strange lump on my shaft

i have a strange peanut-sized lump with a small red sore on it. everyone i know tells me that its just  a ingrown hair but from all the advice ive heard, just dosnt fit what im seeing.

i know for certain(98%) that its not an std because i am a virgin.

also it appeared about 3 days ago and has only gotten bigger until yesterday, it has stayed the same size since then.

when i attempt to pop it and try to get the hair out a thick white-ish puss comes out.(this has happend three times today)

ive used acne cream on the sore to no apparent victory and i've also popped it(mentioned above)

i want to know:
1.)if i can cure this at home without the help of a doctor
2.)if i need to see a docter how urgent is it(should i go to my doctors or get into a hospital(far extreme))
3.)how often does this occur

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
One possibility for such a bump is sebaceous cyst. 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.

Generally no treatment is required but they become painful then it means they are infected, then surgical excision by traditional wide excision, minimal excision, and punch biopsy excision may be required.

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.