OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Curious Red Bumps Near My Genital Area

6/21/2025, 5:10:18 PMMale25-34

I'm a 14-year-old male and I frequently groom my pubic region. Over the past few months, I've started to observe some unusual red bumps forming around the base of my penis. I've been hesitant to mention this issue until now, especially as I spotted another bump today. Could this possibly be an ingrown hair? What steps should I take to address this? Additionally, the damp areas are just wet toilet paper I used to see if warm water might alleviate the situation.

Lifestyle ChangesFamily MedicineInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

6/21/2025, 5:10:32 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel concerned about unusual bumps in the genital area, especially at your age. The red bumps you see could indeed be related to grooming practices, such as ingrown hairs, irritation, or even folliculitis, which is inflammation of the hair follicles. It’s important to address these symptoms gently and with care.

Understanding Your Symptoms

  1. Ingrown Hairs: These can occur when hair grows back into the skin instead of out of it, leading to red, swollen bumps.
  2. Folliculitis: This happens when hair follicles become inflamed, which may also result in redness and discomfort.
  3. Contact Irritation: Excessive grooming or using certain products in that area can cause skin irritation.

Next Steps to Take

  1. Gentle Cleansing: Start by gently washing the area with mild soap and warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
  2. Avoid Further Irritation: Try to refrain from shaving or grooming the area until the bumps heal. If you need to groom, use sharp and clean tools and be mindful of how you do it.
  3. Warm Compress: Applying a warm, clean compress can soothe the skin and help ease any discomfort.
  4. Moisturize: If the skin appears dry or irritated, using a gentle, unscented moisturizer can help. Avoid any products that might contain alcohol or fragrances.

When to Seek Further Help

  • If bumps worsen: If they become painful, increase in number, or show any signs of infection (such as pus) over the next few days.
  • If you're unsure: If you continue to feel concerned or if the bumps don't go away after taking the above steps, it’s best to see a healthcare provider when possible.

Taking these initial steps can help you understand and potentially resolve the issue. Remember, it's always okay to talk to a trusted adult if you're feeling worried or uncomfortable about this situation. You're not alone in this, and there are solutions.

Related Questions

Foot Bruise Following Exercise

A woman in her early 40s recently experienced an unusual issue. After taking a two-week hiatus from her regular high-impact exercise routine, which typically features numerous jumping lunges and various dynamic movements, she discovered a bruise on the top of her foot upon removing her socks at home. Additionally, she had been experiencing some tenderness in the soles of her feet, leading her to suspect that she might have pushed herself too hard during her initial return to workouts. Can anyone shed light on the potential causes of this bruise and suggest effective methods for addressing it?

ExerciseAgingLifestyle Changes
Male25-34
10 minutes ago

Concerns About Grey Peptides

I'm curious if any healthcare experts have insight on grey peptides. My healthcare provider acquired them from a supplier called Peptide Crafters, specifically GLP-2. She assures me of their safety, and a few nurses I’ve chatted with have also indicated that I shouldn’t worry too much. As a 26-year-old woman, I find myself feeling anxious about my health. Am I making a mistake by considering these?

SupplementsInternal MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
29 minutes ago

Inadvertently Used My Dog's Gabapentin

Recently, I made a rather foolish decision by taking my dog's gabapentin. I previously used this medication for my own issues, but it's been several years since I last took it. My dog was prescribed a dose, and in a moment of confusion, I consumed 300 mg, mistakenly believing it was equivalent to what humans take. Now, I am regretting this choice, concerned that since it was intended for my dog, I may experience adverse effects. The packaging indicates gabapentin at a dosage of 100 mg, yet it does not provide detailed ingredient information. A bit about myself: I am a 24-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 2 inches and weighing 130 pounds. Additionally, I take Lexapro on a daily basis and occasionally smoke. I would appreciate any guidance on what I should do next.

SupplementsLifestyle ChangesInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Head Injury Dilemma

Hello, I am a 27-year-old woman, and I recently experienced an accident that resulted in my head requiring stapling. I ended up with approximately eight staples along the top of my head, and the medical team advised against washing my hair. Unfortunately, the incident occurred just one day prior to my scheduled hair wash, and I have to wait until Thursday, February 12th, for the staples to be removed. As a result, my hair has become quite greasy, and I’ve been trying to manage it gently using a boar bristle brush to distribute the oil down my hair. However, with my hair being short, it still appears excessively oily. This past week has been quite challenging, and I feel self-conscious about my appearance for school. Is there any advice or solutions you could offer?

WellnessLifestyle ChangesFamily Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Concerns About My Scoliosis

I've been wondering about a potential scoliosis diagnosis. How serious is this condition? Will it impact my growth in terms of height? Is there a possibility for treatment? What options are available to address this issue?

AgingWellnessFamily Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago