It starts as a tiny, tender bump. You might think it’s just an ingrown hair from shaving, or maybe a weird pimple that’ll vanish by morning. But then it swells. It gets angry, red, and throbs every time you sit down or walk. If you’ve found yourself hunched over a hand mirror in the bathroom wondering why do I keep getting boils on my vulva, you aren't alone, and honestly, you aren't "gross" either.
Recurrent boils in the genital area—medically known as furuncles—are incredibly common, yet they feel uniquely isolating. They are painful. They’re frustrating. And when they keep coming back, it feels like your own skin is betraying you.
Most people assume it’s a hygiene issue. It’s usually not. In reality, these recurring bumps are often a complex intersection of genetics, hormones, and the specific ecosystem of your skin’s microbiome. Understanding the "why" is the only way to stop the cycle.
The Reality of Why Do I Keep Getting Boils on My Vulva
A boil is basically a deep-seated infection of a hair follicle. The culprit is usually Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that lives on most people's skin without causing any drama. But sometimes, that bacteria gets trapped. It finds a microscopic tear or a clogged pore, dives deep into the follicle, and starts a party you definitely didn't invite it to.
Why the vulva, though? Think about the environment. It’s dark. It’s moist. There is constant friction from underwear, leggings, or even just walking. This area is a high-traffic zone for bacteria.
If this is happening repeatedly, we have to look past a one-time infection. You might be dealing with folliculitis, which is the inflammation of the follicles, or something more chronic like Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). HS is a long-term skin condition that causes pea-sized to marble-sized lumps under the skin. It’s often misdiagnosed as "just boils" for years before someone realizes it's an inflammatory disorder. According to the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation, it affects about 1% to 4% of the population, yet many go years without the right help.
Shaving and the Friction Factor
Let's talk about the razor. If you shave your pubic hair, you’re basically creating micro-injuries in the skin every single time the blade passes over. These tiny nicks are open doors for bacteria.
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Furthermore, when hair grows back, it often curls inward. An ingrown hair creates an inflammatory response. Your body sees that trapped hair as a foreign object and attacks it, leading to a bump that can easily become infected and turn into a full-blown boil. If you keep shaving the same way, using an old razor, or not moisturizing, the cycle repeats. Forever.
Friction is the silent partner here. Tight jeans, synthetic lace underwear that doesn’t breathe, or even "athleisure" wear worn for too long after a workout can trap sweat and bacteria against the skin. This macerates the skin—softening it until it’s easier for bacteria to invade.
The Role of Hormones and Blood Sugar
It isn't just about what's happening on the skin. It’s also about what’s happening under it.
Many women notice that they get a flare-up right before their period. This isn't a coincidence. Shifting hormone levels, specifically the drop in estrogen and the rise in progesterone, can increase sebum (oil) production. More oil means more clogged pores. More clogged pores mean more boils.
Then there’s the blood sugar connection.
If you have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes or even just insulin resistance (common in conditions like PCOS), your skin might be more prone to infections. High blood sugar levels can impair your immune system’s ability to fight off Staph bacteria. Bacteria also love sugar. If your skin's glucose levels are higher, you're essentially providing a buffet for the very germs that cause boils.
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Is It Actually Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
If you are getting boils in the same spot over and over, or if they are leaving deep scars (tunnels) under the skin, you need to look into Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
HS isn't an infection you "catch." It’s an autoinflammatory condition. It usually starts around puberty and tends to affect areas where skin rubs together—armpits, under the breasts, and the vulva/groin area. Unlike a standard boil that heals and disappears, HS lumps can linger, drain foul-smelling fluid, and connect to one another through "sinus tracts."
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that early intervention is key for HS because it’s progressive. If you’ve seen a doctor and they just keep giving you rounds of antibiotics that only work temporarily, it might be time to ask for a referral to a dermatologist who specializes in inflammatory skin diseases.
Breaking the Cycle: Practical Changes
Stopping the recurrence requires a multi-pronged attack. You can't just treat the boil; you have to change the environment that allows them to thrive.
Ditch the Razor (Temporarily)
Stop shaving for a while. Let the skin heal. If you must remove hair, consider laser hair removal. It sounds extreme, but by destroying the follicle, you're removing the very site where the infection begins. Many people with chronic vulvar boils find that laser treatment is the only thing that actually provides long-term relief.
Switch Your Wardrobe
Cotton is your best friend. 100% organic cotton underwear allows the skin to breathe and keeps the area dry. Avoid thongs, which can act like a "wick" for bacteria, moving it from the anal area toward the vulva.
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The "Hibiclens" Trick
Some dermatologists recommend using an antiseptic wash like Hibiclens (chlorhexidine gluconate) a couple of times a week in the shower. It kills the bacteria on the surface of the skin. Be careful, though—this should only be used on the outer skin (the labia majora), never inside the vaginal opening, as it can disrupt your internal pH and cause a yeast infection.
Warm Compresses Are Better Than Squeezing
Never, ever squeeze a boil on your vulva. The skin there is incredibly delicate. Squeezing can push the infection deeper into the tissue or even into your bloodstream. Instead, use a warm (not scalding) compress for 10-15 minutes, four times a day. This encourages the boil to "head" and drain naturally.
When to See a Professional
You shouldn't try to "tough it out" if you're in severe pain. There are moments when home care isn't enough.
If you have a fever, chills, or if the redness is spreading rapidly away from the boil (cellulitis), you need an urgent care visit. Also, if the boil is larger than a ping-pong ball or if you have multiple boils at once (a carbuncle), a doctor needs to perform a professional "Incision and Drainage" (I&D). They can also swab the fluid to see if you’re dealing with MRSA—a drug-resistant strain of Staph that requires specific antibiotics.
Sometimes, the "boil" isn't a boil at all. It could be a Bartholin’s cyst. These occur when the glands near the vaginal opening become blocked. While they feel similar, the treatment is different, and they often require a small procedure called "marsupialization" to keep them from coming back.
Actionable Steps for Long-Term Relief
If you're tired of asking why do I keep getting boils on my vulva, start taking these specific steps today to change your skin's health:
- Switch to a pH-balanced, fragrance-free cleanser. Harsh soaps strip the skin's natural barrier, making it easier for bacteria to take hold. Brands like Cetaphil or Vanicream are often safer bets than scented "feminine washes."
- Audit your laundry detergent. Residue from heavily scented pods or fabric softeners can cause contact dermatitis, which irritates the skin and leads to scratching—and scratching introduces bacteria.
- Manage moisture. If you work out, change out of your leggings immediately. Use a talc-free powder or a moisture-wicking barrier cream if you deal with significant "skin-on-skin" friction during the day.
- Consider your diet. High-glycemic foods (sugary snacks, white bread) spike insulin, which can trigger the hormonal cascades that lead to skin inflammation.
- Get a formal diagnosis. If you’ve had more than two boils in six months, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist rather than a GP. A skin specialist is more likely to recognize the early signs of HS or chronic folliculitis.
- Keep a "Flare Journal." Note down when the boils appear in relation to your cycle, what you ate, what you wore, and if you shaved. Patterns often emerge that aren't obvious in the moment.
The physical pain of a vulvar boil is one thing, but the mental toll of the "waiting for the next one" is another. By shifting your focus from "treating the bump" to "managing the environment," you can regain control over your comfort. Skin health is rarely about a single miracle cream; it's about a series of small, intentional adjustments to how you treat your most sensitive areas.