ACNE can be a real pain.
And as if having it on your face wasn't bad enough, it can pop up in the most unexpected and frustrating of places.
The common skin condition causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that is hot or painful to touch and tends to be caused by hormonal changes (although it can also be genetic).
Spots occur when bacteria enter our pores and mix with dirt and the natural oils in our skin, this can block the pores and cause pimples to appear.
You can get it on your back and your butt...and also vagina.
What is 'vacne'?
If you think about it, our vaginas are the perfect environment for developing spots because it's covered in hair follicles and sweat glands, and tends to be wrapped in tight clothing which doesn't give them a chance to breathe.
Add the fact that its close to the anus and regularly has to deal with urine, and you've ticked every box for developing acne.
Often, spots and bumps are caused by folliculitis, which is when a hair becomes ingrown and triggers inflammation and a build up of bacteria.
Unlike folliculitis which can happen anywhere you have the potential to grow hair, regular blackheads tend to pop up on your bikini line. And actual acne tends to involve spots which contain pus.
The place you'll never find a pimple, however, is at the opening of your vagina.
If you do see something amiss that close, it could be a sign of something else so you might want to get yourself checked out at your nearest sexual health clinic.
How can you stop yourself from getting it?
Dr Vanessa Mackay from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) previously told The Sun that you're more likely to get spots down there if you wax or shave.
“Pubic hair offers a natural barrier to keep things clean, to decrease contact with viruses and bacteria, and to protect the tender skin of the area.
"While protecting against diseases and skin problems, pubic hair also prevents foreign particles like dust and pathogenic bacteria from entering the body, and helps to control the moisture of the area which decreases the chances of yeast infections.
“If women shave their pubic hair, they are putting themselves at a higher risk of contracting venereal disease, like genital warts.
"Although pubic hair doesn’t completely prevent STIs, it helps avoid skin-on-skin contact with someone who may already have it.
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"Removing pubic hair also irritates and inflames the hair follicles left behind, leaving microscopic open wounds.
"When that irritation is combined with the warm moist environment of the genitals, it becomes a happy culture medium for bacterial pathogens.”
Is it treatable?
Thankfully, yes. All you've got to do is work out what's causing the breakout and then you can go about treating it.
But if you really are suffering from acne then you should treat it exactly like the spots on your face.
The golden rule is not to pick at your spots because you'll only end up infecting them with bacteria.
And whatever you do, do not stick any acne creams anywhere up your actual vagina.
Spots on your vulva (that's the fleshy bit that covers your pubic bone) is one thing, but the vaginal canal is mega sensitive - you don't want to be putting any chemicals anywhere near it.
The vagina is really clever because it self-cleans. Start throwing acne treatments in there and you stop it from doing its job.
Dr Mackay explained: "It contains good bacteria, which are there to protect it.
"If these bacteria are disturbed it can lead to infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush, and inflammation.
“It's a good idea to avoid perfumed soaps, gels and antiseptics as these can affect the healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels in the vagina and cause irritation.
"Use plain, unperfumed soaps to wash the area around the vagina, known as the vulva, not inside it, gently every day.
"During your period, washing more than once a day may be helpful.”
Products you could try include:
Origins Super Spot Removal Acne Treatment Gel, £15.50, Boots
Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment, £38.99, Amazon
Murad Blemish Clarifying Treatment, £35, John Lewis
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When to see your GP
Spots should go away or at least noticeably calm down within a few days of you applying treatment - so if nothing changes, it might be worth visiting your GP.
If you've got very large, painful or pus-filled spots, then these can be drained by your doctor. Generally, vacne goes away on its own or with regular spot treatment so if that's not the case, then do seek medical assistance.
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