Why do pustules appear repeatedly on the vulva?

Recurrent pustules on the vulva may be related to factors such as folliculitis, Bartholin's cyst, vulvar boils, secondary infection of vulvar eczema, and diabetes. It is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly to determine the cause of the disease and avoid aggravating the infection by self-treatment.

1. Folliculitis

Red, swollen and pustules will appear when vulvar hair follicles are infected by bacteria, often caused by shaving, friction with clothing, or improper cleaning. It manifests as single or multiple red papules with pain, and a pus head can be seen at the top. You can use mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream or compound polymyxin B ointment to fight infection as directed by your doctor, while keeping the area dry and breathable.

2. Bartholin gland cyst

Obstruction of the Bartholin gland duct is prone to secondary infection and abscess formation, which is more common in women of childbearing age. Typical symptoms are unilateral vulvar swelling and pain, which may be accompanied by fever. In the acute stage, incision and drainage are required, along with antibiotic treatment such as cefixime dispersible tablets and metronidazole tablets. Patients with recurrent disease need to consider gland resection.

3. Vulvar boils and swelling

Staphylococcus aureus infects the deep part of hair follicles and surrounding tissues, causing boils and swelling, which manifest as hard knots with severe throbbing pain, and pus and blood are discharged after ulceration. In the early stage, hot compress can be used to promote suppuration. When it matures, a doctor will need to drain the pus and avoid squeezing. Ichthyostatin ointment can be used externally or azithromycin capsules can be taken orally. In case of fever, intravenous antibiotics are required.

4. Secondary infection of eczema

Vulvar eczema is prone to secondary bacterial infection after scratching, leading to erosion, exudation, and pustules. It is necessary to control the primary disease of eczema first, use hydrocortisone butyrate cream to relieve itching, and add erythromycin ointment when infection occurs. You should avoid using alkaline lotions on a daily basis and wear pure cotton underwear to reduce friction and irritation.

5. Diabetes factors

Poor blood sugar control can lead to reduced skin resistance and prone to recurring vulvar infections. Patients often suffer from symptoms of polydipsia and polyuria, and the pustules heal slowly. It is necessary to monitor blood sugar and standardize the use of hypoglycemic drugs such as metformin sustained-release tablets. At the same time, vulva care should be strengthened, and levofloxacin tablets should be used for treatment during the infection period.

You should choose loose and breathable cotton underwear every day, avoid prolonged sitting and excessive cleaning, and wipe from front to back after going to the toilet. Do not squeeze when a pustule appears. Use normal saline to rinse gently. Change sanitary napkins frequently during menstruation. In terms of diet, reduce the intake of spicy and irritating foods, and those who control abnormal blood sugar need to have a strict diabetic diet. If pustules recur or are accompanied by fever or swollen lymph nodes, you must see a gynecologist or dermatologist as soon as possible.