Health Tips

Bartholin Cyst Vs Pimple: Key Differences & Symptoms Explained

Worldwide, around 2% of women are suffering from bartholin cyst and vaginal pimple. They are shown particularly in reproductive women(aged between 20-40 years old). In this blog, we will compare and explore the differences between a bartholin cyst vs pimple, including treatments, symptoms, prevention tips, and costs. 

The Bartholin gland may grow or develop when it appears at the point of the vaginal opening, which is blocked and leads to fluid buildup. Sweat, infection, or itching can cause tiny bumps in the vagina, which are similar to acne on the body.

What is Bartholin Cyst?

A bartholin cyst is a round bump found near the point of opening of the vagina. These glands are very small, about the same size as a pea, but you can’t notice them. Their work is to make a lubricating vaginal fluid. This fluid travels to the vagina through tubes. 

What are Pimples?

Pimples refer to the vaginal pimples or vulvar acne. These pimples are very small and appear inside the vulva (genital area). These are red, white, or filled with pus and may cause discomfort, especially when irritated. They are similar to acne everywhere in the body. For proper prevention, you need hygiene.

Treatments: Bartholin Cyst Vs Pimple

Treatment for bartholin cyst and pimple includes:

Treatment for Bartholin Cyst

If you are under 40, you won’t need any medical treatment. There is no cyst problem or any sign of an infection. Here, the bartholin cyst treatment consists of these steps which are:

  • Warm compresses: Apply or use a clean cotton cloth soaked in warm water on the areas until the cloth gets cool.
  • Sitz bath: Sitz bath refers to sitting in clean, warm water 3 to 4 times a day, which may help ease the pain and encourage drainage by itself.
  • Over-the-counter medications: If you are suffering from pain, you can take the medications that you can buy without a doctor’s prescription to feel better.

Proper Medical Treatment for Bartholin Cyst

If your report shows that you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or cyst infection, your doctor will provide antibiotics. They may also prescribe topical medication so that you can directly put it on your skin. If your bartholin is causing any problem, you need to inform your doctor. They will give you the best options, which are: 

  • Surgical Drainage: Surgical drainage involves a doctor making a small incision in your cyst. They then inserted a small rubber tube, known as a catheter, into the opening to assist in removing the fluid. It can stay up to 6 weeks. Remember the point, a bartholin cyst may come back or appear and needs treatment again. The side effects included pain or discomfort during sex. Sometimes, you have to suffer from swelling, infection, and bleeding.
  • Marsupialization: It can be helpful if your cyst is causing you pain or discomfort. The process involves a doctor cutting the cyst and then closing the skin around it to create a small pocket. This allows the fluid inside the cyst to drain out more easily.
  • Balloon-Tipped Catheter: In this procedure, a doctor makes a small cut and puts or inserts a small balloon-tipped catheter into a cyst. It remains in same place for 4 to 6 weeks. You can do all the activities, including sexual ones, but it might feel a bit uncomfortable because there’s a catheter inside.
  • Carbon Dioxide Laser: This procedure is surgical treatment through laser, it is a very quick process but very expensive.

Treatment for Pimple

This include home treatment for vaginal pimple.

  • Maintain Hygiene: Always clean or wash your vulvar area with mild soap and water, and you need to dry your vulvar area after washing. 
  • Wear Loose Clothes: You need to wear loose clothes, either underwear and normal jeans, pants, or trousers. It helps in reducing irritation and infection.
  • Over-the-counter Medications: Tropical cream, powder, and gel help to reduce irritation, itching, and treat these pimples.

The proper medical treatment for vaginal pimple or vulvar acne, such as:

  • Laser Therapy: Laser therapy is only done when vulvar acne becomes a serious problem. It is a surgical treatment, a doctor done this process through laser and it is a very expensive procedure.
  • Antibiotics: These Antibiotics(either medicines, cream, or gel) help to reduce the infection and itching. 

Early Signs & Symptoms of Bartholin Cyst vs Pimple

The following are the signs and symptoms of bartholin cyst and vaginal pimple:

Symptoms of Bartholin Cyst

Most of Bartholin doesn’t carry any symptoms. If it forms an infection, the symptoms include:

  • The size of the cyst may increase.
  • Swelling in the area
  • Fever
  • Redness
  • Discomfort during walking, sitting, and sleeping
  • Pain during physical intercourse or when inserting a tampon.

Signs & Symptoms of Vaginal Pimple or Vulvar Acne

The symptoms of vulvar acne show red or brown bumps on the point of your vulva. The symptoms may also include:

  • Ittiching
  • It appears white at the tip because of pus.
  • Redness
  • Swelling

Preventions: Bartholin Cyst Vs Pimple

Check out the prevention tips for bartholin’s cyst and pimple given below:

Prevention Tips for Bartholin Cyst

  • Hygienty
  • Safe Sex Practices
  • Balanced Diet
  • Regular basis check-up

Prevention Tips for Vaginal Pimple

  • Avoid tight jeans or underwear
  • Clean your genital area with mild soap
  • Change sanitary pads regularly 
  • Practice safe sex, always use condom while you have sexual intercourse.
  • Wear cotton underwear

Cost of Bartholin Cyst Treatment in India

The starting cost range of bartholin cyst treatment in India is between ₹ 25,000 to ₹30,000. The table below shows the different costs (city-wise).

CityPrice(INR)
Chandigarh₹15,000-₹30,000
Bangalore₹23,500-₹10,2486
Chennai₹23,500-10,2486
Lucknow₹20,000-₹30,000
Mumbai₹23,500-₹10,2486

These costs are estimated, the values can be changed by affecting these factors such as location, climate, hospitals, and more.

Cost of Vaginal Pimple Treatment in India

CityPrice(INR)
Delhi₹45,000-₹1,40,000
Mumbai₹50,000-₹1,50,000
Chennai₹40,000-₹1,25,000
Banglore₹40,000-₹1,30,00
Hyderabad₹40,000-₹1,20,000
Kolkata₹35,000-₹1,00,000

These costs may be transformed by these key factors, including:

  • Hospital or location
  • Types of procedure
  • Surgeon’s Expertise

Conclusion

Above, we discussed key differences between bartholin cysts and pimples, including treatments, symptoms, and prevention tips. In a painful situation, you need to consult your doctor, because bartholin cyst requires quick medical evaluation. But, in the case of a pimple, it settles with basic care.