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Is This An Ingrown Hair? I Have The Feeling It
Question: Is this an ingrown hair? I have the feeling it is, because once a hair grown out, the bump started to get bigger again, and it seems to be shrinking now. i just want it to be gone, and i am very worried it's something bad. i am getting sad because of it
Brief Answer:
Ingrown hair or folliculitis is likely, they are not worrisome- some more information is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and also checked the uploaded picture.
Ingrown hair may cause a lesion similar to the one in the uploaded pictures, and it is expected to get smaller once the hair is out.
Folliculitis may also cause a lump in hairy areas as well. This is also, self-limiting and heals spontaneously in a week.
On the other hand, to make sure of the exact cause of the lesion I would kindly ask you of the following:
- for how long have you had the lesion? (ingrown hair should generally not last more than 2 weeks)
- where exactly is it located? (if it is in the genital area, this is very important information as sexually transmitted diseases need to be considered as well)
- is it painful or itchy?
To conclude:
- very likely this lesion is an ingrown hair or due to folliculitis and both of these are self-limiting and not worrisome. They heal within 1-2 weeks
- to make sure, please let me know of the above information.
I hope this gives some answers to your query. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
Ingrown hair or folliculitis is likely, they are not worrisome- some more information is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and also checked the uploaded picture.
Ingrown hair may cause a lesion similar to the one in the uploaded pictures, and it is expected to get smaller once the hair is out.
Folliculitis may also cause a lump in hairy areas as well. This is also, self-limiting and heals spontaneously in a week.
On the other hand, to make sure of the exact cause of the lesion I would kindly ask you of the following:
- for how long have you had the lesion? (ingrown hair should generally not last more than 2 weeks)
- where exactly is it located? (if it is in the genital area, this is very important information as sexually transmitted diseases need to be considered as well)
- is it painful or itchy?
To conclude:
- very likely this lesion is an ingrown hair or due to folliculitis and both of these are self-limiting and not worrisome. They heal within 1-2 weeks
- to make sure, please let me know of the above information.
I hope this gives some answers to your query. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
it is in the genital area, but I've never had sex. I've had it for three weeks and it almost dissapeared completely) until I pulled out a hajr that took 3 weeks to appear. it doesn't hurt or itch. if i tighten the skin it basically dissapears, and I can feel a very tiny bump under the skin. generally it's soft and unless i tighten the skin nothing can be felt underneath
Brief Answer:
Ingrown hair or folliculitis are likely
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Thank you for the reply and the information provided.
If you are not sexually active then the lesion is not a sexually transmitted infection so ingrown hair or folliculitis (inflammation of the hair root) are likely.
Both of these are not worrisome. They generally are self-limiting and rarely require treatment.
You may need to avoid shaving in the genital area as shaving is a risk factor for ingrown hair. You may cut the hair short instead.
Otherwise, just keep an eye on the lump.
If it does not completely go away in 4-6 weeks or if you notice it is getting worse, it is best to have it checked with a doctor.
I hope this gives some answers to your query. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
Ingrown hair or folliculitis are likely
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Thank you for the reply and the information provided.
If you are not sexually active then the lesion is not a sexually transmitted infection so ingrown hair or folliculitis (inflammation of the hair root) are likely.
Both of these are not worrisome. They generally are self-limiting and rarely require treatment.
You may need to avoid shaving in the genital area as shaving is a risk factor for ingrown hair. You may cut the hair short instead.
Otherwise, just keep an eye on the lump.
If it does not completely go away in 4-6 weeks or if you notice it is getting worse, it is best to have it checked with a doctor.
I hope this gives some answers to your query. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
is there anything else i can do to help it heal faster?
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Warm compresses 2-3 times a day (watch that you do not get burned) and probably some local antibiotic ointment may be helpful. But, you do not really need to treat it at the moment, unless you really would like to try something.
I hope this gives some answers to your query. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Warm compresses 2-3 times a day (watch that you do not get burned) and probably some local antibiotic ointment may be helpful. But, you do not really need to treat it at the moment, unless you really would like to try something.
I hope this gives some answers to your query. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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