Acne type breakout in pubic area

[Mikklim]

I was shaving my pubic hair in the shower and cut myself. Since then, there has been bumps that look like acne, popping up in the pubic area and some of these bumps are filled with puss. Pretty sure it is not herpes, but I do feel pain when my irritated. Should I be worried?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination, confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it sounds like folliculitis or infected hair follicles.

Folliculitis is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles.It starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing or blockage of the follicle. In most cases of folliculitis,the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph).
Pls keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed.Pls consult a dermatologist in that case.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.