ingrown hair

[stress9]

I have a bad ingrown hair on base of the shaft of my penis. Definately cannot find the hair. I have been cleaning it with antibacterial soap and peroxide. Has not gone down much in 2 days and is not red or badly infected.uncomfortable and swollen under the skin.  What do I put on it?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
If the lump reduces in size then you can continue with the treatment but if the lump remains the same or worsens in symptoms then probably incision and drainage and a course of antibiotics may be required. I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[stress9]

the swelling has reduced by about half of its original size. Your description of an abscess sounds very accurate as far as what I have experienced in the past few days. I did squeeze as much of the pus out as I could manage. It is still hard under the surface of my skin and I can no longer drain it. I have been applying hot water twice a day and clean with rubbing alcohol as well as anti-bacterial soap. I will purchase some topical antibiotics as you have recommended. If the infection remains hardened under the surface should I get it cut? Or if it remains to reduce in size should I continue what I'm doing?

I have sebaceous prominence and I am also wondering if that leads the conditions such as this. I am very sanitary and do not know what would bring on an abscess other than this. Thank you very much for your time and concern!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
A boil, also referred to as a skin abscess, is a localized infection deep in the skin. A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm and hard. Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with pus. Finally, the pus "forms a head," which can be surgically opened or spontaneously drain out through the surface of the skin.
Please keep the area clean and apply some warm compresses and topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics and incision and drainage may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.