Vaginal Boils: How to Identify and Treat Genital Skin Abscesses
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Editorial note: This article is provided for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any condition.
Quick Answer
A vaginal boil is a localized skin abscess in the genital area, usually caused by staph bacteria entering a hair follicle or nick in the skin, most often on the labia, vulva or pubic area. It starts as a red, painful lump that forms a white or yellow center. Most heal with warm compresses, but fever needs a provider. [1]
What the research says
After drainage, antibiotics improve cure rates modestly. In a trial of 1,247 people older than 12 with an uncomplicated skin abscess that was being drained, 80.5% taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were cured, compared with 73.6% on placebo. Fewer people on the antibiotic developed new skin infections at other sites (3.1% vs 10.3%), with slightly more mild stomach side effects (Talan et al., The New England Journal of Medicine, 2016 [3]).
The benefit also applies to smaller abscesses, but side effects matter. In 786 adults and children with abscesses of 5 cm or less, cure 7 to 10 days after treatment was 83.1% with clindamycin and 81.7% with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, versus 68.9% with placebo. The benefit was limited to infections caused by S. aureus, and side effects were more common with clindamycin (21.9% vs 12.5% with placebo) (Daum et al., The New England Journal of Medicine, 2017 [2]).
The wider evidence on treating boils is limited. A Cochrane review of 18 randomized trials (1,300 participants) found no important differences in effectiveness or safety between different oral antibiotics for folliculitis and boils. It found no trials comparing topical with systemic antibiotics, and none assessed quality of life (Lin et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2021 [4]). These trials covered skin abscesses and boils in general, not genital boils specifically.
Key takeaways
A vaginal boil (furuncle) is a painful, pus-filled bump that forms when a hair follicle or a cut in the skin becomes infected, most often with Staphylococcus aureus (staph) [1].
Boils usually appear on the labia, vulva or pubic area and can grow from the size of a pimple to as large as a golf ball [1].
Most heal within a few weeks with warm compresses and good hygiene, but severe, recurring or fever-associated boils need medical care [1].
What is a vaginal boil?
A vaginal boil, medically known as a furuncle or skin abscess, is a painful bump filled with pus that develops under the skin in the genital region. It commonly affects the labia, the pubic area or the skin folds between the groin and upper thighs [1].
These infections often begin as small red bumps that look like a pimple or razor burn. They can grow quickly, sometimes to 2 inches or more, and become more tender and warm to the touch as they grow [1].
What are the symptoms of a vaginal boil?
Symptoms can develop quickly, sometimes over just a few days. Common signs include [1]:
A swollen, red lump deep within the skin.
Pain and warmth when the area is touched.
A white or yellow center as pus collects.
Oozing or crusting once the boil starts to rupture.
Some people also develop signs of a wider infection, such as fever or swollen lymph nodes in the groin [1].
What causes vaginal boils and who is at risk?
The main cause is the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (staph). Staph often lives harmlessly on the skin and inside the nose, but it can cause infection when it enters the body through a break in the skin [1]. Factors that raise the risk include:
Grooming injuries: tiny nicks and ingrown hairs from shaving, grooming or waxing the pubic area [1].
Tight or sweaty clothing: restrictive underwear that causes friction [1].
Skin conditions: acne or other problems that break the skin [1].
A weakened immune system: diabetes and other conditions, and even pregnancy, can lower the body's ability to fight bacteria [1].
Hygiene and skin folds: not washing the genital area regularly, or having obesity, which creates skin folds where staph can survive [1].
How is a vaginal boil treated at home?
Most vaginal boils can be treated at home. The aim is to help the boil drain on its own while preventing the infection from spreading [1].
Warm compresses: apply a clean, warm, moist washcloth for 10 to 15 minutes, three to four times a day, using a fresh washcloth each time [1].
Loose clothing: wear breathable, loose-fitting cotton underwear to reduce rubbing and irritation [1].
Pain relief: use an over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen for discomfort [1].
Hygiene: wash the area daily with mild antibacterial soap, and wash your hands before and after touching the boil [1].
After it drains: clean the boil and cover it with a loose bandage [1].
Crucial warning: never squeeze, pop or cut open a vaginal boil yourself. Doing so can push the infection deeper, cause more pain and spread it to other areas [1].
When should I see a doctor, and what treatments are available?
When to see a doctor | Professional treatments |
The boil is extremely painful or interferes with walking. | Antibiotics: oral or topical medicines to clear the infection. |
You develop a fever or chills. | Incision and drainage: a provider makes a small cut to drain the pus safely. |
The boil is larger than 2 inches or has not improved in 2 weeks. | Lab testing: a sample of the drainage can identify the bacteria in recurring cases. |
Also contact your healthcare provider if you have more than one boil, if boils keep coming back, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system [1]. Antibiotics are not always needed, and their benefit has to be weighed against possible side effects [2] [3].
