Broken Vein?

3 days ago I had a infected (it felt like it had come to a head) pimple or ingrown hair deep in the crease between my right testicle and thigh, at the base of the scrotum.  Right next to where a major ligament or tendon crosses from my thigh.  I squeezed the raised infection (obviously by feel) and felt a pop or snap.  The next day I had a painful lump around that spot inside my scrotum at the crease, but separated from the teste.  I am afraid the pop was me breaking the vein or artery, and while the pain is more like a rash type pain, the lump does not appear to be subsiding.  Is this lump congealed blood? Will it subside naturally? What do you think I did?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

Without seeing the lesion and examining you myself, I cannot diagnose you over the internet.  

However, it appears that the ingrown hair may have led to a skin infection - which is not uncommon.  The lump may be an abscess, which would need to be drained if this is the case.  

If there is a mass in your scrotum, then a visit to your personal physician would be in order.  There are many causes for scrotal masses - cysts, varicocele, epididymitis, cancer etc.  Your physician may further evaluate it with a scrotal ultrasound.

If the cause is an abscess, it would need to be incised and drained by your personal physician.  Antibiotics may be considered to treat any infection (i.e. skin infection or epididymitis) as well.  

I strongly suggest followup with your personal physician.

I stress that this answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[kim2013]

A related discussion, testicular problem was started.