Abscess on the Female Genital Area
Clitoria Sexual Health Clinic, Pelvic Examination Clinic, Phetkasem 81, Bangkok
Friendly doctors, Home-like atmosphere, sex-positive and non-judgmental care.
Abscess on the Female Genital Area
How to Tell the Difference Between a Bartholin Abscess, Skin Abscess, and Sebaceous Cyst
If you feel a lump on the vulva or labia with swelling, redness, or pain, it does not necessarily mean that every lump is the same type of abscess.
Possible causes include a Bartholin abscess, skin abscess, or a skin cyst commonly referred to as a sebaceous cyst. These conditions can differ in location, appearance, and treatment.
Initial clues:
- A large lump on one side near the vaginal opening may suggest a Bartholin abscess.
- A painful, swollen, red lump on the skin of the vulva may suggest a skin abscess.
- A firm, round lump beneath the skin that is usually not very painful and may release white keratin-like material may be an epidermoid or sebaceous cyst.
Tel: 081-116-3788 | LINE @dr.clitoria
What Can Cause an Abscess or Lump on the Vulva?
Bartholin Abscess
The Bartholin glands are located near the lower sides of the vaginal opening and help produce lubricating fluid.
If the duct of a Bartholin gland becomes blocked, fluid can accumulate and form a Bartholin cyst, which is often felt as a lump on one side.
If the cyst becomes infected and pus accumulates, it can develop into a Bartholin abscess.
Skin Abscess on the Vulva or Labia
A skin abscess develops when an infection causes pus to collect beneath the skin. It can occur on the labia majora, groin, or skin around the genital area.
Bacteria may enter the skin through a small wound or through a hair follicle.
A vulvar skin abscess may develop after shaving, plucking hair, friction, folliculitis, or an inflamed pimple.
Sebaceous Cyst / Epidermoid Cyst on the Vulva
A lump commonly called a sebaceous cyst is often medically an epidermoid cyst or a similar skin cyst containing accumulated keratin and skin cells.
These cysts can occur on the labia majora or other areas with many sebaceous glands.
They often feel like a firm, round lump beneath the skin. A small dark opening may be visible in the center, and white material may sometimes drain from the cyst. It is usually not painful unless inflamed.
If the cyst becomes inflamed or infected, it may become swollen, red, painful, and may also develop pus inside.
How Is a Vulvar Abscess Treated?
Treatment depends on the type of lump, its size, and whether an infection is present.
- If a vulvar abscess is small, treatment may include oral antibiotics depending on the doctor's assessment.
- If the abscess is large, treatment may involve incision and drainage to remove the pus, together with injectable or oral antibiotics when indicated.
- For a Bartholin abscess, the doctor may perform a procedure to create a permanent drainage opening to help reduce the chance of repeated blockage.
- For an epidermoid or sebaceous cyst, surgical removal of the cyst wall or capsule may be recommended to reduce recurrence.
Most of these procedures are minor surgeries performed under local anesthesia with a relatively short recovery period.
Do not squeeze or puncture an abscess yourself. Doing so may worsen the inflammation, cause bleeding, or allow the infection to spread into surrounding tissue.
For patients aged 40 or older or those who are postmenopausal, a new lump in the Bartholin gland area should be evaluated by a doctor. In some cases, a biopsy may be considered.
Abscess Drainage / Bartholin Gland Procedure
Bartholin gland procedure / abscess drainage 4,590 THB
Doctor fee included
If additional medication, testing, or procedures are required, the doctor will evaluate the treatment according to the type and size of the lump.
At Clitoria Sexual Health Clinic, you can have vulvar abscesses, lumps, cysts, and swelling of the female genital area evaluated by a doctor.
Our clinic provides a private, friendly, and non-judgmental environment.
Someone might find our Clinic too far from their places
***Please check Google Map Before Booking : Location
Tel: 081-116-3788 | LINE @dr.clitoria
Email: dr.clitoria@gmail.com | WhatsApp: 660811163788
Friendly doctors, Home-like atmosphere, sex-positive and non-judgmental care.
Medical References
- Mayo Clinic Bartholin's Cyst: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
- DermNet New Zealand Vulval Cysts
- DermNet New Zealand Epidermoid Cyst
- NHS Skin Abscess
Meta Description
A painful lump or abscess on the vulva or labia may be caused by a Bartholin abscess, skin abscess, or epidermoid cyst. Learn how to tell the difference, possible treatments, and when to see a doctor in Bangkok.
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