Stubborn Cyst

[N09]

About two weeks ago I developed a pea-sized cyst at the base of my penis after shaving.  I have tried EVERYTHING to get this thing to come to a head or go away.  Campho Phenique, hot soaks, drinking turmeric, icthammol ointment, mupirocin, trying to poke and drain it...even potato as one friend suggested! It will not go away or come to a head.  It is firm and does not hurt, but it is certainly unsightly.   I've just put myself on sulfameth and I'm hoping that does something, but I have a feeling it won't get rid of the material in there.  Will it?

I've had these before and usually they come to a head or I can drain it or they get absorbed, but this one is stubborn.  What can I do to get this thing to come to a head quickly?? Or to simply go away? I would really like to avoid going to a doctor to lance it out.  Thank you for your help.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

This sounds like a true cyst, common on the penis and scrotum, that is essentially now part of you.  You can have it surgically removed, if you want, but I think you're probably better off doing what most people do, which is to accept it and ignore it.  See a skin doctor for definitive diagnosis and treatment, if needed.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[N09]

Ok, so I went to one of those 24 hour clinics.  The doctor there said I probably had an ingrown hair, and my body had built tissue around it (which I guess is the cyst...and that's why nothing is coming to a head or seeping out).  He prescribed me 100mg minocycline hydrocholride, 3x/day for ten days, plus bactroban cream.  He said the hair could grow out and the body may absorb the cyst or I may need it cut and removed.  Thoughts?
Thanks again.