Painful Bumps at the Vaginal Opening: Causes and Treatments

Q: Painful Bumps at the Vaginal Opening: Causes and Treatments

Hello： The perineal area contains many follicular glands, and folliculitis (pimples) is a common condition. <br>It is recommended to follow the medication prescribed by your obstetrician-gynecologist to prevent further infection of the wound. <br>Bartholin's glands are located in

Pimple-like lesions at the vaginal opening?

Hello, doctor! I have searched online but couldn't find any related questions, so I would like to ask you about my situation.
I have a bump at the opening of my vagina (I'm not sure if it's actually a bump, so please correct me if I'm wrong, thank you!).
It feels round, swollen, and painful, approximately 1 cm in diameter.
This is the second time it has occurred; the first time was about a month ago when it burst and discharged pus and blood.
I cleaned it myself and did not seek medical attention.
From the time I first felt some swelling in the vagina to it becoming a nearly 1 cm bump and then bursting with pus, it took about 36 hours.
This time, it is similar to the last time, and I am a bit worried, so I went to a gynecologist for medication.
The doctor prescribed me oral medications (Unifradine Capsules, Flamquit F.C.
Tablets, Towell Tablets, Milisher Tablets) and a topical ointment (Gentamycin Cream).
That same night after picking up the medication, I felt it swelling more, and it quickly burst again, discharging yellow pus (which looks quite similar to the yellow pus that comes out when a pimple bursts), followed by some blood-tinged fluid.
Here are my questions: 1.
Is this considered a pimple? (I tend to get pimples on my face, which is why I am making this assumption) or could it be something else I found online, such as a Bartholin's gland cyst? I have never had pimples at the vaginal opening before, and having this happen twice in two months, what could be the possible causes? 2.
Since I later squeezed out the pus and blood-tinged fluid, although I consulted a doctor, I have not taken the oral medication yet.
Should I continue taking the oral medication? Thank you, doctor, for reading and responding!

JL, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/11/17

Dr. Lin Lixuan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: The perineal area contains many follicular glands, and folliculitis (pimples) is a common condition.
It is recommended to follow the medication prescribed by your obstetrician-gynecologist to prevent further infection of the wound.
Bartholin's glands are located in specific areas, and an internal examination is necessary to determine if it is a Bartholin's cyst.
Since a detailed face-to-face consultation and physical examination have not been conducted, if you have any further questions, you should promptly visit a nearby obstetrics and gynecology clinic for further evaluation and treatment.

Reply Date: 2022/11/17

More Info

Understanding painful bumps at the vaginal opening can be quite concerning, especially when they recur and cause discomfort. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a painful bump that has previously ruptured, leading to the discharge of pus and blood. This situation raises several important considerations regarding potential causes and appropriate treatments.

1. Possible Causes: The bump you are experiencing could be due to several conditions. One common possibility is a bartholinitis, which is an infection of the Bartholin's glands located near the vaginal opening. When these glands become blocked, they can form cysts that may become infected, leading to painful lumps that can rupture and drain pus. Another possibility is folliculitis, which is an infection of the hair follicles that can occur in the genital area, presenting as painful, swollen bumps that may also drain pus. Additionally, the bumps could be related to herpes simplex virus infections, particularly if you have a history of genital herpes. However, since you mentioned that you have not experienced any sexual activity, this possibility may be less likely.

2. Diagnosis: To accurately determine the cause of your symptoms, a thorough examination by a healthcare professional is essential. A gynecologist can perform a physical examination and may consider additional tests, such as a swab of the discharge, to identify any bacterial or viral infections.

3. Treatment: Regarding the medications prescribed to you, it is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions. The oral medications you received, such as Unifradine and Flamquit, are likely aimed at treating any underlying infection or inflammation. Gentamycin cream is an antibiotic ointment that can help prevent secondary bacterial infections in the area. If your bump has ruptured and you have expelled the pus and blood, it is still important to complete the course of oral antibiotics to ensure that any remaining infection is adequately treated. Stopping the medication prematurely could lead to a recurrence of the infection.

4. When to Seek Further Help: If you notice that the bump returns or if you experience increased pain, fever, or any other concerning symptoms, it is essential to return to your healthcare provider. Persistent or recurrent symptoms may require further evaluation, possibly including imaging studies or a referral to a specialist.

5. Self-Care and Prevention: In the meantime, practicing good hygiene is vital. Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid any irritants such as scented soaps or lotions. Wearing breathable cotton underwear can also help reduce moisture and irritation. If you experience pain during urination or sexual activity, consider using a topical anesthetic or pain relief medication as advised by your doctor.

In summary, while the bump you are experiencing could be due to various causes, it is essential to follow through with your prescribed treatment and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. They can provide tailored advice based on your specific situation and ensure that you receive the appropriate care to alleviate your symptoms and prevent future occurrences.

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