Lumps

   I have read a bunch of posts and responses in the forum about lumps. I too get an occasion lump inside. They are always tender, are pea size, and open and drain (puss/blood). My real question is about the hard lumps in my pubic area. They seem to always be there...but they get tender and fill up.....always coinsides with my period. They will become very tender and eventually open and drain. Are these something to worry about. I have Crohn's disease and am prone to infections. I get cysts on my inner thighs, in my arm pits, and under my breasts. My mother and sisters also have this problem. Are the lumps on my pubic area cysts? I have mentioned these to my PCP and he seems unconcerned as long as they open and drain. My GYN seems only concerned with doing the PAP and getting out of there. He even blows me off when I question him about the anal/vaginal fistula I developed from the Crohn's. Is it safe to continue to use tampons with that leakage? Is there anything special I should be doing to prevent vaginal issues because of it? He is in too much of a hurry. And honestly, I see so many doctors, I'd just as soon get in and out of there quickly.
  Thank you so much for your time. I appreciate any response.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
Crohn's is a real pain!  It sounds to me like you have hidradenitis supperativa.  That is a problem in which the sweat glands in the pubic and axillary areas develop recurrent infections.  I have had some luck with topical Cleocin T1%.  This is a topical antibiotic.
A dermatologist could also discuss laser with you--I've heard there are some new laser treatments that work pretty well.
As far as the fistula, you can still use tampons.  With the drainage, it is incredibly hard to control vaginal infections. If you wanted to consider having it corrected, a gynecologic oncologist would be the person to consult with.  As you are probably aware, there is not a super great chance for success given the Crohns.  If you don't have it corrected, I would just suggest rigorous hygeine--with once daily sitz baths.  Probiotics are good for IBD and might also help keep the incidence of yeast infections down.
You probably should NOT douche more than once per month, and if you do use tampons, be sure to change them frequently.  Any prolonged pressure could cause problems.
Good luck!
Dr B

[UncontrolledSarcasm]

Can these infections in any way adversly effect my boyfriend if he comes in contact?
  Thank you for your response. I got more information from you then I have gotten from my GYN in years.

[sahiti]

Hi ,
Hi iam having same problem.those bumps comes around before my periods and go after 5-6 days .They are always tender, pea size, and open and drain (puss/blood).Every month this happening when i consult every gyn they just blow of telling me maybe ingrown hair but it is not.I thought it is infection and my pap came normal .Iam hygene freak then also these appears .Any one have any idea. Is it a skin problem or haromones?
my medical condition hypothyroid.

[DC331]

I too have read most of the comments about lumps in the vaginal area. Currently, I have a lump between my thigh and vaginal opening, it is about the size of a small gumball and kind of tender. I'm still a virgin and it is extremely embarrassing to tell my mom. I have had staph twice in two years and I'm not sure if it is that or an abcess (abscess). It is red and tender, but there isn't a head to pop it or anything. Can someone please explain to me what it is? And possibly how to get rid of it on my own?