some kind of...thing

[Interrogative]

There is a small gray bump on the edge of my anus at the back(like from the lower back straight down at the very edge of the anus where your skin becomes soft, there it is) and it is sensitive to touch. I am 18, am not and have never been sexually active, I'm fit and have always been healthy, so this surprised me. I'm a private person and so won't go to a doctor or tell my parents, unless I must, this is embarrassing. I'm hoping my body will get rid of it? The bump is painful. This may be stupid, but what if it's some kind of..bug? It looks kind of shiny, like there's something filling out the skin. The bump is about the width of a pencil eraser.It feels solid when pressed. I only noticed it yesterday. Please let me know as soon as possible. I don't know what other information to give. So, painful small gray bump at the edge of the anal cavity, newly developed, not soft... I hope you can help.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Nobody can help much without examining you, I'm afraid.  It certainly does not sound like anything serious.  Perhaps it is a cyst or infected follicle.  I suggest you leave it alone and show it to a doctor if it still bothers you in two weeks.  There's nothing to be embarrassed about--examining such things is what doctors are for....

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[jte777]

Bet the doctor will say it is some type of cyst. Certainly not an STD since you have not been sexually active. Try to relax (know that is hard sometimes). I once had a small bump on my scrotum and then another time one on my neck. Both times they were just sebaceous cysts and nothing to worry about. So try to put your fears away until the doctor can reassure you. I am very sure he will have good news for you.