Unknown Bump

I'm wondering if there are any symptoms of a quarter-sized bump on the outer labia. I noticed it one day after sexual contact with someone, and it is a little sore to the touch. There is no discharge, or burning. Any real inflammation is being caused by clothing, but it is only sore if you apply a good amount of pressure to it. It's under the skin, which is why I'm wondering if it's possible to be an STD, or just some other irritant. If someone can possibly tell me what this might be, or can ask more questions for some information I might have left out, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

Leen

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

It doesn't sound like any STD I can think of.  Maybe the early stage of folliculitis (hair follicle infection, which could become larger, i.e. a boil)?  But that normally would be pretty painful, and would feel "in" the skin, not underneath.  The best I can say is to see a health care provider and get it checked out.  It doesn't sound serious, so it's probably OK to wait a couple weeks and see if it persists (then get checked), is growing (get checked right away), or disregard if it goes away.  In the meantime, avoid the temptation to check it out by pressing and rubbing on it several times a day, which likely would make it worse and harder to evaluate if it persists.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[distressedinNC]

Thanks for the advice. I went to the ER today and had them check it out since it had gotten a bit bigger and hurt even worse.

The answer was simply a shaving bump gone awry, so some antibiotics and painkillers were prescribed. Thanks again.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Thanks for the feedback; that's consistent with my thoughts.  You should do fine on the antibiotic.

HHH, MD