genital acne

Recently I have been experiencing pimples randomly scattered around my genital area.  They are generally in the V shaped area around my groin, although a few have been on my legs and hips.  None have appeared on my penis.  They develop over a few days and if popped, produce a hard, white substance.  If popped, the scab tends to bleed fairly liberally, although it doesn't last long.  There is no sensation (itching, pain, tenderness, etc) associated with these, but they do produce a significant scar if popped.  If they are not popped, they do not seem to go away or change their form, but they do continue to get bigger.  

I had initially assumed these were ingrown hairs associated with trimming the pubic hair, but after discontiuing the trimming, they continue to develop.

Can you tell me what these may be, and what can be done?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

They sound like folliculitis, which is to say blocked pores.  Nothing needs to be done about them, because they go away on their own, and treatment usually makes no difference.  Popping them makes them last longer, and is best avoided.  At most you should apply an over-the-counter antibiotic like bacitracin or neosporin to new lesions.

If they become worse, show them to a doctor.  But benign neglect usually works, and there's no issue with contagion.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[Aussie100]

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