Ingrown hair or....?

I have a slightly large red bump just above my belly-button.  It is sore and slightly firm.  There is no head on it (yet) and has been here for about a week and a half.  It's very uncomfortable and embarrassing.  I originally thought it was an ingrown hair, but I've never had an ingrown hair that has gotten this big and not come to a head/come to the surface.  I've tried using a warm wash cloth, cleaning it with an astringent, and using some Retin-a-micro, but none of these things seem to help.  Should I go to a doctor, or is there something I should try that I'm not doing?  I'm afraid a week and a half is a little long to see no results for an ingrown hair....someone please help!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to a boil or ingrown hair or a cyst. A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm and hard. Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with pus. Finally, the pus "forms a head," which can be surgically opened or spontaneously drain out through the surface of the skin.

Keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics and warm compresses. 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