questionable bumps

[frankyyanky1]

Good afternoon,

Three weeks ago I noticed 3 slightly raised red bumps on my abdomen.  One was raised slightly more than the other two, it kind of looked like a bug bite.  They are right were my pubic hair thickens below my navel.  I have not been able to keep my fingers away unfortunately and they just won't go away.  They are not a cluster, nor do they ever hurt or itch.  They don't appear to be a blister either.  I couldn't tell at first, but they each appear to have a hair either in the middle, or directly to the side of the reddened area.  Like the bump is centered on them.  Now I am developing a small reddish patch below them where again the hair follicles appear slightly inflamed.  Should I be concerned about this?  They appear to be getting better slowly, but why haven't they improved much or changed in 3 weeks?  Could this be folliculitis?  I get zits on my chest in the hair and sometimes on my legs.  I'm told this isn't acne in this location, but actually known as folliculitis.  The ones in my pubic hair area however have never formed heads at all.  They just started out red and slightly swollen, most have gone down, but still red.  Thank you in advance.

[frankyyanky1]

Also, they never form a head like it might do elsewhere on my body.  Is this skin (on my lower abdomen) so different?

[frankyyanky1]

Thank you for your opinion doctor.  You pretty much validated what I have been thinking.  I only grew concerned when they hadn't cleared in 3 weeks.  The three main spots are much smaller now, but still red and visible.  And the small reddish rash patch is simply not going away despite attempting to keep clean (I use Ivory soap) and a light daily application of antibiotic ointment.  Though I have noticed its definitely less red in the morning when I wake up and seems to get worse when I wear jeans.  But thanks again for your opinion.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Moisture and warmth foster infections.  Try wearing looser clothes than jeans for a while, and sprinkle a drying agent--talc, cornstarch, etc--in your underwear.  And moisturizing creams, even antibiotic creams, such as neosporin.

HHH, MD

[frankyyanky1]

These bumps seem to be in the area where my jeans hit when I sit, and I sit a lot for work.  I also tend to be sweaty down there.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You indeed have provided an excellent description of folliculitis.  The origin is different than acne, but it's basically the same sort of problem.  If severe or recurrent, an antibiotic prescription may help, it usually isn't necessary--washing a couple times daily with soap and water should be sufficient. If the problem continues, consider posting your question on the dermatology forum and see what Dr. Rockoff says.

Good luck--  HHH, MD