Re-occuring sores?

[savannahab]

I'm 17 years old and a virgin. For the past year, I have been getting painful "lumps"/sores/blisters in my pubic hair/area. Currently, I have a small sore on my outermost labia. It burst yesterday, so it's been bleeding,

I really don't know what to do. I have stopped using soap, only bathing with water. But, I still get these lumps. I'm really frustrated. I haven't had sex or done any type of sexual thing with anybody. I'm really embarrassed.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be a boil, infected hair follicle or a cyst. Boil is usually due to plugged sweat glands that become infected or by an ingrown hair.

Apply warm compresses on the boil and keep the area clean. Drainage of the boil is done only when it becomes soft and forms a head. Take some over the counter pain reliever and consult a doctor for examination and antibiotics prescription. If the symptoms persist then you can apply topical antibiotics like Neosporin.

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.

[Angebelle]

All of the suggested problems listed above are definite possibilities.  It may also be ingrown hairs.  Course, curly hairs have a tendency to be ingrown, causing sores around the hair follicles similar to infected pimples.  Using a mild soap like Dove or Ivory and a washcloth can help the current sores and help to exfoliate the hair follicles.  I hope you find relief soon.

[BeeFree]

Women commonly experience genital breakouts and yours could be one of many reasons. Just a few questions: do you notice any discharge? Itching? If so, it could be a yeast infection or urinary tract infection.
Do you shave in that area? If so, it could be razor burn and irritation. I know I've triggered little sores from this, and the healing process is no fun.
Another possibility is a cyst.
Some women who experience these breakouts relate them to hormones as well.
The only way to know what the cause is is to see a doctor. Request a female one to make you feel more comfortable. Remember, doctors deal with this sort of thing all the time so there is no need to be embarrassed. Try not to worry. You will feel so much better when you know what's causing them.

All the best.