Dealing with Skin Bumps Down Below (17M)
17M/No medication currently/60kg I apologize if I’m using the wrong terms; I’m not entirely sure if it’s a pustule, a furuncle, or something else entirely. A few days ago, I noticed a small bump on my shaft. Initially, I assumed it was nothing serious and opted not to pop it. However, it soon became quite prominent, prompting me to squeeze it and release the pus, which was a bit painful initially. The next morning, I noticed the pus had accumulated again, and its color was yellowish. Eventually, during a shower, the bump burst on its own, and I thought that was the end of that. Today, the bump returned and, without intending to, I applied some pressure which caused it to pop once more. This time, the pus was notably thicker and white. Currently, the area seems to be in the healing process, although it’s still not fully closed; there’s an opening where the bump was. I’m trying to keep it dry and occasionally applying hot water. I’m not experiencing any fever or unusual redness surrounding the area, and it doesn’t appear overly swollen. However, I’m uncertain whether I should cover it or allow it to breathe. Is this a part of normal healing, or is there a risk of infection that I should be mindful of? I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to manage this situation and whether professional medical assistance is advisable. Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/21/2025, 2:20:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you have a bump on your shaft that has been causing you some concern. Given your description, it’s possible you may have developed a skin lesion such as a pustule or furuncle (commonly known as a boil), which can occur due to clogged pores or minor infections.
Explanation:
In many cases, these bumps can form due to clogged hair follicles or skin bacteria that get trapped and cause inflammation. It's great that you haven’t popped it indiscriminately, as this can sometimes lead to further irritation or infection. The fact that you’ve noticed pus—especially if it’s yellowish or thick—indicates some level of infection or inflammation; however, the absence of fever and excessive redness is a positive sign that it may not be worsening.
Next Steps:
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Keep it Clean: Continue gently washing the area with mild soap and water to keep it clean. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can irritate the area more.
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Avoid Popping: As tempting as it might be, try to avoid squeezing the bump. This can cause the infection to spread or lead to scarring.
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Moisture Control: You can allow the area to breathe, but also consider covering it with a sterile bandage if you're going to be active or if there's a risk of irritation from clothing. Change the bandage daily or whenever it becomes wet.
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Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress (a clean cloth soaked in warm water) for 10-15 minutes a few times a day can help promote drainage and may provide comfort.
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Observation: Monitor the bump for any changes—if it grows larger, becomes very painful, or if you start to develop fever or significant redness, these could be signs of a more serious infection requiring medical attention.
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Avoid Irritation: Be mindful of any products (such as scented soaps or lotions) that might irritate the area.
If the bump does not improve in a few days or if you notice concerning symptoms, it would be wise to seek professional medical assistance for a proper evaluation and treatment.
Remember, it’s completely normal to have concerns about changes to your skin, and you’re doing the right thing by seeking advice. Take care of yourself!
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