Help!

[SheriPotts]

A couple of days ago, while showering, I noticed some red bumps in my pubic area. They were a bit tender and varied in size. I tried to squeeze them to see if anything would come out and a bit of white pus (or maybe it was a core) came out. I am sexually active, but we use protection and both have only been with each other. I am only asking becuase I have done some research over the last few days and I think they might just be ingrown hairs, but a few more have shown up since then (maybe 3 or 4) and they now have a white tip when they show up. The ones I squeezed are a bit itchy and I am wondering: is this a good thing? Please help, I am kinda scared and am embarrassed to talk to anyone about it. Help!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Folliculitis is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles. The condition may occur anywhere on the skin.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). Bacterial skin infections can be spread by shared cosmetics or washcloths, close human contact, or by contact with pus from an infected hair follicle or carbuncle.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[SheriPotts]

I have been applying warm compresses and the ones that first appeared are now "flatter". Can the irritated hair follicles spread? Since I last posted there are smaller ones that have appeared (maybe 2-3) and had a white tip and "popped" with a little pressure, like when I was showering or using the warm compresses. I have also been using polysporine to help heal the ones that are going away. How long do these things usually last?
Thanks for your suggestions and help, it seems to be working (though slowly). I just want it to be gone asap.
Thanks again.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms they sound like irritated hair follicles or folliculitis. Keep the area clean and apply some warm compresses and 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. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.