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Noticed Swelling In Labia Majora After Having Protected Sex. Could This Be A Skin Irritation?
Question: The right side of my labia majora along the hairline is swollen. It's slightly red and tender to the touch, but it is not itchy or painful. It's like a soft bump under the skin which has increased to about the size of a grape.
I first noticed it 4 days ago after having protected sex, so I'm wondering if it could be a skin irritation. I also regularly shave there which I have stopped now.
I'm 22 and this is the first time I've come across this problem.
I first noticed it 4 days ago after having protected sex, so I'm wondering if it could be a skin irritation. I also regularly shave there which I have stopped now.
I'm 22 and this is the first time I've come across this problem.
Hi there XXXXXX.
I read your description of the condition & believe this is most likely a 'pseudofolliculitis' involving an 'ingrown hair' due to the shaving of the region. Understand this has never happened before but can always be a one-off..please do shave 'along the grain' & not against the hair grain. If you leave this alone, it should resolve with time. The problem is the 'sensitvity' of the area & the chance of secondary infections given the type of resident bacteria & the numerous glands in the region. I would in additon, advise to start an antibiotic & anti-iflammatory course (would prefer metronidazole 400mg & ibuprofen400mg) both taken three times/day for 5 days. Locally an application of bactroban ointment may help too.
Cheers & do hope this helps. Good luck!
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD
I read your description of the condition & believe this is most likely a 'pseudofolliculitis' involving an 'ingrown hair' due to the shaving of the region. Understand this has never happened before but can always be a one-off..please do shave 'along the grain' & not against the hair grain. If you leave this alone, it should resolve with time. The problem is the 'sensitvity' of the area & the chance of secondary infections given the type of resident bacteria & the numerous glands in the region. I would in additon, advise to start an antibiotic & anti-iflammatory course (would prefer metronidazole 400mg & ibuprofen400mg) both taken three times/day for 5 days. Locally an application of bactroban ointment may help too.
Cheers & do hope this helps. Good luck!
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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