How can I prevent vaginal boils and avoid spreading them?
Vaginal boils can be contagious through skin-to-skin contact or shared personal items such as towels. To prevent spreading the infection or getting another boil [1]:
Do not share towels, washcloths, razors or clothing.
Wash your hands often, especially before and after touching the area, and keep it clean and dry.
Use clean razors and avoid shaving over irritated skin, or avoid shaving the pubic area altogether.
Change your underwear daily and after exercise.
Avoid sexual contact while the boil is healing, since the infection can spread to a partner and friction can irritate the boil.
Related reading: To learn more about the bacteria behind most boils, see our guide Staph Infections: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention — Complete Guide
Bottom line: what every reader should remember
Most vaginal boils are common, not serious and clear up on their own with warm compresses, loose clothing and good hygiene. Never squeeze or cut a boil, and because boils can look like other skin conditions, do not self-diagnose a bump you are unsure about [1].
Take action today: If a boil is very painful, comes with a fever, is larger than 2 inches, keeps coming back or has not improved after two weeks, contact a healthcare provider. It is a common problem, and your provider is there to help, not to judge [1].
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a vaginal boil a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
No. A vaginal boil is typically a bacterial staph infection, not an STI. However, STIs such as genital herpes or genital warts can cause sores that look like an early boil, so see a provider if you are unsure [1].
2. How long does a vaginal boil last?
Most boils heal on their own within about three weeks with home care, although there is no set timeline [1].
3. Can I use an ointment on a vaginal boil?
Ask a doctor before applying any ointment. Warm compresses are generally the most effective home method for helping a boil drain on its own [1].
4. Are vaginal boils contagious?
Yes. The bacteria in a boil can spread through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing personal items such as towels and washcloths [1].
5. Why do I keep getting boils in my pubic area?
Recurring boils may be linked to conditions such as diabetes or a weakened immune system, to hygiene or grooming habits, or to staph carried on the skin. A provider can test the drainage to identify the bacteria and look for an underlying cause [1].
6. Can a vaginal boil go away without popping?
Yes. Many boils drain on their own, and some small ones may settle without ever rupturing, especially when warm compresses are started early [1].
7. What happens if I pop a boil myself?
Squeezing a boil can push the infection deeper, spread it to other areas, cause scarring and, rarely, let bacteria reach the bloodstream (sepsis) [1].
8. Is it normal for a boil to ooze blood?
When a boil ruptures, the drainage usually contains pus and sometimes a small amount of blood. Heavy bleeding or spreading redness needs medical attention.
9. Can pregnancy cause vaginal boils?
Pregnancy does not cause boils, but hormonal and immune system changes may make some people more prone to them. Tell your healthcare provider if you get a boil while pregnant [1].
10. Should I cover a vaginal boil?
Once a boil begins to drain, clean it and cover it with a loose, clean bandage to absorb the fluid and stop the infection from spreading [1].
11. Does shaving cause boils?
Shaving can contribute. Shaving can cause tiny nicks and ingrown hairs, which give staph bacteria a way into the skin [1].
12. Can I exercise with a vaginal boil?
If the boil is painful or sits where clothing rubs, it is best to rest until it starts to heal. Change out of sweaty clothing and underwear after exercise [1].
13. Is a vaginal boil the same as a pimple?
A boil can start out looking like a pimple or razor burn, but it is deeper, grows larger and becomes much more painful [1].
14. Can stress cause boils?
Stress does not directly cause boils. Long-term stress can affect immune function, which may make it harder for your body to fight the bacteria that cause them.
15. What does the pus in a boil mean?
Pus is a collection of white blood cells, bacteria and dead tissue. It is a sign that your immune system is actively fighting the infection.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Vaginal Boil: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated March 10, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21651-vaginal-boil
Daum RS, Miller LG, Immergluck L, et al. A placebo-controlled trial of antibiotics for smaller skin abscesses. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2017;376(26):2545-2555. PMID: 28657870. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1607033
Talan DA, Mower WR, Krishnadasan A, et al. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole versus placebo for uncomplicated skin abscess. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2016;374(9):823-832. PMID: 26962903. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1507476
Lin HS, Lin PT, Tsai YS, et al. Interventions for bacterial folliculitis and boils (furuncles and carbuncles). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2021;(2):CD013099. PMID: 33634465. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD013099.pub2
Medical disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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