Getting a pimple is annoying enough when it’s on your face. Getting one on your genitals? That’ll send you down a panicked Google search rabbit hole. Although you may be surprised to find a pimple on or near your vulva, it's not that uncommon. 

When your pores or hair follicles get clogged with oil and dead skin cells, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. This can lead to inflammation and, voila, a pimple is born. The skin on your vulva isn’t so different from the skin on the rest of your body, so you might notice a pimple down there from time to time. 

Harmless things like contact dermatitis (a type of eczema triggered by contact with an irritant, like detergent) or folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles, often after shaving or waxing) can cause pimples, spots, or red bumps on the vulva. 

That said, there are some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and diseases (STDs) that can cause pimple-like growths or blisters on the genitals — including genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and syphilis. These growths are not the same as the pimples that you might get on your face and usually look a little different. 

Keep reading to learn which STDs can cause pimples, the difference between STD “pimples” and normal ones, plus other signs and symptoms to look out for. 

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What STD causes pimples?

More than one STI can cause unusual skin growths on the vulva and vagina.

Here's a quick reminder: STIs can be passed on during any type of sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and even oral sex. In many cases, skin-to-skin contact is enough to spread an infection, so although they won't entirely prevent an STI, using a barrier method (condoms or dental dams) can reduce your risk.

It's also worth mentioning that many STDs cause very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. An STI test is the only way to know for sure if you have one or not.

Below are some of the most common culprits.

Genital warts

There are over 200 different types of human papillomavirus that can infect the skin and mucous membranes in the body. Two of these types are responsible for causing genital warts.

Genital warts can appear in various forms, such as pink or flesh-colored warts that are raised, flat, or even shaped like cauliflower.

Here's an important thing to remember: you don't necessarily need to have penetrative sex to get HPV. Sexual contact is enough to spread the virus, which is why it's the most common STI in the U.S., and most of us will come into contact with it at some point in our lives. Around 80% of women will have HPV by the time they’re 50. 

While there's no cure for the virus, your healthcare provider might recommend removing warts by freezing them off, applying prescription topical medication, or removing them surgically. 

Genital warts can clear up on their own if your immune system clears up the virus, but they can also grow larger or multiply. It's important to treat them to reduce the risk of spreading the infection, as it's more contagious during active outbreaks.

Vaccines can also help prevent HPV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HPV vaccines for people aged 9–26. The vaccine can also reduce your risk of cervical cancer, which is linked to certain strains of the virus. In 2018, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) approved the HPV vaccine for women up to the age of 45, so your healthcare provider may recommend getting vaccinated even if you’re over 26.  

Syphilis

Syphilis symptoms can be tricky to spot at first and might be mistaken for pimples or a rash.

The first sign of syphilis is round genital sores called a chancre, which shows up on the genitals or anus. Syphilis sores can look like ingrown hair, pimples, or harmless bumps, and because they are often painless, they can go unnoticed, especially if you're not checking your vulva.

A syphilis infection is highly contagious and can easily be passed on through skin-to-skin contact during sex, so it’s really important to see your healthcare provider.

Since syphilis symptoms can be hard to spot and can come and go over time, it's best to get tested to confirm if you have it. Even if the symptoms come and go, the infection doesn't disappear without antibiotic treatment. 

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by the HSV-2 virus. You can also get the HSV-1 virus (the one that causes cold sores) in your genital area, too. Herpes is highly contagious and can easily spread through skin-to-skin contact, especially during sex.

The most common symptoms of genital herpes are itchy or painful blisters on the vulva, anus, or thighs. They can also appear in the vagina and cervix, which means many people don't know they have herpes because the outbreak isn't always visible. The first outbreak usually lasts about two to four weeks. Genital herpes can be quite painful, and outbreaks may be accompanied by other symptoms, including fever, body aches, flu-like symptoms, and painful urination. 

Unfortunately, there's no cure for herpes, but antiviral drugs can help manage and reduce the duration and discomfort of outbreaks, and also help prevent future outbreaks.

Granuloma inguinale

Granuloma inguinale (or donovanosis) is a very rare sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Klebsiella granulomatis.

Usually, granuloma inguinale appears as a painless, red lump on or near the genitals, initially resembling a pimple or a skin lump. You might not notice it at first, but it can grow and eventually break down to form a sore.

If left untreated, granuloma inguinale can lead to chronic inflammation and permanent scarring of the genitals, but the good news is that it can be treated with antibiotics.

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection that causes small, firm, fleshy bumps. They're usually painless, but they can be itchy, sore, or swollen at times.

You can get it through touching infected skin, including during sex, but you can also get it in other non-sexual ways like sharing clothes and towels — so it's not technically a sexually transmitted infection because you don't need to be sexually active to get it. In fact, it is a common infection in children between ages 1-10. 

The good news is that it's not dangerous. Treatments such as creams, oral medications, and physical removal can help, but it often goes away on its own without treatment. 

When to see a healthcare provider 

See your healthcare provider if you notice a bump or lump near your vulva or vagina. They can examine it and run tests to figure out whether it's caused by an STD or something else. They'll also advise on treatment and the next steps if needed.

You should see your healthcare provider especially if you have bumps or pimples on your genitals along with other symptoms, including:

FAQ

How long do STD pimples last?

It depends on the STD, and whether you treat it or not. For example, genital warts can take a few months to go away with treatment, while a herpes outbreak might last a few weeks. 

What STD causes bumps?

Genital warts, syphilis, genital herpes, granuloma inguinale, and molluscum contagiosum are some of the sexually transmitted infections that can cause bumps and blisters on the genitals. Not all genital bumps are a sign of infection, though. Contact dermatitis, folliculitis, and everyday pimples can also show up on the skin of the vulva.