Unusual Swelling in the Perineum
Hello everyone. Recently, I’ve noticed a swollen lump in my perineum area. At first, I assumed it was another instance of a blind pimple, as I had experienced two of those in the pubic region about a month or two ago. However, this one has grown noticeably larger overnight. It's challenging to examine closely given its proximity to the anus, but it seems red without a visible whitehead or any distinct discoloration. The surrounding skin feels sensitive and stretched, not necessarily painful, but certainly irritating. Earlier today while showering, I felt some discomfort and applied pressure to the lump, which caused it to rupture. This led to the expulsion of a thick, greyish fluid (which I presume is pus), along with fresh red blood and some darker clots. The odor was quite unpleasant, reminiscent of either feces or rotten eggs. After it drained for a while, I noticed an inflamed, firm mass about the size of a Tic Tac that was movable and very painful to touch. Typically, in this area, I would expect to only feel the internal portion of the base of the penis. After this, I carefully dried the area and used gauze and toilet paper to cover it, similar to how one would manage a menstrual pad, before putting my underwear back on. Here are some pertinent details about my situation: - I am a 34-year-old male, overweight and a smoker. - I shower daily, so my hygiene is generally adequate. - Recent blood tests indicated low Vitamin D3 and low parathyroid hormone levels. - I’ve been enduring an intense heatwave lately, which has led to considerable sweating. - Just a few days prior to noticing this lump, I took a long walk over four kilometers in this heat. At the moment, I am traveling and considering scheduling an online consultation with my primary care provider, but I can't show them this issue directly. I’m unsure whether to categorize this as a cyst, a boil, or possibly hidradenitis. Does any of this sound noteworthy from a medical standpoint? Given the presence of pus, could this indicate an infection? Would I require antibiotics? Thank you in advance for any advice or insights you can provide.
Answers (1)
4/1/2025, 4:00:53 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are dealing with an unusual and concerning swelling in your perineum area that has recently worsened. Given the details you provided, it seems there is a significant possibility of an infection, particularly since you mentioned the presence of pus and blood after the lump ruptured.
Explanation:
A lump in the perineum that produces pus and has a foul odor can indicate a few conditions, including an abscess (a collection of pus due to infection), a cyst that has become infected, or possibly hidradenitis suppurativa (a chronic skin condition). The symptoms of irritation, increased redness, and the firm, painful nature of the mass also point toward inflammation, possibly related to the infection.
Immediate Steps:
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Keep the Area Clean: Gently wash the area with mild soap and water daily. After washing, pat it dry carefully. Avoid scrubbing, which could worsen irritation.
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Warm Compresses: Apply a warm, moist compress to the affected area for 10-15 minutes a few times a day. This can help with discomfort and promote drainage. Ensure the compress is clean to prevent further infection.
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Monitor for Changes: Pay close attention to changes in the size of the mass, the amount and nature of any fluid draining, and any developing symptoms (like increased pain, fever, or expanding redness).
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Pain Management: If you're experiencing discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help. Follow the dosage instructions on the package.
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Avoid Pressure: Try not to apply further pressure to the area, as this may aggravate the condition.
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Seek Medical Attention: Since you are traveling and considering an online consultation, scheduling this as soon as possible is crucial. Discuss your symptoms thoroughly, including the details about the pus, odor, and any pain. An online consultation can help get you the appropriate treatment, including antibiotics if required.
Important Note:
Due to the possibility of infection and the nature of the symptoms, do not wait too long to consult a healthcare provider. Simply because you cannot show the area directly doesn’t mean you cannot effectively communicate your symptoms; take clear notes to describe what you observed.
Take care of yourself, and I hope for a swift resolution to this issue. Please let me know if you have any additional questions or need more support.
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