Possible folliculitis on penis?

[dustindoobie]

Hi,

Firstly thanks for the service you are offering here.

I'm concerned about these small pus-less red bumps that I've had on the base of my penis over the last few days. I believe they were caused three days ago when I had intercourse (with condom), during which I felt some friction and discomfort in the pubic hairs that now have the bumps present.

After the event I showered and tried using a towel in the woman's bathroom. I started feeling some discomfort later that night (roughly 3 hours later) in the form of slight itchiness and light pressure when the area was touched, but didn't notice any bumps at the time, so I'm unaware if they were present.

Two days later after the feeling still persisted, I trimmed the area very short to more closely inspect it. It was then that I noticed these small bumps on the hair follicles, a few of them with two hairs growing out from a single follicle.
The bumps are only present on the left of the base of the penis on the top side. As far as I have seen, the bumps are only present on hair follicles.

Firstly, I'd just like to know if this is a known symptom of any STD. I don't have any symptoms besides these bumps. I'd also like to know if this could be an infection caused by bacteria from the environment such as the towel, or if the follicles were aggravated by the friction. Unless they are touched there is no discomfort or itchiness. Could the double hairs growing from a few of these follicles be causing the bumps?

Is this something that will mend itself, or will I need some form of treatment? I can post a photo if necessary.


Thanks

[Rohit Batra, MD]

Dear dustindoobie,

Thanks for writing in.

The lesions that you have described in the groin area are most probably pustules. These are caused by a bacterial infection and one need to take oral and topical antibiotics to treat the same.

Folliculitis or inflammation of the hair follicles can occur due to pulling of hairs due to constant friction and once a single pustule develops, it can give rise to more in near vicinity.

As far as the growth of multiple hairs from a single hair root is concerned, it is normal and doesn’t require any treatment nor can it lead to any other consequences.

In your case, since you had protected sex, there is no need to worry.

I would recommend you that you take a course of antibiotics under the guidance of your general physician to get quick and complete relief.

Hope that this information helps and hope that you will get better soon.

Thank you for using MedHelp's "Ask an Expert" Service, where we feature some of world's renowned medical experts in their fields. Millions have benefitted from our service to get personalized advice for them and for their loved ones.

Best Regards,
Dr. Rohit Batra

[Rohit Batra, MD]

Dear dustindoobie,

Thanks for writing back.

Pustules can sometimes persist for a while as antibiotics kill the bacteria in the pus; but fluid fails to dry up. In such a condition, a topical antibiotic cream can be continued and the lesion can be left to dry up by itself. You do not need a course of oral antibiotics and since it is being treated, the question of consequences about untreated pustules does not arise.

I would like to reassure you that it would heal gradually. So do not worry.

Best Regards,
Dr. Rohit Batra

[dustindoobie]

Thanks very much Dr. Batra. Since posting, the cluster of bumps at the base have all but disappeared and there is only a very slight redness in the area.

There is one that remains further up the shaft which still persists as a bump and is still red. It's size hasn't noticeably changed since first developing.

Should I still seek a course of antibiotics, or wait and see if this bump will disappear as with the rest? Are there any serious consequences to leaving pustules untreated?

[dustindoobie]

Sorry for the double post. Should I be waiting so long for a reply? I thought two days or so would have been enough time for a response. Certainly in looking at other people's questions they were answered by MedHelp staff within a day or so.

I think this question falls under 'dermatology', but if I have incorrectly posted the question or if I need a higher tier of membership I'd appreciate someone (staff or users) telling me.