation and pimples.
  3. Avoid tight clothing: Wear loose-fitting underwear made of breathable materials such as cotton to reduce friction and moisture build-up, which can promote the formation of pimples.
  4. Do intimate shaving correctly: When shaving your intimate area, use a sharp razor and shave carefully in the direction of growth to avoid ingrown hairs and irritation. Avoid shaving too often as this can irritate the skin.
  5. Hydration: Drink enough water to keep the skin hydrated and reduce the formation of spots.
  6. Healthy diet: A balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain products can help to improve skin health and prevent pimples in the genital area.
  7. Avoid irritants: Avoid harsh cleansers, perfumed products and other potential irritants that can irritate intimate skin.
  8. Consult a specialist: If you have persistent or severe problems with pimples in the genital area, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or gynecologist to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The right underwear for pimples in the genital area

If you often have pimples in your intimate area, this could also be due to the material of your underwear. Synthetic materials such as polyester, elastane and polyamide can trap sweat and prevent the skin in the genital area from breathing, which can lead to sebum deposits and sweat spots. It is therefore advisable to wear underwear made of breathable materials such as cotton as often as possible to prevent pimples in the genital area.

Pimples after intimate shaving

The maxim for intimate hygiene should be: Less is more. Hygiene and care in the intimate area are important, but should not be overdone, as this can overload the sensitive bikini area and lead to skin irritation or dehydration. Lukewarm water is generally sufficient for cleaning the vulva. For additional cleansing of the mons veneris and bikini area, you can use a mild, fragrance-free wash lotion with natural ingredients that is especially suitable for the intimate area to avoid skin irritation caused by overly aggressive hygiene products. Drying with a clean towel completes the cleaning process. It is also advisable to sleep without underwear more often to give the skin time to breathe.

Intimate shaving without spots and redness

The described cleaning is suitable before every shave. During intimate shaving, it is important not to exert too much pressure on the razor in order to prevent hair from growing in at the sides. Shaving in the direction of growth can irritate the skin less. Changing and disinfecting the razor blade regularly before shaving can prevent spots and redness. A safety razor is particularly suitable for a gentle shave. This single-blade system is gentler on the skin than the multiple blades of conventional disposable razors and produces less waste. A gentle shaving oil and a mild aftershave oil help the skin to regenerate quickly after shaving.

Further measures

The skin can also be rinsed with cold water after shaving to close the pores more quickly and make it more difficult for bacteria to penetrate. It is then advisable to wear loose-fitting underpants made of breathable cotton.

During your period, it is important to give your genital area enough air. Period underwear made from organic cotton can help here, as can breathable pads and panty liners made from organic cotton to protect the skin.

Comprehensive shaving care, from proper preparation with shaving gel and a hygienic razor to soothing after-shave care, can often counteract razor bumps.

If there is a general tendency to blemishes in the intimate area, aloe vera gel or baby powder can be applied to the shaved skin as a preventative measure.

However, if there is severe skin irritation in the genital area, you should refrain from shaving for a while to give the skin time to recover and to find out whether the blemishes are actually due to shaving.

Tips for intimate shaving without pimples and redness

If you decide to shave your intimate area, there are a few measures you can take to prevent the formation of razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Clean the skin in the genital area thoroughly before shaving and use a sharp razor and shaving foam or oil. After shaving, the outer skin on the vagina, outer labia and testicles should be treated with a mild care product and a little baby powder to prevent the hair follicles from growing in.

If you want to remove your hair without any pimples or redness, switching to a different hair removal method can be helpful: Waxing or laser treatments are more costly, but offer a lower risk of ingrown hairs and pimples.

Medicinal active ingredients against pimples in the genital area

Before applying medical active ingredients to the pubic area, a consultation with a dermatologist should take place and under no circumstances should the treatment be started independently. During a consultation, for example, you can find out whether and how a zinc ointment can best be used in the intimate area to treat pimples quickly and effectively without harming the skin. It is important to note that active ingredients and ointments should never be applied to irritable areas such as the labia minora. In the event of allergic reactions or a worsening of the skin condition, use should be discontinued immediately and a dermatologist consulted.

If you have pimples on the labia minora, the vagina and the sensitive mucous membranes in the pubic area, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist or urologist if necessary. They can examine the affected areas for non-dermatological causes of spots and blemishes and recommend a suitable treatment method.

Intimate pimples: diagnosis & treatment

Acne inversa is a special form of acne that develops particularly frequently in the intimate area. This is caused by inflammation of the hair follicles and therefore also occurs in areas with dense body hair, including the genital area. It occurs when the upper part of the hair follicle is blocked and leads to swelling. If the swelling becomes too severe, the follicle can rupture and the infection can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. Thick, knot-like pimples and deep fistulas form on the inflamed skin areas, which are anchored under the skin and contain an accumulation of pus.

Acne inversa in the genital area mainly occurs in young adults from the age of 20. Women have a higher risk of suffering from this disease, while it is often more severe in men. This form of acne in the genital area is often very painful for patients, as the inflammation is deep in the skin and very pronounced.

Both drug therapies and surgical procedures are used to treat the thick “pimples” in the genital area. For mild to moderate forms of acne inversa, treatment with antibiotics is effective in most cases. If surgery is required, various surgical techniques can be used to remove the inflamed tissue in the genital area that is filled with pus and blood.

Sexually transmitted diseases

If not only pimples appear in the genital area, but also itching or burning sensations, this may be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection. Diseases such as genital herpes, genital warts or syphilis can look externally similar to normal acne or subterranean pimples. In women, these pimples often appear on the inner and outer labia of the vagina, while men notice the symptoms mainly on the penis. They are often accompanied by severe itching, burning, redness and a general deterioration in health. It is therefore important to take this type of pimple in the genital area seriously and treat it.

If you notice itchy pimples or skin changes in the genital area after (unprotected) sexual intercourse, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. To prevent sexually transmitted infections, it is also advisable to have regular check-ups with a gynecologist or urologist and to use protection during sexual intercourse.

About the article

Author: Martin Müller

“Various internal and external influences can cause our microbial balance to become unbalanced. Harmful bacteria get out of hand and skin irritations such as redness, itching and eczema are the result. “

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About the article

Author: Martin Müller

“Various internal and external influences can cause our microbial balance to become unbalanced. Harmful bacteria get out of hand and skin irritations such as redness, itching and eczema are the result. “

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The fascinating world of human skin layers
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