folliculitis?

I've had these large bumps in my groin area where your underwear would be.  I thought they were just boils.  I had one in January that was so painful it finally went away.  A week ago it reappeared in the same spot.  It burst on Fri and feels better but I think it's coming back again.  Is it Folliculitis or HS (hidradenitis suppurativa)?  
I did shave down there about a month before the first one showed up.  Does shaving there have any relation to this?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

They seem like boils or furuncle. Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph aureus.Hair follicles that are blocked by greasy creams, petroleum jelly, or similar products are more vulnerable to infection. Bacterial skin infections can be spread by shared cosmetics or washcloths, close human contact, or by contact with pus from a boil or carbuncle.
Pls keep the area clean and apply some 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.Pls consult a dermatologist in that case.

I hope that helps.Kind regards.