Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

hair follicle infection?

I'm currently 17 years old, I've had small, skin colored to white headed bumps in my groin area since I was 12. They haven't gotten any better or any worse since about 13. They are very numerous and appear to come from the hair follicles, the only symptom i've had besides the unsightly appearance is occasional itchiness. They feel hard and sometimes a small amount of white (pus?) comes out of them. They appear only on the penis and scrotum area and not on the surrounding skin. I've used Benzoyl Peroxide over the counter cream on them, but i'm not sure if it really helped or not. Could it just be a stubborn infection? Should I make an appointment with a dermatologist or is there an over the counter medication that I could try? Will I outgrow it like acne?
7 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Hi there, I'm a 25 year old female. I have been suffering with these large spots in the centre of my back (between my shoulder blades) and also around my sideburn area on my face for the past 12 months; these are very soar and red, but never produce into a spot at all, they just stay large and red. I went to see my dermotologist who told me these so called spots are in fact hair folicles that were blocked and inflamed, and told me to use this stuff called Exemol which i could use as a soap substitute and a cream, i found it didn't work at all. Recently i moved to the middle east and went to a Pharmacist who sold me Bactroban..it does dry the spots out but unfortuantly doesn't prevent new ones, i was sold the saforelle cream, which afterwards i looked up on the internet and found is totally not what i need, i'm struggling to find someone who knows hat they are talking about....please help!!!
Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,

Please consult a doctor as oral antibiotics may be needed alongwith topical antibiotcs. Also as mentioned earlier get the possibility of cysts ruled out. I hope it helps. Kind regards.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I used a topical antiseptic for a week, applied twice per day as well as a topical antiseptic. I didn't notice a difference. Is it too soon to tell or do I need a prescription for an oral anti-biotic?
The label on the triple anti-biotic says to consult a doctor if you are going to continue for more than a week.
Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
By cosmetics I mean to say heavy oil based moisturizers. You can apply the triple antibiotic cream and if the symptoms persist then the possibility of cysts have to be ruled out. A sebaceous cyst is a closed sac occurring just under the skin which contains a "pasty" or "cheesy" looking substance called keratin. Blocked sebaceous glands, swollen hair follicles and excessive testosterone production will cause such cysts.
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.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have a topical antiseptic, Triple antibiotic ointment and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. Which of these would be beneficial and applied how often?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
What constitutes cosmetics? A moisturizer or the like?
Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
From the symptoms they look like folliculitis or cysts. Folliculitis is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles. The condition may occur anywhere on the skin.

Apply some topical antiseptics on the affected area. 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.

If the symptoms persist, then it would be best to get it confirmed from a dermatologist. 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.








Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Dermatology Community

Top Dermatology Answerers
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn to identify and prevent bites from summer’s most common pests.
Doctors argue for legislation to curb this dangerous teen trend in the latest Missouri Medicine report.
10 ways to keep your skin healthy all winter long
How to get rid of lumpy fat on your arms, hips, thighs and bottom
Diet “do’s” and “don’ts” for healthy, radiant skin.
Images of rashes caused by common skin conditions