Painful Bumps in the Genital Area: Acne or Herpes?

Q: Painful Bumps in the Genital Area: Acne or Herpes?

Hello： Based on your description, this lesion appears to be a small pustule. <br>The skin in the genital area contains numerous hair follicles, sebaceous glands, vestibular mucous glands, apocrine glands, and eccrine glands. <br>If the ducts of these structures become obstructed

Pustule formation in the genital area?

Hello doctor, I have a growth in my genital area that looks like an acne lesion.
It is painful, with a dome-shaped surface and a pointed white protrusion in the center.
Beneath the skin, there is a hard lump approximately 0.7 cm in size.
It just ruptured, and a small amount of light green pus came out, which has a foul odor.
The area underneath still feels hard.
I am concerned that it might be herpes or another genital condition.
Could you please tell me if this is an acne lesion or herpes? Note: It originally started as a small raised bump (0.2 cm), and then a hard lump began to form beneath the skin, developing into what I have described.

qq, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/02/12

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: Based on your description, this lesion appears to be a small pustule.
The skin in the genital area contains numerous hair follicles, sebaceous glands, vestibular mucous glands, apocrine glands, and eccrine glands.
If the ducts of these structures become obstructed due to skin friction or injury, secretions can accumulate within the glands, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth, particularly Staphylococcus aureus.
This can lead to inflammatory papules and small pustules.
Generally, after suppuration, the pustule ruptures, allowing the pus to drain, and once the bacteria are cleared, the inflammatory process gradually subsides, and the lesion will soon heal.
Thank you for your message!

Reply Date: 2009/02/12

More Info

When it comes to painful bumps in the genital area, distinguishing between conditions like acne and herpes can be challenging, especially when symptoms overlap. Based on your description, it sounds like you may be dealing with a condition that requires careful evaluation.

Understanding the Symptoms
1. Appearance and Characteristics: You mentioned that the bump resembles an acne lesion, with a hill-like surface and a pointed white center. The presence of a hard lump beneath the skin, along with the discharge of a greenish pus and an unpleasant odor, raises concerns. Acne typically does not produce a foul smell, and the presence of pus suggests an infection.

2. Potential Conditions:
- Folliculitis or Acne: This is an inflammation of hair follicles that can occur in the genital area. It can present as painful bumps and may become infected, leading to pus formation. However, the odor and the hard lump beneath the skin are not typical for simple acne.

- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Genital herpes usually presents as painful blisters or sores. These can burst and ooze, but they typically do not have a hard lump beneath them. The lesions are often accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, burning, or flu-like symptoms.

- Other Infections: Conditions such as abscesses or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) could also present with similar symptoms. An abscess, for example, is a collection of pus that can form under the skin and may be painful and swollen.

Recommended Actions
1. Seek Medical Attention: Given the symptoms you've described, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. They may perform a physical examination and possibly a culture of the discharge to determine the exact cause of the bump.

2. Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While it can be tempting to self-diagnose based on online information, many conditions can present similarly. A healthcare provider can offer a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

3. Treatment Options: Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may vary:
- If it is an infection, antibiotics may be necessary.

- If it is herpes, antiviral medications can help manage outbreaks and reduce symptoms.

- For folliculitis or acne, topical treatments or oral medications may be prescribed.

Conclusion
In summary, while your symptoms may initially suggest acne, the presence of pus, odor, and a hard lump indicates that it could be an infection or another condition that requires medical evaluation. It is essential to seek professional help to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can prevent complications and promote healing. Remember, taking care of your health is paramount, and addressing these symptoms promptly is the best course of action.

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