Growth on penis

about 3 weeks ago i noticed a small growth towards the base of my penis. it is in an area where i have some hair follicals. the growth is a light shade of red. it looks like a blocked pore, sort of like a pimple that hasnt come to a head yet. i have no pain or itch from it. it does worry me very much though. the last time i slept with a girl was 4 weeks ago, but i used a condom each time. besides that, i have not been very promiscuous...sleeping with 5 girls, 2 without cndoms and they were both girlfriends from over one year ago. i also am very athletic, i play a sport every day for 2 hours so i sweat a lot. i dont kow if that has anything to do with it either. 3 days ago i started washing with an anitbacterial soap and putting on neosporin. will this help? i have no idea what this bump is but im worried and scared. how can i make this go away?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It sounds like an inflamed follicle, rather than herpes, a wart, or some other STD.  My advice is to apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment like bacitracin or neosporin twice daily, leave the spot alone (no examining or squeezing), and show the spot to a doctor if it has not resolved in 3 more weeks.  No need to change your athletic/showering habits.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff