History of Bumps on Inner Thigh

[LionsDHMTB]

Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer this question.

Recently a small red bump appeared on my inner thigh.  I've had a few of these before over the past few years, however they are never terribly sore and I've never seen more than one at a time.  All have been in the pubic region, never on "the goods," so to speak.  Irresponsibly so, I have had unprotected sex occasionally (two partners) during my short sexual history, though not within nine months and prior to that, not within three years.  I'm 99% sure that the first time I saw one of these bumps was about two years ago, so in between my moments of foolishness.

To know a bit more about my relative background I seem to be quite prone to jock-itch.  Nine times out of ten simply cleaning my sheets, all athletic wear, and applying Lotrimin wins that battle.  This maybe happens two to three times a year.  Additionally, I have been battling acne for close to ten years now and have recently (1.5 months in) started an isotretinoin regiem.  It is mostly on my face, however it does not surprise me to see a pimple anywhere else.  Prior to Accutane I was on Bactrim and Minocycline for entirely too long (mino for about two years, then bactrim for about two, and then mino again for two more years).

Outside of the occasional red mark which more closely resembles a pimple that is not terribly sore, and a case of jock itch every so often, I have no reason to suspect that I have an STD such as herpes.  But I'm still concerned.  Given the brief amount of information I've listed, do I have anything to be concerned about?  I called around to the local testing centers, though they want $300+ for a test so I thought this is a better start.

Again, thanks.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No. The best thing to do if it increases in frequency is to wash your work-ut clothes more.  EWH

[LionsDHMTB]

Dr. Hook,

Thanks for the quick response.  For future reference, should I become concerned if the frequency picks up, if there is more than one bump present at a time, or if a bump is in a closer location yet is still in the pubic-hair area?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

My goodness, STD testing is expensive in your "neighborhood".  If  you need it in the future (I do not think you need it now- see beIow), try your local health department.  I do not think the bumps you describe are any sort of STD.  Rather what you describe sounds much like folliculitis.  Your history of acne suggests you are prone to "clogged pores" which is the problem that leads to folliculitis.  

As I said, folliculitis occurs when the pores in your skin get plugged.  This allows that normal bacteria that are present on just about every-one's skin to grow and cause what is essentially a pimple.  Some of these just appear as red bumps which may or may not be  tender while others go on to actually form pimples.  In some instances, if you look closely you can see a hair coming out of, or nearby the bump- this too is typical of folliculitis).  The best way to avoid folliculitis is to use a wash cloth or, better yet, a "loofah" sponge (available at most drug stores) to help keep your pores open.  The gentle abrasion provided by a washcloth or loofah helps to keep pores open and prevents or reduces risk for folliculitis.

I hope this comment helps.  What you describe, particularly in the context of the time line you provide suggests that you really do not need to worry that this might be an STD.  EWH