Suggest treatment for sebaceous cyst in vagina

Posted on Thu, 14 May 2015

Question: I am a 40 year old female. I have noticed that I have a "pimple" on the inner lip of my vagina. The whole lip is swollen and very tender. I also have tenderness in my groin where my lymph nodes are. I have had this happen before but it was not as severe. One time I squeezed the pimple and it drained and got better. This time seems to be a little different. More painful. Is this something I should be concerned about or will it probably go away in time? And what exactly would be the name of what I have? Thank you for your answer.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can you upload photos please ?

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
Can you upload the photographs of the area where you are having the pimple ?
Technically it is called a sebaceous cyst or folliculitis.
It is an infection / inflammation of the hair follicle / sweat gland in the area.
However, I would like to look at the photos before providing a more specific opinion.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (24 minutes later)

I have pics to upload as soon as I figure out how to do it.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Have explained how to upload more pics.

Detailed Answer:
I have received one pic, unfortunately it is not at all clear.
I hope you can upload some more.
There are two ways you can go about it -
1. Upload the pics on this conversation thread itself - using the option of uploading / attaching photos or reports. That option can be seen on the upper right hand corner of this page.
2. Email them at - YYYY@YYYY . They would be forwarded to me.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (3 hours later)

I have pics to upload kindly look into this.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is an abscess now.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the pictures.
The entire labia minora on one side is now swollen.
There is no discrete pimple or boil visible, as it seems it has spread to the entire lip now.
This is called an abscess now ( collection of pus or infectious material ).
Frankly speaking, it is not likely to go away on its own.
Repeated ' boils' or episodes of folliculitis/ sebaceous cysts can lead to such abscesses and chronic infection.
You need to consult an OB - GYN, and get antibiotics prescribed for this.
It would mostly resolve after antibiotics, but might rarely require surgical drainage.
To avoid such episodes -
Keep handling / touching of the area to a minimum.
Have protected sex.
Be careful while shaving.
Do not use special cleansers , soaps, vaginal douches, creams, etc.
Plain lukewarm water is enough for cleansing, and right now you can put antibiotic cream ( Mupirocin or Bacitracin ) on the area.
Hot / cold compresses will help.
Change underpants frequently, and use breathable cotton ones.
Take care, and let me know how it goes.
You can reach me directly anytime, using the following link -
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-aarti-abraham/64623

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar