Hard Bump Under Chin, Ingrown Hair?

[tom_w465]

Hello,

About two months ago a hard bump formed under my jawline (I'm a male).  It is very hard, and seems to continually swell a bit, then recede, then swell up again.  About two weeks ago I used tweezers to pull a hair out of the edge of the bump; the hair was long, and was actually two hairs stuck together and encased in a hard, clear shell (it was really kind of wierd).  I though this was the cause of the bump, but it has not gone away and is still as swollen as ever.  Is there a chance this is a cyst, or is it likely an ingrown hair that is still trapped way beneath the surface (I cannot make out any trace of a hair in the bump)?  If it is, what is the best course of action?

Thanks!

[sjp2245]

HI Doctor I am a 25 year old female. Every month below my chin along my jaw line I get a hard swollen bump often times it is red and puss eventually comes out of it. I believe this bump is somehow related to a trapped or ingrown hair follicle ( possibly caused by plucking stray chin hairs). The bump occurs in the same two locations every time.

1. Will continued use of kenelog/cortisone injections at site shrink the follicle and solve this problem over time? if so how long will this take?

2. Will electrolysis treat this problem?

3. will topical creams help if so what kind?

THANK YOU

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be a cyst, infected hair follicle or a sebaceous cyst. Blocked sebaceous glands, swollen hair follicles and excessive testosterone production will cause such cysts.

Generally no treatment is required but they become painful then it means they are infected,Then surgical excision by traditional wide excision, minimal excision, and punch biopsy excision may be required.

I would suggest a clinical examination done by a dermatologist. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.