Boils on the outer labia
A boil, which is located on the outside of the labia majora, often originates from a hairy area. Since it is located on the outside, it can be treated better on the one hand. But on the other hand, an external site is exposed to contact with clothing and other external influences that can delay the healing process.
Boils on the inner labia
A boil, located in the female genital area inside, is often not due to the “classical” way. Often its development is related to additional sebaceous glands, which are located in unusual places on the body. The Fordyce glands belong to this group.
These glands were named after an American dermatologist. They are located, among other places, in the female genital area. The Fordyce glands are seen as free sebaceous glands.
As a rule and in a healthy condition, they do not cause any problems. Only under unfavorable conditions, they can cause dysregulation, which can result in disorders and diseases. If there is a small injury or damage to the labia minora, bacteria can penetrate and cause inflammation. This can, among other things, imply the development of a furuncle on the labia minora.
Should I express the boil on the labia?
Under no circumstances should you try to express the boil on the labia. If it is possible, it should not be touched at all. Attempting to express the boil can lead to a worsening and spreading of the inflammation. In some cases, independent manipulation can lead to unforeseeable, reversible and irreversible damage and complications.
Treatment of a furuncle on the labia
The treatment of a furuncle on the labia depends on the size and individual factors. The basis of the therapy is an adequate hygiene of the intimate area. If a furuncle has developed in this area, it should be exposed to as few chemical, mechanical or physical stimuli and noxious substances as possible.
Clean, warm, moist compresses can promote the breaking open of the furuncle and the consequent emptying of the pus. By emptying the pus the boil is relieved and can heal. If the pus cannot escape, a minor surgical intervention may be necessary.
In these cases a doctor must make a stab incision. That means he has to open the boil. Often this opening is possible under local anesthesia.
Usually it is a small and uncomplicated operation. The doctor incises the boil with a scalpel so that pus can drain away. Rarely the opening of the furuncle on the labia must be performed under general anesthesia.
If this is necessary, the patient is informed orally and in writing about the anesthesia. After the procedure, the patient is treated with antibiotic and antiseptic ointments. Instructions are given on how the patient should best care for and protect the wound.
Once the bacteria have entered the blood and lymphatic system, antibiotics in tablet form or as an infusion may be necessary. In case of recurring furuncles on the labia, the cause or underlying disease must be found and treated. Antibiotics such as clindamycin and rifampicin are often used for 2-3 weeks.
If there is an immune deficiency, it must be treated accordingly. Often vitamin C is used in this context. In case of smaller, not yet melted furuncles on the labia, antibiotic and antiseptic ointments can contribute to the healing process.Infusion ointments have analgesic, anti-pruritic, blood circulation-promoting and sebum-flow-reducing properties.
They can pull the pus out of the boil. This relieves the accumulation of pus and the affected skin area can heal. The pulling ointments are mostly made of oil shale and less often on a vegetable basis.
The ointments used in human medicine usually contain ammonium bituminosulfonate. The use of these ointments should always be discussed with a doctor. If the furuncle on the labia is larger, does not drain despite the ointment, there is an immune deficiency or unfavorable conditions exist, it is possible that the treatment of a furuncle on the labia with a pulling ointment is not successful.
In these cases other measures are required. In addition, care should be taken to ensure that there are no allergies or intolerances to the ingredients of the ointments. If allergic reactions are triggered, the ointment must be discontinued immediately.
In these cases it is advisable to consult a doctor for advice. You can find more information about this on our page Treatment of a furuncle with ointmentIn general, the body and its defense system have to perform at a high level with every inflammation and therefore need support through a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients, a balance between activity, exercise, rest, relaxation, soothing thoughts and fresh air can contribute to this.
In addition, some authors recommend various teas and foods that, according to them, particularly strengthen the immune system. According to them, regular drinking of nettle tea, for example, should strengthen the immune system. Attention should also be paid to an adequate vitamin D and iron level.
Some authors recommend the use of curd compresses in case of a boil on the labia. Some cooled low-fat curd should be put into a thin, clean, small cloth and positioned on the affected area. When the quark has become warm, the compress should be renewed.
If it is well tolerated, this can be repeated several times a day. In addition, a wilted, slightly warmed white cabbage leaf can sometimes provide support at the affected area. If tolerated well, this procedure can also be repeated several times a day.
In addition, compresses with chamomile and yarrow herb can be soothing. For the camomile compress, about a tablespoon of dried camomile flowers is poured over 250 ml of boiling water. The tea should be steeped for 5-10 minutes and then strained.
Then soak a sterile compress in it and place it on the affected area. The temperature should be tested carefully on the back of the hand to avoid burns. For one lard compress, a tablespoon of lard is poured over 250 ml of hot water.
Afterwards the tea should be covered and left to brew for 10 minutes. Then the herb is sieved. A sterile compress is immersed and the same principles are applied as for the camomile compress.
In both cases, appropriate tea bags can be used to make the tea. Of course, all these household remedies should only be applied on the outside of the labia and not on the inner intimate area. At best, the measures are discussed with the doctor beforehand.
In some cases affected persons find the use of Schüssler Salt to be supportive. Here different salts are used. For example the Schüssler salt No.
1 Calcium fluoratum in the potency D12. But also salt No. 11 Silicea and salt No.
12 Calcium sulfuricum are used for the treatment of labial furuncle. Both are normally recommended in potency D 6. Please note, however, that Calcium sulfuricum is only used when the furuncle has already burst open and pus flows out.
Externally, ointments based on Schüßler salts No. 1 and No. 11 are sometimes recommended.
In the case of a furuncle on the labia, homeopathic remedies may be supportive in some cases. Depending on the symptoms and individual factors, different active ingredients in different potencies are recommended. The application and dosage should be discussed with a doctor.
Myristica-sebifera is often recommended for skin inflammations, including a furuncle on the labia. Hepar sulfuris may be supportive in case of stabbing pain. If the pus accumulation persists and/or heals with difficulty, Silicea can be helpful.
The German Central Association of Homeopathic Physicians (DZVhÄ) recommends potency C12 for the self-treatment of all active ingredients. As a rule, 2 – 3 globules should be taken up to 4 times daily.They should not be chewed or swallowed directly, but should be melted on the tongue or in the mouth. At best, nothing should be eaten or drunk 15 minutes before and after taking the globules.
