Red Bump

[kk0844]

I have a small red bump on the bottom of my butt cheek. I am pretty sure it is an ingrown hair because i sweat a lot when I work out and use mats at the gym. It is also close to where I shave. It is red, there is no signs of a white head or pus inside of it. I  am concerned however that it could be herpes. Does anyone have any ideas?

[kk0844]

Thank you,

It has gone away. I am pretty sure that is exactly what it was. Thanks for your input.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms that you have described, these fleshy red bumps can be boils or ingrown hair. Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph aureus. Bacterial skin infections can be spread by shared cosmetics or washcloths, close human contact, or by contact with pus from a boil or carbuncle.

Apply warm compresses on the bump and keep the area clean. Also 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. But make sure to consult your dermatologist before using them. 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 dermatologist. Treatment can be started only when the diagnosis is confirmed. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.