What causes recurrent abscesses on the vulva?

The vulva frequently developing abscesses is often associated with factors such as folliculitis, Bartholin's cyst, sebaceous cyst, vaginitis, and cervicitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor’s guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Folliculitis: The vulvar area contains abundant hair follicles. Local moisture, inadequate hygiene, or shaving injuries can allow Staphylococcus aureus to invade the follicles, resulting in painful, red, swollen abscesses. Clean the area daily with warm water and apply topical medications such as mupirocin ointment, iodine tincture, or neomycin ointment. Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear and avoid scratching.

2. Sebaceous cyst: When the opening of a sebaceous gland becomes blocked, secretions accumulate and may become secondarily infected, forming an abscess. Keep the area dry. For infected cysts, oral antibiotics such as cefradine capsules, amoxicillin capsules, or clarithromycin tablets may be prescribed. After inflammation resolves, surgical excision of the cyst with complete removal of the cyst wall is recommended to prevent recurrence.

3. Bartholin's cyst: Obstruction of the gland duct leads to accumulation of secretions; once infected, it can rapidly turn into a pus-filled abscess accompanied by significant swelling and pain. During the acute phase, oral administration of levofloxacin tablets, metronidazole tablets, or cefuroxime axetil tablets may be used. If an abscess forms, incision and drainage of the Bartholin's abscess should be performed to evacuate pus, along with placement of a drainage strip.

4. Vaginitis: Trichomonas or bacterial infections produce excessive discharge, which chronically irritates the vulvar skin and may lead to secondary follicular infection and abscess formation. After diagnosis, take oral metronidazole tablets, tinidazole tablets, or ornidazole tablets. Additionally, wash the vulva daily with warm water, change underwear frequently, and abstain from sexual intercourse until symptoms resolve.

5. Cervicitis: Pathogens such as *Chlamydia* or *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* may ascend from the cervix and chronically irritate the vulva via vaginal discharge, triggering abscess development. Treat with oral azithromycin capsules, doxycycline hydrochloride tablets, or levofloxacin tablets. For chronic cervicitis with cervical erosion, loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) may be performed to remove the lesion and reduce irritating discharge.

In daily life, maintain cleanliness and dryness of the vulva, change sanitary pads frequently during menstruation, avoid wearing synthetic tight-fitting underwear, reduce intake of high-sugar and spicy foods, strengthen immunity, and lower the risk of recurrence.