What causes pimples with pus in the pubic hair area, and how should they be treated?
Dec 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, bumps with pus in the pubic area may be caused by blocked sebaceous glands, shaving irritation, vulvar folliculitis, skin boils, or Bartholin's gland abscess. Depending on the specific situation, patients can choose appropriate management through general care, medications, or surgical intervention. Maintain cleanliness and dryness of the genital area and avoid scratching; disinfect before and after shaving, and use condoms during sexual intercourse.
Generally, the appearance of bumps with pus in the pubic area may be caused by sebaceous gland blockage, shaving irritation, vulvar folliculitis, skin boils (furuncles), or Bartholin's gland abscess. Depending on the specific situation, patients can choose appropriate management through general care, medications, or surgical intervention. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Sebaceous Gland Blockage
When the sebaceous gland opening is blocked by keratin, accumulated sebum forms a hard cyst the size of a millet grain. Secondary infection leads to a yellowish-white pus point. Clean the area daily with warm saline solution, wear loose cotton underwear, avoid shaving temporarily, and refrain from squeezing.
2. Shaving Irritation
Minor cuts from shaving cause local keratin defects, allowing bacteria to invade and form micro-abscesses. Use a sharp razor and shave in the direction of hair growth. Apply aloe vera gel after shaving to soothe the skin, and keep the area dry.
3. Vulvar Folliculitis
Staphylococcus aureus invades along the hair follicle, causing redness, swelling, and pain at the follicular opening, with a hair passing through the center and pus formation at the top. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or erythromycin ointment may be used as directed by a physician.
4. Skin Boil (Furuncle)
The infection extends deeper into the subcutaneous tissue, forming an enlarging red, swollen, hard lump that eventually liquefies and develops a central pus plug. Oral antibiotics such as cefradine capsules, amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, or levofloxacin tablets may be prescribed. Once the abscess matures, incision and drainage ("skin boil incision and drainage procedure") should be performed under medical guidance, followed by daily wound dressing changes.
5. Bartholin's Gland Abscess
Obstruction of the gland duct followed by secondary infection results in a large, painful, swollen mass—sometimes as big as an egg—below the base of the pubic hair, accompanied by severe pain and pus discharge. Intravenous antibiotics such as ceftriaxone sodium, metronidazole injection, or levofloxacin injection may be administered as prescribed. After controlling the inflammation, a "Bartholin's gland marsupialization procedure" is performed, followed by warm sitz baths postoperatively.
Maintain cleanliness and dryness of the external genitalia; avoid scratching. Disinfect before and after shaving, and use condoms during sexual intercourse. Seek prompt medical attention if the abscess continues to enlarge or if fever develops.
